Why Mold Inspection, Sewer Inspection, and Radon Testing Are Important During Property Inspection

In a recent article, we discussed what home inspectors look for when they are performing property inspection. We also talked about what home inspectors do not look for and what is not part of a property inspection report for real estate.

There are some additional services we offer for home inspection customers that are not included in a typical home inspection report. These services incur an additional fee, but the amount of trouble they can prevent down the line can be a benefit. Let’s take a look at how we can help you make the right decision when purchasing a home.

Sewer Line Inspections

As strong as sewer lines might seem when they’re installed, they can still suffer from many problems. Any line that has a joint is susceptible to tiny tree roots getting in during their constant search for water. Improper compacting of the underlying soil can lead to pipe collapse, which could lead to sewer back-up. Of course, there are also the problems associated with what people have been sending down the pipes for 10, 50, or 100 years.

A sewer backup is one of the most disgusting things that can happen in your home, and it’s a considerable health hazard as well. On top of that, a new sewer line is very expensive and can be very destructive to the property (especially the front lawn) when it is installed. A sewer line inspection can let you know if there are any problems that could arise so that you can negotiate properly if a new one is needed.

Mold Inspection

There are thousands of kinds of mold in the world. When they’re out in the wild, they don’t tend to bother anyone and are a natural part of the decomposition process. Unfortunately, black mold can be dangerous when it takes hold in a home and starts to reproduce. The toxins it releases can get into the HVAC system and spread throughout the house. These spores can cause breathing problems, allergic reactions, and even neurological problems in some people.

Houses with black mold are hard to sell because of how involved mold mitigation is. Instead of purchasing a home and finding out that you’re stuck with the problem, hire a mold inspector to discover the problem before you purchase it in the first place.

Radon Testing

Radon is a radioactive gas that is released when the natural uranium in the soil breaks down. It is odorless, tasteless, and invisible.

Like mold, it doesn’t harm anyone when it’s able to dissipate into the air. But houses trap radon inside, and as it builds up it can cause lung cancer. In fact, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking. It’s a real problem, and every house should be inspected for it before purchase. If radon is found, you’ll almost certainly be able to negotiate radon mitigation into the contract. At the very least you’ll know about the problem and be able to take care of it after you move in.

Don’t Ignore the Possibility of Problems

All three of these services — mold testing, radon inspection, and sewer inspection — are very important when it comes to making a decision on which house to purchase. Knowing about the problems is an important part of making a good investment. All of these issues can be dealt with in some way, making your dream house even more appealing.

Don’t be afraid to get these services performed by a certified home inspector. If you find the perfect home, your inclination might be to buy now and fix problems later. But ignorance isn’t bliss when the toilets start backing up with decades of other peoples’ waste. These additional home inspection services can identify the problems and actually save you money by having the current owners take care of the problem before you buy.

Contact Total House Inspection Today!

If you’re about to purchase a home, a house inspection is a must (and probably required by your lender). But the additional services we offer can save you headaches — and heartache — down the road, ensuring that your dream house doesn’t turn into a nightmare. Contact Total House Inspection today for your home inspection and the other vital services we offer.