![\"Money](\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/what-does-tlc-mean-for-home-buyers-money.png\")
<\/a>Spend now to save later<\/h2>\n
Today 84% of homebuyers<\/a> request a home inspection as part of their purchase contract.<\/p>\n However, a home inspector is a generalist, and sometimes they\u2019ll say things like, \u201cI\u2019d recommend calling in a specialist to check out this sign of wood rot\u201d or \u201cLet\u2019s get a structural engineer in here; I\u2019m a little concerned about that foundation crack.\u201d<\/p>\n In addition, there will be issues common to homes in your area (such as radon or pest problems) that you should check for before you buy and a general inspector won\u2019t cover.<\/p>\n Considering nearly 1 in 5 buyers expressed regret about their home purchase because of unexpected maintenance or hidden costs<\/a>, now\u2019s not the time to hem and haw over a couple hundred bucks that an extra inspection will cost.<\/p>\n An inspection allows you to escape a contract if there are serious structural, mechanical, or safety defects<\/a> discovered about the house. You also can negotiate with the seller<\/a> about fixing serious deficiencies, or reduce your offer to cover you handling the repairs yourself.<\/p>\n Robert Greenblatt<\/a>, a real estate investor turned agent for 12 years who is a top seller in Springdale, New Jersey<\/a>, gives the example of testing for high radon levels, which can increase the risk of lung cancer to those exposed:<\/p>\n Testing for radon costs about $150 in his area. If testing detects elevated levels, the buyer can ask the seller to foot the bill for mitigation<\/a>, which averages about $1,200 nationwide and in Greenblatt\u2019s area costs as high as $2,000. \u201cTo me, that\u2019s an extra $150 well spent,\u201d Greenblatt says.<\/p>\n No kidding!<\/p>\n With that said, let\u2019s dive into 15 specialized types of home inspections that help you look under the hood of the house, so to speak, before a property and all of its flaws are yours alone to deal with.<\/p>\n Most likely, a home won\u2019t need every inspection on this list. Radon, for instance, is typical in areas with basements, which aren\u2019t common in regions with a lot of swampland. A home\u2019s age also plays a huge role. But it\u2019s best to know all your options so you don\u2019t leave any stone unturned.<\/p>\n Here\u2019s a general overview of the different types of home inspections that cover your home from top to bottom.<\/p>\n A chimney inspection assesses whether the chimney and fireplace are venting properly, if the mortar is cracked or deteriorating, and if there\u2019s a heavy buildup of creosote (a byproduct of burning wood), which can combust. This prevents chimney fires and smoke or odors from seeping inside when you\u2019d go to light the fireplace on a chilly day.<\/p>\n Costs:<\/b> Who to hire:<\/b> When to get it:<\/b> Unless the sellers of the home have paperwork to show they\u2019ve inspected the chimney recently, go ahead and get this inspection before closing if time allows.<\/p>\n Preventive roof maintenance can save homeowners thousands of dollars on average<\/a> each year throughout a roof\u2019s lifespan. A roofing contractor can examine a roof and ceilings for signs of leaks or damage, flag trouble spots such as mold growth that might mean rotting wood underneath, and even use a handheld infrared scanner or drone inspection to look for spots where heat is escaping.<\/p>\n Costs:<\/b> Who to hire:<\/b> When to get it:<\/b> Consider asking for a roof certification<\/a>, a document from a roofing professional that identifies the need for any roof repairs and provides an estimate of the roof\u2019s lifespan. Roof certifications are typically valid for 2 to 5 years<\/a> after inspection.<\/p>\n The federal government banned the use of lead-based paint<\/a> in 1978, but older homes and even some built since then still can contain it.<\/p>\n Lead is a naturally occurring toxic metal<\/a> that poses many risks to the human body<\/a>, including damage to blood cell production, calcium absorption, and muscle movements, while high levels of lead can even cause kidney and brain damage, according to KidsHealth.org.<\/p>\n The CDC notes that kids are especially vulnerable to the risks of lead exposure<\/a> while the substance can also pose harm to pregnant women and their unborn children.<\/p>\n During a lead-based paint inspection<\/a>, a lead inspector will do a visual inspection and look for chipped or peeling paint around the house. The inspector will then collect paint samples of each room using swipe clothes that are later evaluated in a lab.