Type of inspection

What it covers

Cost/who pays

Remedies

Standard pre-purchase

Overall home construction and condition, including major mechanical systems

$200-$500; buyer

Conduct further specialized inspections; repair

Wood damage
(required by many lenders; check with yours)

All wood portions of home (interior and exterior)

$75-$200; negotiable

Repair or replace damaged wood; treat for wood-destroying insects or organisms

Lead
(disclosure required on all homes built before 1978)

Presence of lead in paint, plumbing or other areas

$400 for basic survey; negotiable

Repair or replace affected areas

Radon
(disclosure of known elevated levels required)

Presence of naturally occurring radioactive gas

$150 for basic survey; negotiable

Seal foundation cracks, install a sump pump; ventilate basement or crawl space.

Environmental hazards
(asbestos, formaldehyde, petroleum, toxic chemicals)

Presence of any substance in building material, soil, water or air that poses a health risk

Price varies; negotiable

Remove hazardous material, such as asbestos, or source of danger, such as a buried oil tank.