Contact Us/FAQ

Should Clients Attend the Home Inspection? Yes—And Here’s Why

When it comes to buying a home, the inspection is one of the most important steps in the process. One of the questions we often get is: “Should I attend the home inspection?” The answer is yes—we absolutely encourage it.

Why You Should Be There

If you’re able to attend, the inspection is a great chance to:

• Get a closer look at the house beyond the initial showings.
• Take measurements for furniture or renovations.
• Gather notes and personal observations while walking through the home.

Being there in person helps you connect the inspection findings to what you’ve seen and felt in the space—something that’s hard to replicate through just reading a report.

Can’t Stay the Whole Time? No Problem.

We understand you may not be able to attend the full inspection, which can take 3-4 hours. But if possible, try to come toward the end of the inspection. This gives the inspector a chance to walk you through key findings and answer any immediate questions before finalizing the report.

Out of Town? You’ve Still Got Options.

If you’re unable to attend at all—whether you’re relocating from out of town or tied up with other commitments—don’t worry. You’ll still receive a detailed inspection report, and your inspector is always just a phone call away. We’re here to make sure you understand the results and feel confident moving forward.

A Quick Note on Who Should Attend

While we do want our clients to attend, it’s important to be mindful of the seller’s home. Bringing a large group of family or friends is discouraged. Too many people can create distractions for the inspector and raise potential liability concerns. Keeping the group small helps us keep things respectful and focused.

Bottom Line: If you can make it, be there—especially for the end. You’ll walk away with a clearer picture of the home and a better understanding of any issues that may need attention. And if you can’t be there, we’ve still got you covered.

Have questions? Reach out to your inspector anytime. We’re here to help.

Why a Sewer Scope Inspection is Essential When Buying a Home

When purchasing a home, a thorough home inspection is a must to identify potential issues that could lead to costly repairs. However, one crucial inspection that many buyers overlook is the sewer scope inspection. While it may seem like an unnecessary add-on, the small upfront cost of a sewer scope—typically between $300 and $400—pales in comparison to the $5,000 to $20,000 in potential sewer line repairs that could arise if underlying problems go unnoticed.

What a Sewer Scope Reveals That a Standard Home Inspection Does Not

A home inspection provides a comprehensive evaluation of the property, including plumbing, electrical, structural, and HVAC systems. However, home inspectors do not typically conduct a detailed inspection of the sewer line. Without a sewer scope, hidden problems could remain undetected until after you’ve moved in, leading to significant damage and expenses.

A sewer scope uses a specialized camera to inspect the entire lateral sewer line from the house to the main municipal sewer connection. Here are some of the issues a sewer scope can uncover that a traditional home inspection cannot:

• Tree Root Intrusion – Roots from trees and shrubs can infiltrate sewer lines, causing partial or complete blockages.

• Pipe Cracks and Breaks – Over time, sewer pipes can deteriorate and develop cracks, leading to leaks and potential collapses.

• Bellied Pipes – A section of the sewer pipe that has sagged, creating a low spot where waste and water accumulate, leading to persistent clogs.

• Corrosion and Rust in Cast Iron Pipes – Older cast iron pipes may be heavily corroded, reducing flow capacity and increasing the risk of failure.

• Collapsed or Separated Pipes – Older clay or Orangeburg pipes can deteriorate, separate at the joints, or completely collapse, leading to sewage backups.
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• Blockages Deep in the Line – Even if a drain appears to function during a standard home inspection, blockages further down the lateral line might not be evident until after the home is occupied and multiple water sources are in use.
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The Risk of Ignoring a Sewer Scope Inspection

One of the biggest risks of not getting a sewer scope is that a blockage or failure deep in the lateral line may not be evident during a standard home inspection. A blockage could be slowly forming and may only become apparent once multiple people are using bathrooms, sinks, and other plumbing fixtures daily. When this happens, sewage backups can occur, leading to extensive damage and costly emergency repairs.

Another major concern is that homeowner’s insurance typically does not cover sewer line backups unless the homeowner has purchased additional coverage for it. This means that if a sewer line issue arises, the entire cost of repairs—including excavation, replacement, and damage restoration—will likely fall on the homeowner.

