Twin Cities Home Inspection SECRETS Revealed! Avoid Costly Mistakes
About this video
Don’t skip this video! We’re uncovering the top home inspection secrets that can save you thousands of dollars and help you avoid unexpected surprises after you move in. Whether you're a first-time buyer or seasoned investor, these tips will give you the edge you need in this competitive market.
Key takeaways
- Jason talks with Andy of Everest Home Inspections, an inspector since 2016 with a background in new construction and remodeling, about what inspections cover and what repairs cost.
- Radon: the state says about 40% of Minnesota homes have high radon levels. The EPA action level is 4 picocuries per liter, and mitigation typically runs about $2,000 to $3,000. Testing takes about two days.
- Other inspections: a quick 45-minute major-component walkthrough before writing an offer in a competitive market, a sewer scope (old clay and Orangeburg pipes, root intrusion, even damage on new homes), and a septic inspection for systems over about 20 years old; replacement can run $35,000 to $45,000.
- Stucco homes built from about 1990 to 2005 had widespread moisture problems, with repair bids of $175,000 to $400,000 in some cases. Get invasive moisture testing on stucco from that era.
- Electrical: fuses are common before about 1960, panel replacements run about $5,000 to $10,000, and removing knob-and-tube wiring can cost $10,000 to $25,000 plus wall repair. Watch for aluminum branch wiring from older eras.
- More checks: foundation cracks wider than about 1/16 inch signal real movement; carbon monoxide alarms belong within 10 feet of each bedroom; masonry fireplace repairs can run $5,000 to $10,000; and boilers, furnaces and water heater venting all get a look.
Questions this video answers
How common is radon in Minnesota homes?
The state estimates about 40% of Minnesota homes have high radon levels. Testing is inexpensive, and a mitigation system typically costs about $2,000 to $3,000, according to the video.
Should I worry about buying a stucco home in Minnesota?
Be careful with stucco homes built from about 1990 to 2005, which had widespread moisture problems. Get a specialized stucco moisture test before you buy.
What inspections should I get when buying a house in Minnesota?
A general home inspection, a radon test and a sewer scope at minimum. Add a septic inspection for homes on septic, and stucco testing for stucco homes from about 1990 to 2005.
Read more: Buy a home · Selling a longtime home
Notes written by Huerkamp Home Group from this video. Figures are as stated in the video on March 28, 2025; check the current numbers in our market reports.
