Sewer Scope, Radon, Termite, and Specialty Inspections

How to use this guide

Use this resource to prepare observations and questions, not to approve or reject a property by itself. Record locations, patterns, odors, sounds, dates, and seller disclosures so a qualified professional has useful context.

Start with safety and active water concerns, then review structure, exterior drainage, roof, electrical, plumbing, heating and cooling, interiors, and installed appliances.

Practical checklist

• Consider a sewer scope for relevant age, materials, trees, history, symptoms, or local practice.
• Use an appropriate radon test rather than photographs or odor.
• Arrange licensed pest or wood-destroying-organism evaluation where relevant.
• Use accredited professionals for suspect asbestos or certified lead professionals for lead hazards.
• Consider chimney, septic, well, pool, structural, geotechnical, environmental, HVAC, electrical, plumbing, or roofing specialists when scope requires.

Questions worth asking

• Which services are excluded from the general inspection?
• What property or regional factors make each test relevant?
• Who holds the required local license, certification, or accreditation?
• Will results arrive before contract deadlines?
• What follow-up is recommended for an inconclusive result?

Turn observations into decisions

Separate urgent safety issues from maintenance items and cosmetic defects. Ask for written scope, assumptions, exclusions, and price ranges from the appropriate professional. Your contract, contingency deadlines, local law, and risk tolerance determine what happens next.