The Importance of a Sewer Scope in Older Homes

A sewer scope is even more critical for older homes, particularly those built with outdated sewer piping materials, such as:

• Clay Pipes – Prone to root intrusion and cracking.
• Cast Iron Pipes – Susceptible to corrosion and eventual collapse.
• Orangeburg Pipes – A fiber-based material that deteriorates over time and is highly prone to failure.

If your potential new home has any of these materials, a sewer scope inspection is strongly recommended to assess the condition of the pipes before you commit to the purchase.

Repair Costs for Sewer Line Issues

If a sewer scope reveals problems, repair costs can vary depending on the issue and the solution needed:

• Basic Hydro Jetting or Snaking – $200 to $800 (for minor clogs and tree roots)
• Spot Repair of a Section of Pipe – $1,000 to $5,000
• Pipe Relining (Trenchless Repair) – $3,000 to $7,000
• Complete Sewer Line Replacement (Excavation Required) – $5,000 to $20,000 or more

These costs emphasize the importance of identifying problems early. Catching an issue before it escalates can save thousands of dollars and prevent the nightmare of sewer backups.

The Bottom Line: A Sewer Scope is a Must-Have

If there’s one ancillary service that our team recommends without hesitation, it is the sewer scope inspection. The cost of this service is negligible compared to the potential expense and inconvenience of major sewer repairs. A small investment now can save tens of thousands of dollars in the future, providing peace of mind when purchasing a home.

Don’t take a gamble on your future home’s sewer system. Protect yourself by scheduling a sewer scope inspection before you close on your home purchase!

While scheduling a home inspection, clients often ask if radon testing is necessary or if we think they should have testing completed as part of their home inspection. Clients should always get their future homes tested for radon because, even if the home has a mitigation system it allows them to assess whether the radon levels are within acceptable limits and the mitigation system is working properly. In the following blog, we are going to discuss what radon is and why it is a concern for homeowners, its associated risk, how you can test the radon levels in your home, how to mitigate radon, and the cost for mitigation and general practices to reduce radon levels and keep your family safe. 

What is Radon?

Radon is a colorless, odorless radioactive gas that can seep into homes from the ground. It’s a natural byproduct of the decay of uranium in soil and rocks. In Ohio, radon is a concern because it can accumulate in buildings, seeping through cracks in the foundation and open areas such as sump pumps. Long-term exposure to high levels of radon is a leading cause of lung cancer, especially among non-smokers, and prolonged exposure to elevated levels can pose serious health risks.

Testing for Radon

Clients should get their future homes tested for radon because it allows them to assess whether the radon levels are within acceptable limits. The EPA recommends mitigation if the Radon levels in your home are an average of 4 pC/L or higher over 48 hours. Horizon Point Inspections can help homeowners in Ohio by conducting a 48-hour radon test as part of their home services. Horizon Point Inspections offers radon testing for homeowners and future homeowners involved in a real estate transaction. Radon testing is crucial to identify if elevated levels of radon are present in a home before you purchase the home. If high radon levels are detected, Horizon Point Inspections will recommend a radon mitigation system be installed to reduce the high exposure levels below the recommended EPA level of 4. 

Radon Mitigation and Cost

Radon mitigation systems typically involve the installation of a ventilation system that prevents radon from entering the home or facilitates its safe removal. These systems can include sub-slab depressurization, sub-membrane depressurization, or other techniques, depending on the specific circumstances of the property. It’s as simple as installing a pipe under the slab or inside the sump pump crock, and sealing cracks in the floor and open spaces. This allows the ventilation fan to create a negative pressure under the slab and pull the radon out before it enters the living space. 

The cost of installing a radon mitigation system can vary depending on factors such as the home’s design, the severity of radon levels, and the chosen mitigation method. Homes with crawl spaces can find it difficult to install systems and create negative pressure resulting in higher costs for the installation. Homeowners should consult with professionals like Horizon Point to assess their specific situation and determine the most effective and cost-efficient solution. Radon system will cost between $1200 to $1500 for your typical installation and up to $3600 for a complicated installation such as a crawl space or slab. 

