What Is Not Included In A Standard Home Inspection Report?

One of the most common questions we get as home inspectors is “what do home inspectors look for?” And, by extension, the unasked question is “what is not included in home inspection services?”

Having a home inspection performed is an incredibly important part of purchasing a home, whether you need a pre-existing property inspection or a new home inspection. And while there are hundreds of items that are checked during a standard home inspection, some things are beyond the scope of home inspection services. Below you’ll find a short list of what isn’t included — some of which can be purchased for an additional fee, others that are not a part of any property inspection report.

Lead Paint Testing

Lead was a miracle for paint manufacturers when it was introduced into paint. It helped the paint dry faster, made it more durable, and increased its resistance to water. But the lead was also a danger to homeowners, and especially children.

Lead paint was banned for use in the United States in 1978, which means that a home built after that should be safe. But if the home was built before 1978, it’s a good idea to purchase a home lead testing kit and check a paint chip to see if it contains lead.

Asbestos Testing

Like lead paint, asbestos is absolutely amazing at doing its job. Unfortunately, the breakdown of these mineral fibers can get into the lungs and cause cancer. Homes built prior to 1975 could have asbestos around water heaters, pipes, and ductwork.

The Ground Beneath the Home

While home inspectors check the grounds (such as landscaping and visible erosion), they don’t check the ground beneath the home. If you’re worried about sinkholes or high water tables, you’ll need the help of a geological engineer.

Additional Cost Testing

THI is happy to perform the following for an additional fee, as they’re not covered by a traditional home inspection.

Radon Inspection

Radon is an invisible gas that is tasteless and odorless. It is caused by the radioactive decay of uranium, and it seeps into homes via cracks in the foundation or holes used in basement plumbing. As radon gas itself decays, it releases alpha particles. If this gas is in the lungs when it does so, it can damage DNA and eventually lead to lung cancer.

Total House Inspection will happily perform radon inspection in your home, and if dangerous concentrations are found you can then have radon mitigation performed by a different company.

Mold Inspection

Toxic mold in a home can be dangerous to the health of those living inside. Mold in a home can cause a host of health problems, from itchy eyes and sneezing to dangerous bouts of depression and dizziness. THI can perform mold inspection services to see if you need to have mold mitigation performed.

Sewer Line Inspection

During a sewer line inspection, a sewer camera is sent down the lateral line to inspect the interior of the pipe. A broken pipe can cause a host of problems, including sewer backups. They also take many thousands of dollars to repair, repairs that often mean a torn-up front yard and the destruction of trees. THI is more than happy to check your sewer pipes for an additional fee.

Contact Total House Inspection Today!

If you’re ready to get the best in house inspection services in the Rochester Hills area (minus those first three mentioned above), contact THI today!