Beyond the Basics: 7 Specialized Home Inspections You Might Need
When buying or maintaining a home in Northeast Ohio, a standard home inspection is just the beginning. While it covers the fundamentals, some of the most costly—and dangerous—issues are hidden behind walls, underground, or in the air you breathe.
At Cuyahoga Valley Inspections, we go beyond the basics with specialized home inspections that protect your investment and your family’s health. Here are 7 advanced inspections you might need:
1. Sewer Scope Inspection
Why You Need It:
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Older homes in Cleveland, Akron, and surrounding areas often have clay or cast-iron sewer pipes prone to cracks, root invasions, and collapses.
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A single sewer backup can cost $5,000–$15,000+ to repair.
What We Check:
✅ Blockages from roots or debris
✅ Cracked or collapsed pipes
✅ Misaligned connections
Best For:
✔ Homes built before 1980
✔ Properties with large trees near sewer lines
2. Radon Testing
Why You Need It:
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Radon is the #1 cause of lung cancer in non-smokers.
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Northeast Ohio has moderate to high radon levels due to soil composition.
What We Check:
✅ Airborne radon levels (48-hour test recommended)
Best For:
✔ All homes—even new constructions
✔ Buyers & sellers (EPA recommends testing every 2 years)
3. Mold Inspection
Why You Need It:
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Hidden mold can cause respiratory issues, allergies, and structural damage.
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Common in Ohio basements due to humidity and water intrusion.
What We Check:
✅ Visible & hidden mold (via air sampling & moisture detection)
✅ Leaks or condensation issues
Best For:
✔ Homes with musty odors or past water damage
✔ Families with asthma or allergies
4. Termite Inspection
Why You Need It:
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Termites cause $5 billion+ in U.S. property damage annually.
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Ohio’s climate makes it a hotspot for subterranean termites.
What We Check:
✅ Mud tubes, wood damage, and swarm evidence
✅ High-risk areas (crawl spaces, foundations, attics)
Best For:
✔ All homes (termites don’t discriminate!)
✔ Especially critical for older or wood-framed houses
5. Infrared Thermal Imaging Inspection
Why You Need It:
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Detects hidden leaks, electrical hotspots, and insulation gaps invisible to the naked eye.
What We Check:
✅ Moisture intrusion behind walls
✅ Overloaded circuits (fire risk)
✅ Missing insulation (energy waste)
Best For:
✔ Energy-conscious homeowners
✔ Identifying hidden water damage
6. Well & Septic Inspection
Why You Need It:
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Rural Ohio properties often rely on wells and septic systems.
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Contaminated water or failing septic tanks pose health hazards.
What We Check:
✅ Water quality (bacteria, nitrates, pH)
✅ Septic tank function & drain field condition
Best For:
✔ Country homes & cabins
✔ Buyers not hooked to city utilities
7. Foundation Inspection
Why You Need It:
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Ohio’s freeze-thaw cycles can shift foundations over time.
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Early cracks can lead to costly structural repairs.
What We Check:
✅ Horizontal vs. vertical cracks (some are serious, some aren’t)
✅ Sloping floors or sticking doors (signs of movement)
Best For:
✔ Older homes (pre-1970s)
✔ After major storms or flooding
Why Choose Cuyahoga Valley Inspections?
We’re Northeast Ohio’s trusted inspection experts because we:
🔍 Use advanced tools (thermal cameras, sewer scopes, radon monitors)
📝 Provide clear, actionable reports (with photos & videos)
🏡 Know Ohio-specific risks (clay pipes, radon zones, termite activity)
Don’t gamble with hidden hazards!
📞 Call Today: 330-510-5200
🌐 Book Online