<\/p>\n Costs:<\/b> Who to hire:<\/b> (See the EPA guidelines for more information<\/a> on the right route for your state). During a pest inspection<\/a>, an inspector checks the exterior and interior of your property for any signs of infestation, damage, or areas that are attractive to pests. This can involve taking moisture readings with a meter and looking for other signs, such as mud tubes (small tunnels that subterranean termites build to access food); piles of wings; damaged wood (crushed joints; sounds hollow when tapped); moist wood; bubbling and buckled paint; gnawed wiring; or droppings, especially from mice.<\/p>\n Costs:<\/b> The EPA estimates that nearly 1 out of every 15 homes<\/a> in the United States has elevated radon levels, which can increase the risk of lung cancer. Scientists estimate that 15,000 to 22,000 lung cancer deaths<\/a> nationwide each year are related to radon. You need to be concerned when the radon level in your home registers 4 pCi\/L<\/a> (picocuries per liter of air).<\/p>\n Two short-term tests of two to three days each, or a long-term test of 90 days are certified ways to measure the radon in your home<\/a>. The test needs to last for such a long time because interior radon levels can fluctuate based on the ground shifting and other factors. To be valid, the test should be recent, e.g., within two years<\/a>, especially if the home you\u2019re buying has been renovated or altered since a previous test.<\/p>\n (Depending on where you live, your home inspection also may include testing for methamphetamine<\/a>, which when produced permeates surfaces of a home and property. Sellers in more than half the states nationwide<\/a> are supposed to disclose whether a home was used to manufacture meth.)<\/p>\n Costs:<\/b> Who to hire:<\/b> When to get it:<\/b> Your home\u2019s electrical system is a vital component of protecting your family. Electrical distribution or lighting equipment in the home remains the 4th leading cause of home fires<\/a>, according to the National Fire Prevention Association. An electrical inspection goes so far as to check for ungrounded outlets, exposed wiring, spliced wires, improperly modified electrical panels, and other issues that could pose a risk.<\/p>\n Costs:<\/b> Who to hire:<\/b> When to get it:<\/b> The ESFI also recommends this inspection if a home is 40 years old or older, has undergone major renovations, or added major appliances within the last 10 years.<\/p>\n An HVAC inspection can be a great way to determine how well a homeowner has maintained the central heating and cooling system of their home and what kind of shape it\u2019s in. A dirty or neglected HVAC is a major cause of system failure<\/a> down the line. During an HVAC inspection, a professional will look at the system\u2019s thermostat calibration, heat pumps, electrical connections, air filters, safety controls and quality of installation, among a long list of other checks<\/a> they can do just for this one house component.<\/p>\n Costs:<\/b> Who to hire:<\/b> When to get it:<\/b> Before 1980 many roofing, paint, tiles, and other building materials in residential homes were made with asbestos before researchers discovered that exposure to asbestos, when damaged or disturbed, can cause chest pain, shortness of breath, and abdominal pain, leading to longer term health problems. However, asbestos only poses a health threat when it\u2019s disturbed and the fibers are released into the air, which could happen with a renovation or home improvement project.<\/p>\n If a general home inspector thinks a home may have asbestos, the inspector typically will only identify it as \u201casbestos-like material\u201d because asbestos can only be positively identified under a microscope<\/a>, according to the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors. Testing for asbestos can be highly dangerous with the risk of releasing harmful fibers so you\u2019re better off working with professionals who will use a special tool to cut into any materials in question and gather a sample for testing.<\/p>\n Costs:<\/b> Who to hire:<\/b> When to get it:<\/b> Left to multiply, mold can cause a host of health concerns. It commonly causes allergic reactions, such as hay-fever-like symptoms and rashes, as well as upper respiratory<\/a> issues such as coughs, sneezing, wheezing, runny nose, and shortness of breath. A mold inspection involves tactics such as a visual assessment, surface sampling, and air sampling<\/a> to determine the type of mold as well as tests for humidity levels and water intrusion. Some mold inspectors also may use thermal imaging devices to find damp or cold spots behind walls, assess any damage from the spread of the mold, and recommend how best to remove it.<\/p>\n Costs:<\/b> When to get it:<\/b> A professional plumbing inspection can involve either a visual check or a diagnostic camera. With a visual inspection, a plumber reviews all connections under the sinks and the shutoff supplies, verifies that all fixtures and appliances are installed to code, checks the water pressure and water heater, and confirms everything is draining properly.