What Types of Services Do Residential Home Inspections Typically Include?

When buying or selling a home, one of the most important steps in the process is scheduling a professional home inspection. A thorough inspection gives you a clear picture of the property’s condition and helps you avoid expensive surprises down the road.

But many homeowners and buyers ask: “What exactly is included in a residential home inspection?”

The answer depends on the inspector, the property, and any specialized services you may choose. This guide breaks down standard home inspection services as well as common add-ons like mold, radon, water testing, and sewer scopes that provide deeper insight into your home’s health.

The Standard Residential Home Inspection

A general home inspection is designed to cover all major systems and components of the home that are visible and accessible at the time of inspection. While no inspector can see behind walls or guarantee future performance, the inspection report will give you a professional assessment of the property’s condition.

Here’s what’s typically included:

1. Roof & Attic

• Shingles, flashing, vents, gutters, and downspouts.

• Signs of leaks, improper drainage, or ventilation issues.

• Insulation levels and air circulation in the attic.

2. Exterior & Site Conditions

• Siding, windows, doors, and trim.

• Decks, porches, railings, and steps.

• Grading and drainage around the home, which can affect water intrusion.

3. Foundation & Structure

• Visible cracks, settlement, or shifting.

• Signs of moisture intrusion in basements or crawl spaces.

• Structural framing where accessible.

4. Plumbing Systems

• Supply and drain lines.

• Water heaters and distribution piping.

• Functional flow at sinks, tubs, and toilets.

5. Electrical Systems

• Main service panel and sub-panels.

• Wiring, breakers, grounding, and bonding.

• A sample of outlets, switches, and lighting fixtures.

6. Heating & Cooling Systems (HVAC)

• Furnaces, boilers, and air conditioning systems.

• Distribution methods (ductwork, baseboard, radiators).

• General age and functionality, though inspectors don’t disassemble equipment.

7. Interior Components

• Walls, ceilings, and floors.

• Windows, doors, and stairs.

• Kitchen and bathroom fixtures for basic operation.

Specialized Home Inspection Services

While a standard inspection provides a solid overview, many properties benefit from specialized testing and add-on inspections. These services often uncover hidden issues not visible during a standard walkthrough.

Mold & Indoor Air Quality Testing

Mold thrives in damp environments and can affect both your home and your health.

Mold inspections may include:

• Air sampling to detect elevated mold spores.

• Surface sampling on visible growth.

• Recommendations for ventilation or moisture control.

Radon Testing

Radon is a colorless, odorless radioactive gas that can seep into homes through the soil. Prolonged exposure is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S.

A radon inspection involves:

• Placing testing equipment for 48+ hours.

• Measuring average radon levels.

• Recommending mitigation if levels exceed EPA guidelines.

Sewer Scope Inspections

Underground sewer lines can crack, collapse, or clog from tree roots. These problems often cost thousands to repair.

A sewer scope uses a camera to:

• Inspect the main sewer line from the house to the street.

• Identify blockages, damage, or improper installation.

• Provide video documentation for negotiation or repairs.

Water Quality Testing

If the home relies on a private well or if you simply want peace of mind, water testing can confirm whether your drinking water is safe. Common tests include:

• Coliform bacteria.

• Nitrates and nitrites.

• Lead and heavy metals.

Well & Septic Inspections

In rural areas, wells and septic systems are critical to daily living but can be costly to repair.

Inspections typically include:

• Flow rate testing to ensure sufficient water supply.

• Inspection of well components and water storage tanks.

• Septic tank evaluation, including baffles, pumps, and absorption fields.

Wood Destroying Insect (WDI) Inspection

Termites and carpenter ants can cause extensive hidden damage.

A WDI inspection looks for:

• Mud tubes, frass, or visible damage.

• Entry points around the foundation.

• Conducive conditions like wood-to-soil contact.

Thermal Imaging & Drone Inspections

Advanced technology adds another layer of insight:

• Thermal cameras detect insulation gaps, hidden leaks, or overheating electrical components.

• Drone inspections allow safe roof assessments where steep slopes or height make physical access dangerous.

Why These Services Matter

Each service addresses different risks that may not be obvious to the naked eye:

• Mold & Radon → Health and indoor air quality.

• Sewer & Septic → Expensive underground repairs.

• Water Testing → Safety and lender requirements for FHA/VA loans.

• WDI → Structural integrity of wood framing.

Adding these inspections to your standard home inspection provides a comprehensive health check of the property, giving you leverage during negotiations and confidence in your purchase.

How to Choose the Right Services

Not every property requires every test. Here’s a quick guide:

• Older Homes → Sewer scope, WDI inspection, radon test.

• Homes with Wells/Septic → Well, septic, and water testing.

• Homes with Musty Smells or Stains → Mold inspection and thermal imaging.

• Homes in Western Pennsylvania → Radon testing (common in this region).

Your home inspector should guide you on which services are most relevant based on the property’s age, location, and condition.

Final Thoughts

A residential home inspection is more than a checklist — it’s a vital step in protecting your investment. While the standard inspection covers the major systems, add-on services like radon testing, mold inspections, sewer scopes, and water testing give you a more complete picture of the property.

When evaluating inspectors, look for one who offers a full suite of services and the expertise to explain which options make sense for your specific home.

At Keystone Castle Inspections, we provide comprehensive home inspections in Pittsburgh and across Western Pennsylvania, along with specialized services like radon testing, mold inspections, water testing, sewer scopes, well and septic inspections, and more.

We combine professional certifications, advanced technology, and clear reporting to give you confidence in your next home purchase.

👉 Schedule Your Home Inspection Today and ensure your property is safe, healthy, and ready for the future.