Inspections Requested by Buyers

Engineering:

  • Major structural elements of the house and outbuildings.
  • Heating, air-conditioning, electric and plumbing systems.
  • The pool.

Pests:

  • The house and outbuildings with regard to all wood destructive insects. The inspector will provide the buyer with a report containing certification of non-infestation and/or a damage report and recommendation for treatment.

Radon:

  • High levels of Radon, an odorless, colorless, slightly radioactive gas; have been found to cause lung cancer following long exposure.
  • Radon seeps into a house from the surrounding soil.
  • When found, a radon abatement system can be installed to eliminate the problem.

Septic:

  • Most inspectors perform a dye test in conjunction with a visual inspection of the area around the septic system.
  • You will be asked to provide the date that the system was last pumped and the condition of the system at that time.

Oil Tank:

  • Leaking oil tanks can cause contamination of soil and/or underground water sources.
  • Tests are performed by a licensed company to establish the tank’s condition.
  • You will be asked to provide information regarding the servicing of your system and the date of your last oil delivery.

Water: (Where wells are the water source)

  • A laboratory analysis of the water determines potability.
  • test can be performed to determine the capacity of a well.

Asbestos:

  • Fibers released into the air may cause lung cancer and other respiratory diseases – asbestos may have to be removed or covered and sealed.
  • Licensed and trained contractors must perform all asbestos work.

Lead:

  • Houses built prior to 1978 may have paint that contains lead. Federal law requires homeowners to sign a Lead Warning Statement, although there is no obligation to mitigate.
  • Lead paint in good condition is generally not a hazard, however, dust and chips from lead paint can cause serious health problems which will require a lead abatement program.