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Home Inspection
A standard home inspection cover's a property's major mechanical systems -- electrical, plumbing, heating and cooling -- in addition to its overall construction. However, these inspections do not cover soil, pools, wells, septic systems, building code violations or environmental hazards. The inspection contingency in your purchase contract should allow up to two weeks before the inspection must be completed.
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Type of inspection |
What it covers |
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Standard home inspection |
Overall home construction and condition, including major mechanical systems |
Conduct further specialized inspections; repair |
$200-$500 |
Buyer |
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Wood damage
(required by many lenders; check with yours) |
All wood portions of home (interior and exterior) |
Repair or replace damaged wood; treat for wood-destroying insects or organisms |
$75-200 |
Usually seller, but negotiable |
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Lead
(disclosure required on all homes built before 1978) |
Presence of lead in paint, plumbing or other areas |
Repair or replace affected areas |
$400 for basic survey |
Usually buyer, but negotiable |
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Radon
(disclosure of known elevated levels required) |
Presence of naturally occurring radioactive gas |
Seal foundation cracks, install a sump pump; ventilate basement or crawl space. |
$150 for basic survey |
Usually buyer, but negotiable |
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Environmental hazards
(asbestos, formaldehyde, petroleum, toxic chemicals) |
Presence of any substance in building material, soil, water or air that poses a health risk |
Remove hazardous material, such as asbestos, or source of danger, such as a buried oil tank. |
Price varies |
Usually buyer, but negotiable |
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Soil |
Condition of soil under and around foundation and retaining walls |
Repair or treat problem |
$300 to $2,000 |
Usually buyer, but negotiable |
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City Inspection |
Searching permits for the property |
Pulling permits or bring property to code |
$35 |
Seller | | |
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