Types of Home Inspections

Every inspection type explained — what it covers, when you need it, and what it costs.

🏠

General Home Inspection

$300–$500·2–4 hours

What It Covers

Structure, foundation, roof, attic, insulation, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, windows, doors, and all major systems. The inspector follows ASHI or InterNACHI standards.

When You Need It

Every home purchase. Non-negotiable — always get a general inspection regardless of market conditions.

Avg cost

$300–$500

☢️

Radon Testing

$100–$175·48–72 hours (passive) or 2–7 days (electret)

What It Covers

Measures radon gas concentration in the home. EPA action level is 4 pCi/L. Long-term exposure is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the US.

When You Need It

Any home with a basement or in a high-radon state (PA, MN, IA, CO, ND, OH, and others). Low cost, high impact.

Avg cost

$100–$175

🚰

Sewer Scope / Lateral Inspection

$150–$350·1 hour

What It Covers

Video camera inspection of the sewer line from the house to the street or septic tank. Finds root intrusion, pipe bellying, offsets, cracks, and blockages.

When You Need It

Any home over 20–25 years old, homes with large trees in the yard, or areas with clay sewer pipes. Sewer repairs average $4,000–$15,000.

Avg cost

$150–$350

🍄

Mold Inspection & Testing

$200–$600·2–3 hours (plus 3–5 day lab results)

What It Covers

Air sampling and surface swabs to identify mold species and concentration. Inspectors look for visible mold, moisture sources, and conditions that promote growth.

When You Need It

When general inspector notes moisture issues, musty odors, visible staining, or the home has a history of flooding.

Avg cost

$200–$600

🐛

Termite / WDO Inspection

$75–$150·1–2 hours

What It Covers

Wood Destroying Organism inspection covers termites, carpenter ants, wood-boring beetles, and wood-destroying fungi. Required by many mortgage lenders.

When You Need It

Standard in the Southeast, Southwest, and any humid climate. Often required for VA and FHA loans.

Avg cost

$75–$150

⚡

4-Point Inspection (Florida / SE)

$75–$150 (often combined with general inspection)·1–2 hours

What It Covers

Evaluates four major systems: roof, HVAC, electrical, and plumbing. Required by Florida insurers for homes 25+ years old before issuing a homeowners policy.

When You Need It

Buying an older home in Florida or parts of the Southeast. Often required by insurance companies — not by buyers.

Avg cost

$75–$150 (often combined with general inspection)

💧

Well Water & Septic Testing

$300–$800 (well + septic combined)·2–4 hours

What It Covers

Well: flow rate, water quality (bacteria, nitrates, pH, hardness, arsenic). Septic: tank pumping, dye test, lateral field inspection. Critical for rural properties.

When You Need It

Any property on a private well or septic system. FHA/VA/USDA loans require it. Septic replacement can cost $15,000–$30,000.

Avg cost

$300–$800 (well + septic combined)

💨

Wind Mitigation Report

$75–$150·1 hour

What It Covers

Documents hurricane-resistant features: roof shape, roof covering, roof deck attachment, opening protection, and roof-to-wall connections. Used by Florida and coastal state insurers.

When You Need It

Buying in Florida or Gulf/Atlantic coastal areas. Can reduce wind insurance premiums by 15–45% — pays for itself in the first year.

Avg cost

$75–$150