Inspection Options                                                                                                                                       Back

As your Real Estate Agent, I'm licensed to assist you in the search for your ideal property and representing you through the real estate process. I'm not licensed to give professional information on the below area. Below is a list of inspection options you can have completed at your expense. Keep in mind when buying a home, no home is perfect, not even a new one. Here is a list of some of the inspections that you can elect to have completed at you cost:
  • Home Inspection - Home inspectors are trained to recognize conditions that may affect the future life of a home. Home inspections are designed to describe the exterior, structure, roof, plumbing, central heating, central air conditioning, electrical, interior, insulation, ventilation and garage in a home from the inspector's point of view. They analyze and evaulate what they have seen and communicate their findings to you. The average cost is $295 to $350.
  • Wood Infestation Inspection - This inspection checks for teermites, wood boring beetles and carpenter ants. The average cost is $45 to $95.
  • Radon Testing - Radon is a natural, radioactive gas the has been found in homes all over the US. Any home can have radon. Radon comes from the natural breakdown of uranium in soil, rock and water. Radon enters your home through cracks and other holes in the foundation. Studies indicate that extended exposure to high levels of radon gas can increase the risk of lung cancer. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) advises corrective action if the annual exposure to radon is at or exceeds 0.02 working levels or 4 pico Curies/Liter (4pCI/L). The average cost is $100 to $150.
  • Mold Testing - If you have any concerns about mold in the property you are about to purchase, I would recommend having a mold test done. Some types of mold can be very harmful. Contact the company for their costs.
  • Water Analysis - There are multiple items water can be tested for Total Coliform Bacteria (TC), Iron (FE), Nitrites (NO2), Nitrates (NO3), Copper (CU), total dissolved solids (TS), hardness, etc... Water testing is typically done on homes that have water wells or private water systems. The average cost is $150 to $500.
  • Septic Testing - This is typically done on homes that have a septic system. You will need to contact the company for their cost for sewer testing.
  • Lead Testing -  Homes built before 1978 could have been painted with lead base paint. Chances are the home has been painted mulitple times since it was painted with lead base paint, so there should be no major concerns but, there is always chance it could be present. ake sure paint is well maintained, not chipping and it is not eaten, by especially by children and pregnant women. You will need to contact the company for their cost for lead testing.
  • Environmental Surveys - The buyer can also request to have land and property surveys complete before purchasing the property as well if the Buyer is unsure how much land or property is included with the purchase.