<\/p>\n Costs:<\/b> Who to hire:<\/b> When to get it:<\/b> A septic system inspection<\/a> will check for items such as when the tank was last pumped, the sludge level, proximity of the tank and drainfield to wells and streams, and whether the tank is the right size for the house, according to the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors. Who to hire:<\/b> A structural engineer looks for foundational issues<\/a>, such as if the house has a distinct slope, there are cracks above the doorways, or doors are out of alignment. Structural issues can lead to sagging roofs<\/a>, angled floors<\/a>, or cracks that leave your home vulnerable to pests and water damage<\/a>.<\/p>\n Costs:<\/b> A soil analysis can outline drainage, grading<\/a>, and other maintenance recommendations, as well as help determine whether a home\u2019s foundation adequately counteracts the shifting and settling of a particular soil type.<\/p>\n Costs:<\/b> Who to hire:<\/b> When to get it:<\/b> This inspection can include safety checks, such as noting whether any latches and fencing are working properly, as well as whether electrical wires and devices are away from the pool. It also includes reviewing the vinyl liner and plaster, along with any decorative or functional tiling and components such as the filter, pump, and heater.<\/p>\n Costs:<\/b> Who to hire:<\/b> When to get it:<\/b> Soil testing can aid in the search for underground oil tanks on a property, which were used for heating homes during the 1960s and 1970s before natural gas became customary. Some of these tanks were thought to be decommissioned properly, but any tank older than 20 to 25 years<\/a> has a significant risk of rust and leakage, according to LookSmart Home Inspections of Rockaway, New Jersey.<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re talking about seven-figure insurance claims when they leak,\u201d Greenblatt said, noting that when a home is found to have such an underground tank, \u201cI usually advise people to run.\u201d<\/p>\n Costs:<\/b> Who to hire:<\/b> Although getting your inspections in order can add to the stress of homebuying, experts emphasize that it\u2019s better to be safe than sorry. When in doubt, consult your general home inspector or your real estate agent about any additional inspections they recommend and which professionals in the area they trust to get the job done.<\/p>\n \u201cThere\u2019s always a way to test further for any concern that\u2019s found,\u201d Greenblatt said.<\/p>\n Header Image Source: (only_kim\/ Shutterstock)<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Let\u2019s say you go to your family doctor for a check-up. They notice something based on your symptoms or blood … <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":602,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_coblocks_attr":"","_coblocks_dimensions":"","_coblocks_responsive_height":"","_coblocks_accordion_ie_support":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[9],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-214","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blogs"],"yoast_head":"\n<\/a>Beyond the general home inspection<\/h2>\n
1. <\/b> Chimney inspection<\/b><\/h3>\n
\n<\/b>About $360 to $400<\/a> on average nationwide<\/p>\n
\n<\/b>A CSIA (Certified Chimney Sweep) technician<\/a><\/p>\n
\n<\/b>You\u2019ll need to inspect the chimney<\/a> before you use the fireplace anyway. If a house has a chimney, inspect it so that you don\u2019t have to worry about unwanted guests (birds or bats) nestled up there, the risk of starting a fire, or extremely dangerous carbon monoxide poisoning.<\/p>\n2.<\/b> Roof Inspection<\/b><\/h3>\n
\n<\/b>About $205<\/a> on average nationwide<\/p>\n
\n<\/b>Ask your agent for a referral; be sure to double check for the roofer\u2019s license and insurance<\/a><\/p>\n
\n<\/b>If a house has a roof that\u2019s 20-25 years old<\/a>; shows visible signs of damage such as loose shingles, cracks in the structures, or algae growth; or your real estate agent or inspector expresses concerns over the roof\u2019s lifespan, then consider a roof inspection.<\/p>\n3. Lead-based paint inspection<\/h3>\n
\nAround $300 on average nationwide<\/a>. (If lead is identified, lead-based paint can be encapsulated, or covered with a specially formulated liquid compound, for $55 to $75 per gallon; removing lead paint costs from $5,000 to $10,000 on average<\/a>.)<\/p>\n
\nDepending on your state:<\/p>\n\n
\n
\n<\/b>When to get it:<\/b>
\nRecommended for any home built before 1978.<\/p>\n<\/a>4.<\/b> Pest, termite, or rodent<\/b><\/b><\/h3>\n
\nSome home inspection companies will bundle into their services a pest inspection for an additional $75 to $125<\/a>. An independent inspection from a licensed pest inspector or pest management company costs about $100, although it can range from $30 to more than $200, depending on the company you use.
