Buyers may not be aware of the different types of inspections that they can get or may need beyond a general or basic home inspection.Properties are inspected for many different reasons. It’s unlikely that you’ll experience all these types of inspections, but it’s always beneficial to know what to expect in case you’re faced with one or more of them.

General Home Buyer

Most homebuyers request a general home inspection at least, during which the expert will check basic features. He or she will check the roof, foundation, paint, safety standards, electrical coding, and other items at a rudimentary level in search of glaring problems.

The inspector will likely render several findings, especially with an older home, but he or she won’t perform a thorough study of every area, which is why you might prefer a more detailed inspection for particular items.

Foundation/Structural

Your inspector will note conspicuous faults such as large cracks or water seepage in the foundation, but might not recognize whether the foundation is sliding. A foundation engineer can do a more thorough check if you note suspicious cracks or strange, unexplained sloping during the general home inspection. That could be a deal breaker.

HVAC ( Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning )

The outside of your HVAC system might look great, but you won’t know its quality or potential damage unless you take it apart. An HVAC specialist can provide a more comprehensive analysis of your HVAC unit and forecast how soon it may have to be replaced.

Wood-Destroying Pests

Evidence of wood-destroying pests may not appear until it’s too late. The house you’re planning to purchase could be infested with termites or powder post beetles, but without a pest inspector’s exam, you wouldn’t know. An inspector can also identify dry rot, which could drive serious deterioration of the property.

Electrical

The general inspection will search the electrical box for coding issues, but won’t look inside the walls for faulty wiring or other fire hazards that stem from electrical issues. An electrician can study this facet more thoroughly and help you replace a faulty system.

Lead-Based Paint

Many homes built before 1978 were decorated with lead-based paint, which wasn’t outlawed until then. Airborne, lead can cause serious health conditions, up to premature death. It’s extremely expensive to replace lead-based paint, so if you’re looking at an older home, this would be a good inspection to include.

Asbestos

Asbestos is another dangerous yet common feature of homes built before 1973. It’s often found in the insulation. When airborne, it can cause upper-respiratory illness and other health problems. This is another highly expensive and high-risk problem to solve, so buyers of older homes are advised to check for it.

Pool/Spa

A pool and spa are attractive items, but they can be money pits if you aren’t careful. An expert will examine each unit and give you the life expectancy as well as check key components of filtering systems, heaters, and blowers.

An inspector will also check for leaks and help you understand the warranties. If you’re purchasing a home with a pool and/or spa you plan to use, this inspection comes highly recommended.

 Sewer or Septic System

If there’s any uncertainty about the sewer or septic system, get an inspection. When you purchase a home in town, odds are it’s connected to the sewer system. But if you live outside of town or on its edge, you might not be. Homes with old septic systems should also undergo a septic inspection to make sure things are working properly.

Soil Stability

For homes built on a hill, a soil stability inspection is highly recommended. A structure on unsteady soil could shift during a heavy rainstorm. There’s also the risk of higher soil contamination. An inspector will make sure it’ll be secure no matter what comes your way.

Arborist

Unhealthy trees can infect the grass and other plants, which will downgrade your landscaping. An arborist can tell you whether the trees are healthy and worth keeping. He or she can also warn you about tree roots that could puncture your sewer lines and cause serious plumbing problems down the road.

Mold

Some mold grows on surfaces within your home and you can wipe those away easily before it causes a problem. However, mold can also grow inside your walls and create future health problems. The only way to tell is to run a test. It’ll be expensive and time-consuming to remove it if it’s there.

Radon or Methane Gas

Below-grade levels pose a higher risk for radon or methane gas. Low levels are harmless, but if they get too high, you and your family could get sick. In some cases, homes with finished basements might require such a test to make sure the air is of an acceptable quality.