What Extra Costs Should You Consider?

While your quote should be fairly accurate, it’s good to be aware of extra costs that could sneak up on you. For instance, some inspectors consider detached garages as part of the main house and do not charge for them while others consider detached garages as outbuildings and charge extra to inspect them. Also be aware that if you have other items such as a swimming pool or septic system, you may have to pay extra for the inspection of those items. Some might charge for mileage to the home. TIP: Most home inspectors will charge a “base price” – but then as they ask questions like how large the home is, what year it was built, the age of the home, etc., their “base price” gets much higher. Be aware the “real” price isn’t the base price you’ll be quoted right off the bat. Here are some other things that might add to the total cost, but could be worth it in the long run:

  1. Radon Testing: According to the EPA (the United States Environmental Protection Agency) Radon is the number one cause of lung cancer among non-smokers, and is, overall, the second leading cause of lung cancer. It is therefore worth the extra $100 to $200 that inspectors might charge to have the home tested for radon. They are familiar with every place that needs to be checked and knows how to find potential trouble spots quickly. They’ll know the prime spots for gathering samples and will give a much better assessment of the radon levels in your home.
  2. Asbestos: Newer homes shouldn’t need to worry about asbestos, but asbestos was used in home construction up until 1989. Having the home checked for asbestos is probably worth it in older homes with popcorn ceilings. However, it does come at a hefty cost. On average, you should expect to spend $400 to $800 for a 1,500 square foot house including lab fees. If the samples come up positive for the presence of asbestos, now an inspection must be done to determine the levels and air quality.  Asbestos removal can cost anywhere from $400 to $30,000 depending on the amount of asbestos present. After clean-up and removal, a follow-up inspection is necessary to make sure it was done correctly. That’s another $200 to $400.
  3. Mold: The six most common molds are:
    • Acremonium
    • Alternaria
    • Aspergillus
    • Cladosporium
    • Penicillium
    • Stachybotrys
    Of these, Acremonium, Aspergillus, and Stachybotrys are the most dangerous, requiring immediate removal. The other three are hazardous to people with allergic reactions to mold and should also be removed immediately. The cost to have your home tested for mold is about $820. while having it professionally removed is around $2,200.
  4. Lead: A home built before 1978 should be inspected for a lead in the paint as well as pipes. Paint that has been on since 1978 is probably old, cracked and peeling, anyway, but most people simply paint over such situations. If the paint is in good shape, this is usually all that’s needed. However, if the paint is cracking or peeling it will need to be encapsulated with a bonding agent to prevent lead-infused dust from getting into the air you breathe. Lead pipes can leach lead into your drinking water. If your home meets this requirement, you will need to have it tested for about $300. If the results come back positive for either the paint or pipes in your home, lead removal could range anywhere from $950 to $2,300. 
  5. Sewer Scope: Of all the things that homebuyers overlook, the sewer is at the top. Many inspectors will refer you to a sewer scope company since this runs outside their area of expertise. A sewer scope is a worthwhile investment for homes that are 20 years or older with pipes that could be blocked by tree roots. Homes that were built in the 1950s might even have their sewer lines attached to cesspools. The upfront cost for a sewer scope will run from $85 to $300, but it can save you thousands on replacing a sewer line down the road.