Q. What does the home inspection cover?

A. The House Remedies inspection is very thorough. It is conducted in accordance with nationally recognized standards for home inspections. It covers the visible structure of the house and its foundation, basement, roof, siding, attic, insulation, walls, ceilings, floors, windows, and grounds. All major systems including heating and air conditioning, interior plumbing, and electrical are evaluated. Appliances are inspected. Swimming pools are inspected for an additional charge.

Q. How long does the inspection take?

A. Depending on the size and condition of the house, the inspection usually takes 2 to 3 hours.

Q. When will I get my inspection report?

A. Inspection reports are generally available on-site as soon as the inspection is completed.

Q. Do I have to be there?

A. It is not necessary to be at the inspection, but we highly recommend that you be there. It’s a great way to learn about your future home’s qualities and deficiencies. Being there will help you to better understand the written report that the inspector provides. It’s also a good opportunity to ask the inspector questions you may have about the house and learn important information about home maintenance and how systems in your home work.

Q. How much does the inspection cost?

A. The cost of our inspection is based on the selling price of the home. Our fees begin at $250. Radon testing costs $100.

Q. Do I need a radon test?

A. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recommends that anyone buying or selling a home have it tested for radon, since radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer. House Remedies does a 48-hour radon test using a state-of-the-art radon monitor. For more information on the effects of radon and how to reduce radon levels, see the EPA’s "Citizen’s Guide to Radon" at epa.gov/iaq/radon/pubs/citguide.html.

Q. I’ve heard so much lately about the health risks of mold. Do you inspect for mold?

A. Our inspectors investigate signs of mold and discuss your options for testing. The Centers for Disease Control have an informative mold web site at cdc.gov/nceh/airpollution/mold.