General Practices and Testing

With or without a radon mitigation system installed the EPA recommends having your home tested for radon every two years. To reduce the risk of radon exposure, homeowners in Ohio can also consider some general practices like sealing foundation cracks, improving ventilation in basements, and maintaining good airflow throughout the home. While these general practices are good, regular radon testing, especially during real estate transactions or when renovating or finishing basements, is crucial to ensuring a safe living environment and knowing what your current radon levels are at that time. 

Keeping Your Home Safe

Testing for radon is essential for the well-being of your family because it helps ensure a safe living environment. Identifying and addressing elevated radon levels early on can significantly reduce the risk of health problems associated with radon exposure, providing peace of mind for homeowners and their families. If you want to know the radon levels in your home Horizon Point Inspections can conduct a 48-hour test and then help point you in the right direction if the results are high. 

Schedule your radon test with Horizon Point Inspections today. Give us a call at 513-831-1200 if radon testing is something you want to add to your inspection order.

How Long Does It Take to Get My Inspection Report? Here’s What to Expect from Horizon Point

We know how important it is for buyers, agents, and sellers to get inspection results quickly. At Horizon Point, we’ve built our process to be fast, efficient, and reliable—without sacrificing quality.

Here’s what you can expect when it comes to report turnaround times:

Same-Day Reports for Most Inspections

For standard inspections, we aim to deliver your reports the same day as your appointment, typically no later than 8 PM. This includes:

• Home inspection reports
• Termite inspection reports
• Sewer scope reports

Our inspectors work efficiently in the field and back at the office to ensure you’re not waiting around for answers.

Radon and Mold Testing Take a Bit Longer

Some tests require lab analysis, which means results take a little more time:

Radon Testing

• Results typically available within 24–48 hours
• We aim to set the radon monitor 48 hours before your inspection whenever possible, so you can have results by the day of your inspection.

Mold Testing

• If we’re able to perform the mold test ahead of your home inspection, results can also be ready by inspection day.
• When mold testing is done on the same day as the inspection:
  • Samples are shipped overnight via FedEx
  • The lab typically provides same-day turnaround once they receive the samples
  • Note: If samples go out on a Friday, results won’t be available until the next business day

Fast, But Thorough

We’ve put efficient systems in place so you’re not left in the dark. From scheduling to sampling to delivery, we move fast—but always with accuracy and care.

Whether it’s an inspection report, a lab result, or just a quick follow-up call, our goal is to get you the information you need as quickly as possible.

Have questions about a specific test or timeline? Reach out—we’re happy to walk you through the process.

One of the most common questions we get from homebuyers is:

“Do I need to coordinate the inspection with the seller or their agent?”

The answer is no — we handle all of that for you.

Once you schedule your inspection with Horizon Point, our team immediately gets to work. We’ll coordinate with our third-party scheduling partner and the seller’s agent to get everything set up on your behalf. If the date or time you selected isn’t available, we’ll contact you right away to find another time that works for everyone.

What Happens After It’s Scheduled?

Once the inspection is confirmed, you’ll receive a confirmation email from us outlining:

• The scheduled date and time
• The services included in your inspection
• What to expect next in the process
• A link to sign your inspection agreement and submit payment

Important Info About Agreements & Payments

We do our best to make things easy, but there are a few important requirements you should know:

• The inspection agreement must be signed before the inspection begins. This is required by both state law and our insurance carrier.
• If the agreement isn’t signed before your appointment, we are required to cancel the inspection.
  • Don’t worry — we’ll send multiple email and text reminders to help you get everything completed in time.

• You can pay for your inspection before the appointment, at the time of the inspection, or when you receive the report — whatever works best for you.

Still Have Questions?

Our team is always here to help. If you’re unsure about anything or just want to talk through the process, reach out any time — we’re here to make your homebuying journey easier, not harder.

Do Horizon Point Inspectors Walk the Roof During an Inspection? 

One of the most common questions we get when clients call to schedule a home inspection is:
“Will the inspector walk the roof?”

It’s a fair question—and an important one. The condition of the roof can make or break a home purchase, and some inspectors do only a visual check from the ground. At Horizon Point, that’s not our standard.

We Walk the Roof—When It’s Safe to Do So

Our inspectors walk 90% of the roofs we inspect. Why? Because being on the roof gives us a much clearer view of its actual condition. From up close, we’re able to catch issues that are hard or even impossible to see from the ground—like cracked shingles, flashing problems, or soft spots that could indicate underlying damage.