\n
\n<\/b>Who to hire:<\/b>
\n<\/b>Licensed pest inspector or local pest control expert
\n
\n<\/b>When to get it:<\/b>
\n<\/b>Ask your agent about which types of pest inspections are standard for the area (in the Midwest, you might want to check the crawl space for signs of mice; whereas in Arizona, it\u2019s the scorpions that roam.) Some financing, such as VA<\/a> and FHA loans<\/a>, requires a termite or pest inspection.<\/p>\n5. Radon inspection<\/h3>\n
\nRadon can be bundled into the cost of a standard home inspection for $90 to $250<\/a> on top of the home inspection fee. Radon tests separate from the home inspection average $450 nationwide<\/a>.<\/p>\n
\nSellers can test for radon themselves by purchasing a DIY kit at a home improvement store or from National Radon Program Services<\/a>, but buyers frequently want an independent party to handle the test<\/a>, in which case they can find a qualified company a few different ways:<\/p>\n\n
\n<\/b>Radon is most likely to be elevated in the lower levels of a home<\/a>, so if the property has a basement and crawlspace, test for it so you can potentially ask for remediation in those areas.<\/p>\n6.<\/b> Electrical inspection<\/b><\/h3>\n
\nAn electrical inspection can cost a national average of $75 to $125<\/a>, although some companies offer free basic checkups for residential clients.<\/p>\n
\n<\/b>A licensed electrician or electrical contractor<\/p>\n
\nThe Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) of Rosslyn, Virginia, the premier nonprofit authority dedicated to promoting electrical safety at home and in the workplace, recommends an electrical system inspection<\/a> for anyone purchasing a home that was previously owned.<\/p>\n<\/a>7. Heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC)<\/h3>\n
\nAbout $321<\/a> on average nationwide<\/p>\n
\nA reputable heating and air conditioning company in your area (ask your agent or inspector for a recommendation)<\/p>\n
\nIf a home inspector measures a questionable temperature reading from your furnace or air conditioner or flags any other issues, an HVAC specialist can determine whether the unit needs to be fixed or replaced, or other issues such as whether a home\u2019s thermostat\u2019s sensors are blocked.<\/p>\n8. Asbestos Inspection<\/h3>\n
\nOnsite sampling from a team of specialists ranges from $250 to $750 while air monitoring after removal can cost $300-$1,200<\/a>.<\/p>\n
\nAsbestos abatement company<\/a><\/p>\n
\nSellers are required to disclose the presence of asbestos in a house if they know about it. If the home you\u2019re buying was built before 1980 (and especially if any floor tiles are those 9 by 9 inch squares<\/a>) ask your agent if it\u2019s a good idea to test for asbestos. If asbestos is identified you may be able to negotiate for a repair credit or request the asbestos be removed (or the more likely case) contained<\/a> but the seller is not obligated to do so.<\/p>\n9. Mold inspection<\/b>
\n<\/b><\/h3>\n
\n<\/b>A comprehensive mold inspection<\/a> costs on average about $651.
