A home inspection covers almost all aspects of a property, but in some circumstances, you might want independent inspections for radon, pests, mold, and foundation problems. A standard home inspection in Phoenix gives you a thorough report on the house you want to buy, but it needs to be more comprehensive.

You might require more inspections depending on the age, location, and state of the home you’re considering. Here are some professional home inspections in Phoenix that you might consider for your home. Among these specialized types of home inspections, foundation inspection, radon testing, termite inspection, and mold inspection are among the most popular.

Different types of home inspections

Radon testing 

The gradual decay of radioactive elements in the Earth produces radon, an odorless, colorless gas. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the surgeon general’s Office, radon exposure is the country’s second-leading cause of lung cancer after smoking. It can enter your home through cracks and discharge through the soil, building materials, and well water. And it’s everywhere; the EPA estimates that 1 in 15 homes has a high radon level.

Generally speaking, long-term (over 90-day) radon testing is advised, but you don’t have the luxury of time when you’re trying to close on a house. What can you do?

First, ask about any prior radon test results the seller may have. If they do, these results can serve as a benchmark for comparison. You can arrange for a new short-term test in either case. After a 48-hour test, a qualified radon inspector can provide results in a few days. Alternatively, you can test the radon levels in your home using a readily available kit, but you will need to send the test device to a lab and wait for the results.

If test results are abnormally high or you’re uncomfortable performing your testing, contact a professional through the National Radon Proficiency Program or the National Radon Safety Board. Since not all states license radon inspectors, it is advantageous that the EPA accepts the credentialing programs offered by both organizations. The average cost of professional radon testing is a few hundred dollars.

Wood-destroying organism (WDO) inspection

A wood-destroying organism inspection, often known as a termite inspection, ensures that your future home doesn’t already have six-legged tenants. The most harmful triggers include termites, wood-boring beetles, and carpenter ants; however, WDO inspectors will also search for dry rot brought on by fungus.

Many states require a WDO inspection before closing on a home; even outside of those states, towns or counties may insist on a WDO inspection before a home sale may close. No matter where you live, a WDO inspection may be necessary if you use a VA or FHA loan.

A WDO inspector will search the property for indications of active infestation (shed termite wings), previous infestation (softwood), and possible trouble issues (gaps or crevices that could allow pests to enter). You’ll receive a report with complete results and recommendations for dealing with surface problems.

When looking for a certified home inspector in Phoenix or an exterminator, the National Pest Management Association is an excellent place to start; the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors also licenses WDO inspectors. Costs for termite inspections might vary, but they often average around $100.

Mold inspection

According to the EPA’s advice on mold testing, if you find mold, you probably have mold and should probably start remediating right away. However, if you’re worried about what you can’t see or smell, a mold inspection of your home may be necessary.

A mold inspector will use a moisture meter to find dampness in insulation, drywall, and other building materials. They might also collect air samples from the house’s outside and inside.

Try the National Organization of Remediators and Mold Inspectors to locate a licensed mold inspector nearby. Depending on the size of your property, the cost of a mold inspection can range from $200 to over $600.

Foundation inspection

A home inspector will examine the house’s foundation and search for any potential problems, such as drainage issues, surrounding tree roots, cracks, or other signs of movement. The inspector might advise inspecting the home by a residential structural engineer if anything seems concerning.

A structural engineer may thoroughly inspect the foundation, identify the root causes of any problems, and specify how to fix them. Check an engineer’s qualifications with your state’s licensing board before hiring them; the National Society of Professional Engineers website has a complete list of links. Depending on where you live, foundation inspection costs range from $500 to $1000.

HVAC inspection

As it assesses the efficiency of a home’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems, an HVAC inspection is a crucial component of a home inspection. A certified specialist should do an HVAC inspection because it involves thoroughly evaluating the HVAC system to spot any possible problems or issues.

The furnace, air conditioner, ductwork, and other HVAC system components will all be checked during the inspection. The thermostat, fan, and heat exchanger will all be examined by the inspector to ensure that the system is functioning correctly. The inspector will also ensure that the ventilation system is suitably sized and operating and look for any leaks, damage, or wear and tear in the ductwork.

Inspecting the HVAC system can find potential safety risks and ensure it runs securely. One of the inspection’s main advantages is spotting possible safety issues. Due to the possibility of carbon monoxide poisoning or other risks, a broken furnace or air conditioner can be dangerous.

Finding energy inefficiencies in the system is another advantage of an HVAC inspection. Higher energy costs and more system wear and tear are two effects of a poorly working HVAC system. Any system elements that are not operating can be found, and recommendations for changes can be made through an HVAC inspection.
Looking for the best home inspectors in Phoenix? Choose AJF Engineering! We provide top-quality home inspection services to help you make thoughtful decisions regarding your property investment. Contact us today to schedule your appointment and experience the peace of mind of working with the best home inspectors in Phoenix!