Common Inspections To Get When Buying A Home In The Pacific Northwest

 

GENERAL INSPECTION

A home inspection is an objective visual examination of the physical structure and systems of a house, from the roof to the foundation. The inspection should include the condition of the home’s heating system; central air conditioning system (temperature permitting); interior plumbing and electrical systems; the roof, attic and visible insulation; walls, ceilings, floors, windows and doors; the foundation, basement and structural components.

RADON TEST

Radon is a radioactive gas you can't see, feel, taste, or smell. It starts out as uranium, a heavy metal found in the ground and most rocks on the planet. When uranium decays, it turns into another metal called radium. When radium breaks down, it becomes radon.

Radon gas leaves the soil and becomes part of the air and water. It can be in the air around you, but it’s usually in very small amounts that aren't harmful.

Large amounts of radon can cause health problems, especially Lung Cancer. Due to this the U.S. Office of the Surgeon General and U.S. EPA recommend that all homes be tested for radon, especially if you are buying, selling or building a home.

Scientists have only been aware of radon as a health hazard since the early 1980s. So, just how big a health risk is radon? Subscribe to our channel for new ...

OIL TANK SWEEP

Underground fuel oil tanks were popular because they were considered to be less of a fire hazard than above ground fuel oil tanks. However, it readily became apparent that metal tanks were prone to rusting and failing over time.

Leaking underground storage tanks have been responsible for significant environmental damage and expensive remediation bills for unsuspecting buyers. Buyers of a new home should conduct an oil tank sweep to make sure that there are no abandoned fuel oil tanks on the property as remediation costs can be extremely expensive.

There are a few visual signs that an underground fuel oil tank may be buried on a property. One very distinctive signs is the presence of two copper lines coming through the foundation wall or up through the floor in a basement. Another sign is the presence of a small 1 1/2 inch vent pipe on the exterior of the home near the foundation. This was used to vent the oil tank during filling and operation. Another obvious sign is the presence of a fill tank cap in the yard.

All of these visual indicators can be hidden or covered over time, however, so a complete oil tank sweep is critical in verifying the presence of any large metal objects underground that may include heating oil tanks, metal cesspools, septic tanks, additional tanks and other buried metal objects. Based on the dimensions of the object found, a trained technician will probe the soil to verify the presence of an underground heating oil tank.

If a tank has been found, a soil sample can be taken to determine if the tank has leaked or not. Soil tests can take 3-5 days.

SEWER SCOPE

A sewer scope is a video inspection of the privately-owned lateral sewer line leading from the house at/near the foundation and connecting to the city or HOA tap or septic tank.

Sewer-scoping the line can reveal blockages, damage to the pipe system, and other problems, which are vital for homeowners and home buyers to be aware of. For example, if there is a damp depression in the lawn above the sewer line, or if there is backflow into the home, or if contaminants have been discovered in the potable water supply, a sewer scope inspection can be critical to identifying and confirming these problems, which must be addressed immediately.

WELL TESTS

Inspectors will test the water system and check it for volume and pressure. They will look at the well to make sure it is properly constructed and compliant and they will run water tests for things like bacteria, nitrate, and arsenic, depending on county requirements.

A thorough inspector will also look at the pumping equipment and conduct a plumbing survey to see how the water is getting in and where it is ending up. They will also draw a detailed diagram showing where the well is located.

SEPTIC INSPECTION

A technician will use tools, such as mirrors and cameras, to take a look inside the tank and filtration systems. By using cameras to check the inside of the septic tank, an inspector will be able to locate the source of any clogs, leaks, or other forms of damage.

Once the visual test has been completed, the next phase of the septic system inspection is the drain-field test. During the drain-field test, the inspector will dig holes in the ground surrounding the septic system. If the holes contain standing water, this is an indication that the septic system is in need of maintenance.