Radon, Sewer, Termite, and Mold Inspection Costs
When you need more than a standard inspection
A general home inspection covers the visible, accessible systems of a home, but it does not test for invisible hazards or inspect underground pipes. Depending on the home's age, location, and condition, your inspector or real estate agent may recommend one or more specialty inspections. These cost extra, but they can reveal serious problems before you close. Use our home inspection cost calculator to budget for both the general inspection and any add-ons you need.
Radon inspection cost
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that enters homes through foundation cracks and is the second-leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. Radon testing costs $100 to $200 when added to a home inspection, or $25 to $50 if you use a DIY mail-in kit from a hardware store. Professional testing uses a continuous electronic monitor or charcoal canister placed in the lowest livable area of the home for 48 hours.
If radon levels come back at or above 4 picocuries per liter (the EPA action level), mitigation is recommended. A radon mitigation system typically costs $800 to $2,500 to install, depending on the home's foundation type. Radon is most prevalent in the upper Midwest, Mid-Atlantic, and mountain states, but no region is entirely free of risk.
Sewer scope inspection cost
A sewer scope sends a camera through the main drain line from the home to the municipal sewer connection. It reveals root intrusion, pipe collapse, offset joints, and blockages that would be costly to repair after purchase. A sewer scope inspection costs $150 to $300 and takes 30 to 60 minutes.
Sewer line repairs range from $1,500 for a spot repair to $15,000 or more for a full line replacement, which makes the $200 inspection fee look very reasonable. Sewer scopes are especially valuable for homes built before 1980, when clay or cast-iron pipes were common, and for homes with large trees near the sewer path.
Termite and pest inspection cost
A termite or wood-destroying organism (WDO) inspection costs $75 to $150 in most markets. The inspector looks for active termite infestations, past termite damage, wood rot, carpenter ants, and other organisms that destroy structural wood. In some states and loan types (VA loans, for example), a termite inspection is required, and the seller may be required to pay for it.
Termite treatment costs vary widely: localized spot treatments can run $300 to $700, while whole-home tent fumigation runs $1,200 to $3,000. Structural damage repairs from long-term infestations can add thousands more.
Mold inspection cost
A mold inspection costs $300 to $700 for a visual assessment plus air sampling. If lab testing of samples is included, costs can reach $1,000 or more. Mold inspections are not part of a standard home inspection, but your general inspector will flag visible mold or moisture conditions that warrant further investigation.
Professional mold remediation costs $500 to $6,000 depending on the affected area, which is why a pre-purchase mold inspection can be a worthwhile investment in homes with water damage history, musty smells, or evidence of past flooding.
Other specialty inspections to consider
| Inspection type | Cost range | When to consider it |
|---|---|---|
| Chimney inspection | $100 to $250 | Home has a fireplace or wood stove |
| Pool and spa inspection | $100 to $300 | Property has a pool or hot tub |
| Well water test | $100 to $400 | Home uses a private well |
| Septic inspection | $250 to $600 | Home has a septic system |
| Asbestos testing | $250 to $800 | Home built before 1980 with suspect materials |
| Lead paint test | $250 to $400 | Home built before 1978 |
Frequently asked questions
Should I always get a radon test? Yes, if you are buying a home with a basement or in a high-radon region. The test is inexpensive and the health risk of untreated high radon is significant. Your inspector can advise based on your region.
Is a sewer scope worth it? For homes more than 30 years old or with large mature trees near the property line, a sewer scope is almost always worth the $150 to $300 cost. Sewer line replacement is one of the most expensive surprise repairs homeowners face.
Can I combine specialty inspections to save money? Yes. Many inspection companies offer bundled packages. Adding radon testing or a sewer scope to a general inspection during the same visit is often cheaper than scheduling them separately.
Bottom line
A radon test ($100 to $200), sewer scope ($150 to $300), and termite inspection ($75 to $150) are the three specialty inspections most buyers should consider on top of the standard general inspection. Mold, asbestos, well, and septic testing are situation-specific. Get quotes from a licensed home inspector early, and use our home inspection cost calculator to plan for the full inspection budget.
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