Choosing the Right Home Inspection for Your Needs

If you plan to buy a house, it’s important to get a home inspection before loan approval to ensure the property is in good condition. If you back out of the deal after making an offer and signing the contract, you risk losing your earnest money.

First things first, you must choose a licensed and certified home inspector for the job. Buying a house is a huge investment and you don’t want your years of savings to go down the drain in repairs. Remember that all home inspectors are the same. Some conduct a basic inspection, noting minor repairs, and others do a comprehensive check. Choose your option from a reputable organization, like the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI).

Having an inspection contingency gives you peace of mind that you won’t be duped into buying a run-down house. It also allows you to make an informed decision regarding making a purchase, requesting repairs, or canceling the deal.

What Does a General Home Inspection Cover?

Cost: $300 to $500

A general home inspection covers the following six home aspects:

• Structure
• Appliances
• Roof
• Heating and Air Conditioning (HVAC)
• Electrical Systems
• Plumbing

If an inspection of these areas reveals severe damage, a specialized inspection becomes necessary. Following are some of the important types of home inspections explained briefly and why they are warranted:

13 Types of Home Inspections

Mold Inspection

Cost: $300 to $1,000

Mold – most people shudder at the mere mention of it, and for good reason. Although mold sometimes goes unnoticed, it poses some extremely serious health dangers. It usually appears close to plumbing lines or the foundation. Even the smallest exposure to it might result in rashes, cold sensations, or respiratory issues.

If there’s a hint of danger, proceed. Mold remediation businesses commonly do mold inspections, including testing and visual assessments of surface and air samples.

Lead Paint Inspection

Cost:$225 to $419

You will get a “Lead Warning Statement” if the home you are buying was constructed prior to 1978. This lets you know that your seller has followed the rules for disclosure of lead-based paint requirements.

Be advised: This will just indicate that the seller is unaware of any lead-based paint in the house. When in doubt, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency advises that you check a residence for lead-based paint. To locate a certified inspector, utilize the EPA’s web tool.

Asbestos Inspection

Cost: $225 to $800

Certain materials used in home construction, such as pipes, insulation, floor tiles, and roofing, contained asbestos until the late 1970s. This material has been connected to a number of major health problems, including cancer. Although many states require disclosure, federal law does not require sellers to disclose if a home has asbestos, according to the EPA.

If you are considering purchasing an older home and suspect that asbestos may be present, consider hiring a local asbestos abatement service to inspect it.

Radon Inspection

Cost: $150 to $700

Even though it may seem strange, radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can enter your home via the basement, crawl space, or foundation. This is a major worry for a potential homeowner because it has been connected to an elevated risk of lung cancer.

According to the Federal Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, radon testing should be done in all residences, even if it may be more prevalent in some areas of the nation than others. If your general examination revealed no signs of this gas, you can locate a qualified inspector with the assistance of the National Radon Safety Board.

Detached Structures Inspection

Cost: $80

This is one of the most overlooked types of home inspections. Examining the primary dwelling is the sole purpose of a home inspection. Depending on the home’s structure and the inspector you hire, any unattached buildings on the property, such as a garage, barn, or shed, are usually not included in a normal report. For an extra charge, some services will examine detached buildings, nevertheless.

Pool Inspection

Cost: $200 to $350

Is there a swimming pool at your potential new residence? You are lucky. However, be aware that a cursory glance might not provide a closer look into your future aquatic haven. You can employ a professional to do a thorough examination of the pool’s construction, filters, pump, heating components, and security features, such as latches and fencing.

Municipal Code Inspection

Cost: $75 to $140

Finding out if your new home is making any building code violations is not included in a basic home inspection.

After inspecting the home’s construction and mechanical systems, a home inspector will create a report outlining potential dangers or risks. They will not, however, take local building codes into account. You need to arrange for a municipal code examination if you want to confirm that the property complies with your local laws and ordinances.

Electrical Inspection

Cost: $150 to $500

If something seems off or dangerous, a home inspector may recommend doing a more thorough examination of the electrical systems in the house. Exposed or faulty wiring, non-functioning light switches or outlets, outdated wiring, or tube and knob wiring are a few examples of what could cause this.

When the electrical panel shows haphazard wiring and not a breaker box, that is an excellent reason to schedule an electrical inspection.

Septic System Inspection

Cost: $200 to $550

A home inspector is not going to spend much time inspecting a septic system unless there is a blatant indication of a problem, like delayed drainage or water collecting in the backyard. Hiring a professional for a thorough inspection that includes a dye test and a water level check can ensure that the home’s septic tank is operating as it should.

Chimney Inspection

Cost: $300 to $600

The chimney and fireplace will be given a basic visual inspection by your home inspector. They will also check for any substantial obstructions in the chimney and search for any significant damage. If you haven’t used the fireplace in a while, you ought to think about getting a more thorough evaluation. Who knows what’s hiding up there?

In addition to checking for water penetration, structural issues, and excess creosote — which poses a fire risk — all will be pointed out by a qualified chimney sweep.

Structural and Foundation Inspection

Cost: $350 to $500

A foundation issue can be seen in doorway cracks, sloping flooring, warped doors, or windows that don’t close correctly. It’s essential to get these problems looked at before they become costly.

Always seek a qualified specialist to examine and recommend any necessary actions if there are any suspected basic problems. As a new homeowner, don’t get saddled with a defective foundation in haste.

Soil Inspection

Cost: $800 to $2,000

Lead levels in the soil may be higher in some parts of the nation. Additionally, some homes lack proper drainage, which causes water to accumulate and occasionally destroy your yard.

Consider obtaining a soil examination if you suspect that the house you intend to purchase has these issues. This will ensure that there is no soil shifting or settling, which could compromise the foundation.

Pest Inspection (Termites)

Cost: $50 to $280

An inspection for rats, termites, and other pests is not included in a basic home inspection. However, the report does include indications of a possible infestation, such as holes, tunneling, and damage to the wood.

A home inspector might highlight damage and make recommendations, but you will need to hire a licensed pest control professional for a thorough inspection. They will inspect the exterior and interior of your house and provide a fix for any issues they find.

If the home inspection reveals any major flaws, don’t panic. The good news is that a basic inspection will give you an idea of any severely damaged areas. This will allow you to decide which inspection service to hire next easily.

Secure a loan for your dream house from RateSimple. Before signing on the dotted line, get the house thoroughly inspected to ensure you are not getting the wrong end of the deal.