Radon testing
Will the test follow real-estate protocols, cover the lowest occupiable area, preserve closed-house conditions, and return before the decision deadline?
Michigan Indoor Radon Program ↗Before inspection day
One general inspection.
Several possible blind spots.
Do not order every add-on automatically. Use the property, utilities, disclosures, age, visible conditions, and your inspector’s stated scope to decide which unanswered questions matter before your contingency deadline.
Ask which material condition cannot be answered by the general inspection, who is qualified to answer it, what evidence they will deliver, and whether the answer can change your purchase decision.
Sewer scope
Who owns the lateral, where is the cleanout, can the line be accessed, and will the video identify material, roots, offsets, bellies, breaks, or limited visibility?
Private well
Which water samples, flow checks, pressure-system observations, well records, and visible-condition checks are included—and who interprets the results?
Michigan Care for MiWell ↗Private septic
Will the evaluator locate the tank and field, review records, inspect accessible components, describe limitations, and identify evidence of backup, surfacing, or structural failure?
Michigan SepticSmart ↗Chimney and fireplace
Does the inspection include the firebox, damper, visible chimney and clearances only, or is a separate camera scan or qualified chimney evaluation appropriate?
Structural evaluation
Does a crack, bow, sag, removed wall, cut framing, settlement pattern, or prior repair require a licensed design professional to identify cause and scope?
Electrical, plumbing, HVAC or roof
Which condition requires testing, diagnosis, repair options, remaining-life context, or a written quote from the relevant qualified specialist?
Environmental or pest concern
What was actually observed, what remains unknown, whether sampling is appropriate, and which credentialed specialist should define the next step?
Protect the decision window
Schedule backward from the deadline.
- Confirm accessUtilities on, panels and equipment accessible, crawlspace or attic entry available, and seller permissions understood.
- Confirm deliverableWritten report, laboratory result, video, photographs, limitations, and expected turnaround.
- Leave clarification timeReserve time for the general inspector to answer questions and for a specialist to define scope before negotiation.
- Keep findings separate from quotesDiagnosis explains the condition. A repair quote should define the proposed work, assumptions, exclusions, and warranty.
Michigan radon evidence
Location and appearance cannot rule radon out.
Michigan EGLE says any home—regardless of age, efficiency, or foundation type—can have elevated radon, and testing is the only way to know. For real-estate transactions, EGLE describes special testing procedures and recommends certified professionals when an independent third party is desired.
Read Michigan’s radon FAQ ↗Well and septic evidence
Use the local health and environmental trail.
Michigan resources emphasize water-quality awareness and periodic septic inspection. Property-specific records, local health-department requirements, access, system type, and evaluator scope still control the actual buyer review.
Read Michigan’s septic FAQ ↗After the reports arrive
Prioritize my inspection report →Turn findings into priorities—not panic.
Separate urgent hazards, water and structure, major systems, maintenance, and cosmetic items before asking for repairs or credits.