\n<\/b>
\nWho to hire:<\/b>
\n<\/b>A mold remediation specialist with IICRC (Institute of Inspection Certification and Restoration Certification<\/a> credentials and who has environmental insurance coverage<\/a>, which provides liability insurance in case contamination occurs during remediation.<\/p>\n
\nA general home inspector can pick up on a mold problem<\/a> if there are stains or growth on furniture, walls, and ceilings; standing water around HVAC units; and earthy or musty odors, all signs that warrant further investigation. Any sign of water damage or visible mold is enough reason to get an inspection.<\/p>\n10. Plumbing and water systems inspection<\/h3>\n
\nCosts range from about $150 to $300; add about $200<\/a> for the plumber to run a camera through the pipes to examine their condition.<\/p>\n
\nA professional plumber<\/a> will be qualified to perform this type of inspection<\/p>\n
\n<\/b>A plumbing inspection is a good idea for homes built before 1990 (when builders used plumbing materials that are no longer used today<\/a>) or if you notice issues like signs of leaks, slow drains, or low water pressure in the house.<\/p>\n<\/a>11.<\/b> Sewer or septic system inspection<\/b><\/h3>\n
\n
\n<\/b>Costs:<\/b>
\nA septic inspection can cost $100 to $250<\/a>. Add an additional $50 to $250, based on the depth of the tank, if the inspector has to uncover the tank.<\/p>\n
\nA qualified wastewater professional typically inspects these systems, although some health departments do as well for a fee. Some plumbers may also combine a plumbing inspection with a sewer system inspection.
\n
\n<\/b>When to get it:<\/b>
\nIf a home has slow-flowing toilets or backflow<\/a> in the drains, or there\u2019s a question about whether the size of the tank appears proportionate in size to the house, the home inspector might request a sewer or septic system inspection.<\/p>\n12.<\/b> Foundation or structural inspection<\/b><\/h3>\n
\nThe national average cost for a structural home inspection is $600<\/a>. (Compare that with the average cost of a foundation repair, which in 2016 ran between $5,000 and $6,000<\/a>.)
\n
\n<\/b>Who to hire:<\/b>
\nStructural engineer
\n
\n<\/b>When to get it:<\/b>
\n<\/b>If there\u2019s a suspected issue with the home\u2019s foundation, frame, or other weight-bearing areas.<\/p>\n13.<\/b> Landscaping\/soil analysis<\/b><\/h3>\n
\nProfessional soil testing costs between $700 and $1,500<\/a>.<\/p>\n
\nSoil engineer or landscaping professional<\/p>\n
\nIf you\u2019re looking at a hillside property, which can experience erosion, mud flows, gullies, and other weather-related complications, a soil analysis<\/a> may be advisable.<\/p>\n<\/a>14. Pool and Spa<\/h3>\n
\nA pool or spa inspection ranges from $250 to $600<\/a>, depending on the size of the pool or spa, the surroundings that need examination, and where you live.<\/p>\n
\nLook for a certified pool and spa inspector<\/a> or you can ask your local American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI)<\/a> chapter for a swimming pool inspector referral.<\/p>\n
\n<\/b>It\u2019s a good idea for any home with a pool to check for the condition of the pool\u2019s heater, pump, and filters<\/a> which the general inspection won\u2019t cover.<\/p>\n15.<\/b> Underground oil tank inspection <\/b><\/h3>\n
\n<\/b>Screening soil for environmental toxins<\/a> can start at about $30, with additional costs of up to $100. But this is small compared with the average cleanup of these oil tanks, which according to ATS Environmental costs from $8,000 to over $100,000<\/a>.<\/p>\n
\n<\/b>Some home inspectors will offer this specialized inspection, or you can search for an oil tank testing and removal company in your area. (Environmental organization ATS Environmental<\/a> serves New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania).<\/b>
\n<\/b>
\n<\/b>When to get it:<\/b>
\n<\/b>If the house was built between 1945-1975 when oil tanks were routinely installed or you identify fill and vent pipes<\/a> in the yard indicating the house was once heated with fuel oil.<\/p>\nSpecialized home inspections for the rigorous homebuyer<\/h3>\n