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 to 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
|
|
|
These are estimated prices only.
|
|
