Home Inspections
There are only two types of homes, ones that need repairs and ones that are going to need repairs. Instead of being scared of the home you live in or the home you’re preparing to buy, we help homeowners and homebuyers become empowered through increased knowledge of their home.
RADON TESTING
- Radon levels are a big concern in Maryland
- Leading cause of lung cancer death among non smokers
- Most clients add radon testing to their home inspection
Consider Testing if:
- House is in Maryland
PRICING
(when done at time of home inspection)
$195
MOLD INSPECTION & TESTING
- Can grow anywhere there is moisture
- Can cause sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes, cough and dry skin, and others
- Can be hidden behind drywall
Consider Testing if:
- You see water or water damage
- Have concerns about allergies/asthma
- Just want to be sure
PRICING
(when done at time of home inspection)
$320 for first 3 samples
TERMITES
Termite Inspection
- Required by most lenders
- Looks for damage to home from wood destroying insects (termites, carpenter bees, and others)
- Determines if treatment needs to be done to protect the home
- Termite damage is costly
Consider testing if:
- You are receiving a bank loan (most banks require it)
- You are concerned about termite infestation
- You see small bug wings on window-sills
- You have baseboards or floors that crumble under light pressure
PRICING
(when done at time of home inspection)
$95
ADVANCED STRUCTURAL ASSESSMENTS
An advanced structural assessment can frequently uncover house structural issues that are not readily apparent from a routine home inspection.
Generally speaking, an ASA is more beneficial the older the house is – AND, we have found $30,000+ structural issues in houses that are only a few years old. Whether buying, selling, or simply wondering about your current home, an ASA and can give you peace of mind.
LodeStar Inspection Services is a licensed home inspection company, not an engineering firm. We perform onsite inspections and collect structural information. ASA Engineering Group, LLC, is an independent engineering company responsible for all professional engineering analysis, opinions, conclusions, and reports.
SEWER SCOPE
- A video camera is snaked into the main sewer line
- Identifies main sewer line blockages between house and road
- Identifies deterioration of drain lines
- Provide information that can prevent flooding
Consider testing if:
- You have slow drains
- There are trees in or near your yard
- Your yard has standing water in it/is swampy/soggy/squishy
PRICING
(when done at time of home inspection)
$295 if there is access to the main cleanout.
Additional $225 if no access.
Chimney Inspections
Most chimney fires are caused by dirty chimneys. Any time you burn wood, byproducts of combustion are formed. The byproduct we are most interested in is creosote – because it’s highly flammable and the cause of most chimney fires.
There are more than 25,000 reported chimney fires in the United States every year – causing an estimated $120 million worth of damage to homes.
PRICING
(when done at time of home inspection)
$325
InfraRed Scan
- Used to determine hidden water leaks
- By seeing unexpected temperature differences, we know where to target-test for water in floor, ceiling, and walls using a moisture meter
- Indicates overheating electrical components
Consider testing if:
- You see water staining and want to be sure the leak has been eliminated
- You’re concerned that there might be hidden leaks
- If you see freshly painted surfaces and are concerned that they might be hiding damage
- You’re concerned about the safety of the electric panel
PRICING
(when done at time of home inspection)
$190 up to 2,500 square feet
WATER TESTING
- Is required testing by lenders for homes with well water
- Detects contaminants in drinking water
- Helps determine if you need a water treatment system
- Can give insight into the health of the well system
Consider Testing if:
- You are buying a home that is on well water
- You want to have peace of mind about the well-water you are drinking
- You are concerned about contaminants in the water (salt runoff, bacteria, fertilizers)
- You are buying a pre-1987 house on public water (potential lead in pipes)
PRICING
(when done at time of home inspection)
$295 for lender required testing for well water (making sure it’s safe to drink)
ASBESTOS
- Determines if housing materials contain asbestos
- Causes lung damage
- Removal can be costly
Consider testing if:
- Your house was built before the 1980’s
- You are going to do renovations to a house built before the 1980’s
- If you have 9 inch square floor tiles
- If you have popcorn ceilings or ‘cast’ looking insulation around pipes
PRICING
(when done at time of home inspection)
$195 for one sample.
$95 for each additional sample.
Lead Paint
- Is a concern for pre 1978 homes with kids ages 0-6 and pregnant women
- Causes neurological damage to kids
- Required for rental properties in MD and DC.
Consider Testing if:
- You are buying a pre 1978 Home
- Are going to be doing renovations to the pre 1978 home
- Are concerned about the safety of kids ages 0-6
Drug Residue Testing
- Leftover on a home’s interior surfaces after illicit drugs have been manufactured in a home.
- Residue from smoking crystal meth, pcp, and other drugs can remain on surfaces in a home
- Side effects of exposure can be dizziness, nausea, vomiting, headaches, and neurological problems
Consider testing if:
- Home has been vacant and might have had squatters in it
- You’re planning to move in without doing any renovations
- You are a landlord or property manager
PRICING
(when done at time of home inspection)
$225 for first wipe sample
11TH
COVID
DECK
ELECTRICAL
EXTERIOR
HOME
HONOR
INTER
MULTI
moisture intrusion inspector
RES
ROOF i
SAFE
STRUCTURE
