Frequently Asked Questions

Assure Home Inspections is a home inspection company that provides thorough and professional home inspection services to home buyers, sellers, and homeowners.  The inspector has lived in Northern Virginia for over 50 years and is vey familiar with the area.   We also provide services to property management companies and owners who rent their homes.  Click hear for more details on property management services.   

Why Every Home Buyer Should Get a Home Inspection

A home is one of the biggest investments you’ll ever make—so understanding its true condition is essential. A professional home inspection gives buyers clarity, confidence, and protection long before closing day.

See What You Can’t See During a Showing

Even well‑maintained homes can hide issues in the roof, foundation, electrical system, plumbing, attic, or crawlspace. A certified inspector knows where problems develop and how to identify them before they become costly surprises.

Avoid Unexpected Repair Costs

Major defects—like structural movement, roof failure, outdated wiring, or plumbing leaks—can lead to thousands of dollars in repairs. An inspection helps you make informed decisions and avoid inheriting expensive problems.

Protect Your Safety

Hidden hazards such as mold, faulty wiring, gas leaks, or improper venting can pose serious risks. A thorough inspection helps ensure the home is safe for you and your family.

Strengthen Your Negotiating Power

When issues are documented, buyers can request repairs, negotiate concessions, adjust the purchase price, or walk away if needed. A clear inspection report gives you leverage and transparency throughout the transaction.

Plan for Future Maintenance

Even when no major defects are found, an inspection provides valuable insight into the age and condition of major systems and components. This helps you budget for future maintenance, replacements, and upgrades.

A typical home inspection includes a thorough examination of the home's foundation, roof, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and other systems and components. We will provide you with a detailed report highlighting any issues or concerns they may find.  For a detailed description of what is (and what isn't) included in a standard home inspection see the InterNachi standards of practice HERE.

We also highlight general information as to building styles,  materials, practices and standards for current construction methods and techniques.   Our reports also iclude information about each appliance or major mechanical system such as data plate, and age.  This gives the potetial buyer an idea of the condition and age of these systems.  This helps clients understand remaining service life, supports safety & recall verification, documents fuel type, electrical requirements & venting needs, and provides a baseline for future maintenance & replacement.

You should test for radon in Northern Virginia and Maryland for one simple reason: your location does NOT reliably predict your home’s radon level — and both states have many areas with elevated risk.

Here’s what the latest data shows: (especially for parts of Maryland and Virginia).  Click for EPA Radon Map

• Maryland has areas with high and moderate radon potential, and elevated levels have been found across the state — even in places not traditionally considered high‑risk.
• Radon levels vary dramatically even between neighboring homes, because soil composition, foundation type, and ventilation differ from house to house.

The EPA’s guidance is clear:

Every home should be tested for radon, regardless of geographic risk.

This is because:

• Radon is odorless, colorless, and tasteless — you cannot detect it without a test.
• Elevated radon has been found in all areas, including coastal and low‑risk zones.

Maryland and Northern Virginia have:

• Granite, shale, and uranium‑rich bedrock in many regions — all of which produce radon.
• Porous soils that allow radon to move easily into basements and crawlspaces.

Northern and western Maryland, in particular, show consistently higher readings, but even lower‑risk areas have homes above the EPA action level.

• Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer overall and the #1 cause among non‑smokers in Maryland.
• Maryland’s average indoor radon level is around 3.2 pCi/L, and some areas average 5.4 pCi/L, meaning many homes exceed the EPA action level of 4.0 pCi/L.

• Montgomery County, MD requires radon testing for all single‑family home sales and rentals.
• Many Northern Virginia counties strongly recommend testing during real estate transactions.

Even though the region is known for elevated radon potential, the only way to know your home’s level is to test it. Two identical houses next door can have completely different readings.  This is exactly why radon testing is considered a best practice, especially when having a home inspection conducted. 

Don't Panic:  If a  test indicateds elevated rado levels a radom mitigation system can be very effective at reduing radon levels.   And they do not cost as much as you think.  Costing between $1,200 and $2,000

Bonus:   Radon mitigation fans (specifically Active Soil Depressurization or ASD systems) are very good at reducing basement humidity and dampness as a significant byproduct, because they pull moist soil air from under the foundation and vent it outside, often removing more water vapor than a standard dehumidifier, though they might not completely eliminate the need for one in very humid summer months. This process helps prevent mold, musty smells, and structural issues by creating a drier environment.