When to order additional Inspections & Testing?

Why order additional Tests/Inspections?

• Small investment, big return
• Findings can be used to negotiate money or repairs from seller
• Findings can prevent further/expensive damages to home
• Findings can prevent damage to health of occupants
• Negative findings give buyer peace of mind

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What are some examples?

• Additional Testing:  Radon & Water
• Additional Inspections: Pest, Well, Septic & Chimney

This guide is intended to help inform buyers how to make the most of their due diligence time and money.  Everyone knows that a Home Inspection is a must when buying a house but what about some of the lesser known tests and inspections?  The lender may require the buyer to order them but what if they don't?  Read on to learn more about Radon, & Water Testing, and Pest, Well, Septic, & Chimney Inspections.
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RADON TEST    
Cost: $120
Recommended for all houses in all areas of Western North Carolina regardless of foundation type.  Highly recommended if children, elderly or persons with a history of lung disease will be living in the home.
 
Builder Buddy Inspectors conduct the radon tests using the RadStar RS300 Continuous Monitor device or the Airchek Charcoal tests.  The testing equipment is placed in the lowest finished space of the home for 2-4 days and takes readings every hour.  One of the advantages of the continuous monitor is that it produces 48-96 readings instead of just one with the charcoal/cartridge tests.  The additional information is used to produce graphs that show radon spike and tampering events.  Results are back in 2-4 days after home inspection.

WDIR/PEST INSPECTION   
Cost: $120
Recommended for all wood framed houses.  This includes houses with brick and stone veneer.  Highly recommended for older homes, or homes with wet basements/crawlspaces, discolored/damaged/stained sub-floors or when insect damage is suspected.
 
The WDIR inspector produces reports that may also contain a treatment plan and estimate.  Our partners are professional, experienced, economical, and don’t upsell our clients services they don’t need.  Reports are back the same or next day after inspection.

WATER TESTING
Cost: $95 for Bacteria-only  $185 for Full Scan
Recommended for any house with a well, spring or rain catchment system that supplies water to the house.  The Bacteria-only screening is the most basic test.  The Full scan screening tests for bacteria, metals, pesticides and more.  Highly recommended for older wells/older equipment or when no filtration equipment is present.
 
Our home inspectors carefully extract the sample from the site and transport it to an independent certified laboratory to have it tested.  Results are back in 1-2 days after home inspection.

CHIMNEY INSPECTION
Cost: $249 for Level 2 Inspection, $199 for additional flues
Recommended for any gas or wood-burning stove or fireplace with a flue.  Highly recommended for any masonry chimney with a clay flue liner that is being used to vent a gas or wood-burning fireplace.
 
Our partners perform a Level 2 real estate inspection that may include a cleaning if necessary.  Also includes a camera inspection of the flue, inspection of chimney cap, chimney masonry, flashing, fireplace, firebrick, flue, foundation and more.  Reports are generally back the next business day after the inspection.

SEPTIC TANK INSPECTION
Cost: Typically $499  (up to $650 further out of town)
Recommended for any house with a septic tank system.  Highly recommended for older/larger houses with a septic system or when the Home Inspector asks for further evaluation.
 
The septic tank is pumped for the inspections, which is a benefit.  The inspector searches for cracks and other defects.  If the home inspector is scheduled at the same time then pictures can be taken.  The report is generally provided 1-2 days after the inspection.

WELL INSPECTION
Cost: $399
Recommended for older homes and/or older pump and equipment or when Home Inspector asks for further evaluation.  Highly recommended for older equipment, leaks or defects are observed by the inspector, or it is required by the lender.
 
Our well inspection partner is able to determine the approximate depth, flow and recovery for the well and also inspects the pump and pressure tank.  

Helpful Tip:
When possible homebuyers should schedule the inspections the same day as their scheduled home inspection.  Aside from giving access to the other inspectors the Home Inspector can take pictures and gather more information to present to the buyer.  If a radon test is ordered, the Home Inspector typically returns to the house 2 or 3 days later to retrieve the radon kit.  This is another opportunity to coordinate further testing without paying another site visit charge.  As a convenience to their clients Builder Buddy Home Inspections schedules and coordinates the other inspections and presents it in one invoice- making due diligence easy.

Have more questions?  Contact Builder Buddy Home Inspections 
828 335 3930

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