You’ve found the house, your offer was accepted, and the excitement is real. But almost immediately, the clock starts ticking on your due diligence period, and you are faced with a big question:

Which inspections should we do?

It’s completely normal to feel a bit overwhelmed. Buying a home is a major milestone, and you want to protect your investment without spending money on tests you don’t actually need.

While every property is unique, we always recommend being thorough.

To help you navigate the process, we’ve broken down the core inspection services so you can decide exactly what makes sense for your future home.

1. Full Home Inspection: The Non-Negotiable

Think of this as the baseline medical checkup for the property.

A licensed home inspector will spend several hours evaluating everything from the roofline to the foundation. They will test the HVAC system, check the plumbing fixtures, inspect the electrical panel, and evaluate the structural components of the home.

Who needs it?

Absolutely everyone. Whether the home is 100 years old or brand-new construction, you never want to skip a full home inspection.

2. Radon Inspection

Radon is an odorless, invisible radioactive gas that naturally occurs in the soil and can enter homes through cracks in the foundation.

Because radon is the second-leading cause of lung cancer in the country, understanding the radon levels in a home is important for your health and peace of mind.

Who needs it?

We highly recommend radon testing for any home with a basement or crawlspace. However, homes built on concrete slabs can also have elevated radon levels.

If testing reveals high levels, the issue can usually be addressed with a radon mitigation system. The important thing is knowing about it before closing.

3. Wood-Destroying Insect (WDI) Report

Termites, powderpost beetles, and carpenter ants can quietly cause thousands of dollars in structural damage behind walls without displaying many visible warning signs.

A WDI inspection looks for active infestations, evidence of previous infestations, and existing wood damage.

Who needs it?

Anyone purchasing a home with wood framing, which includes most traditional homes.

A WDI report may also be required by the lender when using a VA loan or certain types of conventional financing.

4. Sewer Scope Inspection

A standard home inspector can confirm whether water drains properly from a sink, but they cannot see what happens after the water leaves the house.

A sewer scope inspection involves running a specialized camera through the main sewer line to the city connection. This can identify hidden issues such as:

• Invasive tree roots
• Collapsed or damaged pipes
• Cracks in the sewer line
• Significant blockages

Who needs it?

A sewer scope is strongly recommended if the home is more than 20 years old or has large, mature trees near the sewer line.

Repairing or replacing a main sewer line can cost thousands of dollars, making this relatively quick inspection worth the investment.

5. Septic Inspection

If the home is not connected to a municipal sewer system, it likely relies on an underground septic tank and drain field to process wastewater.

A septic inspection typically involves locating and uncovering the tank, checking liquid levels, evaluating the tank’s condition, and confirming that the absorption field is functioning properly.

Who needs it?

Anyone purchasing a property that uses a septic system.

Replacing a failed septic tank or drain field can be one of the most expensive repairs a homeowner faces, so verifying the system’s condition before closing is essential.

6. Mold and Air Quality Inspection

If a home has experienced plumbing leaks, roofing issues, flooding, or excessive moisture in a basement or crawlspace, mold may be present behind walls or inside the HVAC system.

An air quality inspection collects samples from inside and outside the home. These samples are compared to identify elevated mold spore levels and potential hidden moisture problems.

Who needs it?

A mold or air quality inspection may be appropriate if:

• Someone in the household has severe allergies or asthma
• The home has a musty odor
• The initial inspection identifies high humidity
• There are visible water stains
• The property has a history of leaks or water damage

How to Choose Your Inspection Strategy

We generally recommend starting with the following core inspections:

• Full home inspection
• Radon inspection
• Wood-Destroying Insect report

From there, consider the specific characteristics of the property, including its age, the presence of mature trees, previous water damage, and whether it uses a septic system.

These details can help determine whether you should add a sewer scope, septic inspection, or mold and air quality test.

Remember, the goal of an inspection is not to find a “perfect” house. Even brand-new homes can have defects.

The goal is to give you the information and clarity you need to move forward confidently, request repairs, or negotiate effectively.

Have questions about an upcoming home purchase? Reach out to our team anytime. We’re here to help you navigate every step of the process.