top of page

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) - Home Inspections in Pittsburgh, PA

Inspector Castle House
Keystone Castle Inspections LLC

How much does a home inspection cost in Pittsburgh?

​The cost of a home inspection in Pittsburgh typically ranges from $400 to $900, depending on the size and age of the property, as well as any additional services like mold testing or radon inspections. At Keystone Castle Inspections, we offer competitive pricing and a variety of packages to suit your needs. Contact us for a detailed quote based on your specific property.

How long does a typical home inspection take?

A typical home inspection takes between 2 to 3 hours, depending on the size and condition of the property. Our inspectors ensure a thorough evaluation to provide you with a comprehensive report.

What does a home inspector typically look for?

In Pennsylvania, a home inspector evaluates all major systems and components of a home. This includes:

  • Structural integrity (foundation, walls, roof)

  • HVAC systems

  • Plumbing

  • Electrical systems

  • Exterior conditions (siding, windows, doors)

  • Interior elements (floors, ceilings, attics, basements) At Keystone Castle Inspections, our detailed process ensures nothing is overlooked. We also offer specialized services like mold testing and termite inspections.

What will a home inspector typically evaluate?

A home inspector will typically evaluate:

  • Roof condition: Including shingles, flashing, gutters, and downspouts.

  • Foundation and structure: Assessing cracks, moisture issues, and integrity.

  • Electrical system: Checking outlets, wiring, and breaker panels.

  • Plumbing: Inspecting pipes, water heaters, and checking for leaks.

  • HVAC system: Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning units.

  • Interior and exterior: Walls, ceilings, floors, windows, doors, and overall home safety.

Do you offer mold inspections?

Yes, we provide comprehensive mold inspections, including visual assessments, air sampling, and surface testing. All mold samples are sent to certified laboratories for detailed analysis, giving you the most accurate picture of potential mold problems in your home.

How accurate is a mold inspection?

Our mold inspections at Keystone Castle Inspections are highly accurate due to the advanced methods we use. We combine air sampling, surface testing, and visual assessments, with samples analyzed in accredited labs. While no inspection is 100% foolproof, our thorough methodology ensures reliable results and provides you with actionable information.

Do you offer any guarantees with your home inspections?

Yes, we offer a buy-back guarantee through InterNACHI, as well as a 90-day inspection warranty at no additional cost. If any issues arise after your inspection, Keystone Castle Inspections is here to help resolve them. Visit our website for more details on our guarantees.

Are there any preparation steps I need to follow before my home inspection?

Yes, to ensure a smooth inspection process, we recommend making sure:

  • All areas of the home are accessible, including attics and basements.

  • Utilities (water, gas, electric) are turned on. For more tips, check out our blog post on how to make your home inspection ready: How to Prepare Your Home for Inspection.

How do I schedule a home inspection?

Scheduling a home inspection is easy! You can schedule online directly through our website at Schedule Now or call us at 412-204-6149.

What is included in a home inspection report?

Our detailed inspection reports include evaluations of your home’s structural integrity, roof condition, HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems, along with any potential issues. You can see a sample report here: Sample Home Inspection Report.

Do you offer indoor air quality testing?

Yes, we offer comprehensive indoor air quality testing to assess the levels of particulates, allergens, and other potential pollutants in your home or business. Our testing services include air sampling to detect harmful particles, and we provide detailed reports with actionable insights to help improve your indoor environment. Whether you're concerned about allergens, mold, or general air quality, our team can help ensure your indoor air is safe and healthy.

What are the benefits of getting an Indoor Air Quality test?

  • Indoor Air Quality testing helps determine if your home's filtration system is working effectively. If there are high levels of particles present indoors, it may indicate that your filtration system is not functioning properly.

  • A large concentration of indoor particles can contribute to negative health outcomes, such as Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis, which is an allergic reaction that causes lung inflammation. It can be triggered by bacteria, fungi, and other allergens.

  • If you suffer from allergies, asthma, or hypersensitivity, an Indoor Air Quality test will help ensure that you are not exposed to excessive particles, which could trigger health issues.

  • The test provides data on the size of the particles in your air. Smaller particles are more likely to penetrate deep into the lungs and impact your health.

  • Indoor Air Quality testing can also reveal if events like wildfires have affected your home’s air quality. This is particularly important in areas prone to wildfire activity.

How would you solve poor Indoor Air Quality or specific particles causing health issues?

  • Our Indoor Air Quality tests help identify the root cause of poor air quality, such as a faulty filtration system, nearby industrial activity, or HVAC-related issues.

  • Good cleaning habits can help improve air quality. Inefficient or inconsistent cleaning can lead to high particle counts indoors.

  • Increasing the frequency of changing your air filters is an easy way to improve air quality.

  • Upgrading to a filter with a MERV rating of 10 or higher can help reduce particle levels significantly.

  • Having your air ducts professionally cleaned is another way to improve the air quality in your home.

  • Installing a HEPA filtration system, though more expensive, is one of the most effective ways to improve indoor air quality. This is often recommended when other methods haven’t sufficiently reduced particle levels.

Can I take an Indoor Air Quality report to my doctor?

  • Yes! An Indoor Air Quality report can provide valuable information to your allergist or doctor about potential air quality issues in your home or business.

  • Our reports not only identify the sources of poor air quality but also include detailed information on how certain particles may affect your health.

How often should I get an Indoor Air Quality test?

  • It’s recommended to perform an Indoor Air Quality test at least once a year.

  • If you are experiencing symptoms related to indoor air quality (e.g., allergies, asthma), we suggest conducting another test or consulting your doctor.

  • If you notice an increase in dust or particles in your home or workplace, it may be time for another test.

Should I get an Indoor Air Quality test during a real estate transaction?

  • Yes! It’s important to know what is in the air of a potential new home, especially if you or your family members are prone to allergies or respiratory issues.

  • An Indoor Air Quality test can also reveal how well the home’s filtration system is functioning.

How many types of particles can be identified through Indoor Air Quality testing?

  • Thanks to our advanced analysis, we can identify over 40 types of particulates commonly found in homes and businesses.

INSPECTOR CERTIFICATIONS

Aaron West, CPI

About Me

At Keystone Castle Inspections LLC, we believe in providing our clients with thorough and trustworthy home inspections. As a home inspector, I take pride in my work and make sure to follow the Residential Standards of Practice when conducting inspections. My goal is to give my clients the tools they need to maintain their home, as well as provide them with an understanding of their home's most important components. I am passionate about helping people make sure their house is safe and secure.

bottom of page