Updated December 21st, 2024
Home Inspection
Inspection Types
A standard pre-purchase inspection covers a home's major mechanical systems -- electrical, plumbing, heating and cooling - and its construction from roof to foundation, exterior and interior. Overall inspections do not cover soil, pools, wells, septic systems, building code violations or environmental hazards such as lead. The inspection contingency in your purchase contract should allow you up to two weeks to conduct an overall inspection plus any specialized inspections you (or your lender) require. Most inspections cost several hundred dollars. Specialized inspections usually involve an expert and can cost more. Remember, repairs or remedies are negotiable; they also can derail a deal.
| Type of inspection | What it covers | Cost/who pays | Remedies |
| Standard pre-purchase | Overall home construction and condition, including major mechanical systems | $200-$500; buyer | Conduct further specialized inspections; repair |
| Wood damage (required by many lenders; check with yours) |
All wood portions of home (interior and exterior) | $75-$200; negotiable | Repair or replace damaged wood; treat for wood-destroying insects or organisms |
| Lead (disclosure required on all homes built before 1978) |
Presence of lead in paint, plumbing or other areas | $400 for basic survey; negotiable | Repair or replace affected areas |
| Radon (disclosure of known elevated levels required) |
Presence of naturally occurring radioactive gas | $150 for basic survey; negotiable | Seal foundation cracks, install a sump pump; ventilate basement or crawl space |
| Environmental hazards (asbestos, formaldehyde, petroleum, toxic chemicals) |
Presence of any substance in building material, soil, water or air that poses a health risk | Price varies; negotiable | Remove hazardous material, such as asbestos, or source of danger, such as a buried oil tank |
| Soil | Condition of soil under and around foundation and retaining walls | $300 to $2,000; negotiable | Repair or treat problem |