We take roof inspections seriously because we know how much they matter to buyers.

When We Can’t Walk the Roof

There are rare situations where walking the roof just isn’t possible or safe. Here’s when that might happen:

• Snow-covered roofs: If the roof is covered in snow, we won’t risk a fall or give you a half-baked assessment. But don’t worry—we’ll return to inspect the roof once it’s clear, at no extra charge.
• Steep pitches: If the roof pitch is too steep (typically steeper than 12/6 or 12/7), it becomes unsafe without fall protection. Our inspections are generally done within a 3-hour window, and setting up fall protection gear isn’t feasible within that time frame.
• Roof height beyond ladder reach: Our ladders extend up to 28 feet. If the roofline is higher than that, we can schedule a drone inspection—usually within 24 hours.

Safety Without Sacrificing Quality

Our inspectors don’t take shortcuts—but they also don’t take unnecessary risks. According to the State of Ohio’s Standards of Practice, inspectors are not required to walk any roof they deem unsafe.

That said, we’ve invested in tools and training to make sure we inspect your roof as thoroughly as possible. Our team uses:

• Specialized roof shoes designed to grip shingles better than regular work boots, reducing damage and increasing stability.
• Ladders to inspect steep roofs from the gutter line when walking isn’t safe.
• Drones for high or complex roofs we can’t physically reach.

Bottom Line

At Horizon Point, roof inspections are never an afterthought. While safety comes first, we’ve built our process to give you the most complete picture possible—whether that’s from walking the roof, inspecting from the ladder, or using drone technology.

Have questions about a specific property or inspection? Give us a call—we’re happy to walk you through the process.

Need Repairs After Your Inspection? We’ve Got You Covered.

At Horizon Point Home Inspections, we believe our job doesn’t end when the inspection is over — that’s actually where our value really begins. Every client who chooses Horizon Point receives more than just a top-tier inspection; they gain access to a powerful network of trusted contractors, hand-picked to help them through the next step in their homeownership journey.

Trusted Contractors, Right in Your Report

Let’s face it — finding the right contractor can be stressful, especially during the tight deadlines of a real estate contingency period. That’s why we’ve built a seamless solution right into our inspection reports. When you receive your report from Horizon Point, you’ll notice something special:

📍For every defect we identify, there’s a contractor recommendation listed right there. Whether it’s a roofing issue, plumbing concern, or foundation crack, you’ll see the name and contact info of a vetted professional who specializes in that exact problem.

💬 Even better? You can email the contractor directly from the report to request an estimate, ask a question, or schedule a visit. No copy-pasting, no digging around online — just click, connect, and go.

Coupons Worth Up to $2,000

In addition to expert referrals, every Horizon Point client also receives exclusive coupons and discounts from our trusted partners — with a total value of up to $2,000. These offers are only available through our network and are designed to help you save money on essential repairs, improvements, and services for your new home.

Why This Matters

We know how important it is to move quickly and confidently after an inspection. With Horizon Point:

• You’re not left Googling random companies and hoping for the best.
• You don’t have to waste time chasing down estimates.
• You’re supported by professionals who care — even after the inspection is done.

One More Reason to Choose Horizon Point

Buying a home is one of the biggest investments you’ll ever make. With Horizon Point Inspections, you get more than just a report — you get a team, a plan, and peace of mind. And now, you get direct access to solutions that make your life easier and your home safer.

Ready to schedule your inspection?
Book online at www.inspecthorizon.com or call us at 513-831-1200 — and let’s take the stress out of homeownership, one smart decision at a time.

Should Clients Attend the Home Inspection? Yes—And Here’s Why

When it comes to buying a home, the inspection is one of the most important steps in the process. One of the questions we often get is: “Should I attend the home inspection?” The answer is yes—we absolutely encourage it.

Why You Should Be There

If you’re able to attend, the inspection is a great chance to:

• Get a closer look at the house beyond the initial showings.
• Take measurements for furniture or renovations.
• Gather notes and personal observations while walking through the home.

Being there in person helps you connect the inspection findings to what you’ve seen and felt in the space—something that’s hard to replicate through just reading a report.

Can’t Stay the Whole Time? No Problem.

We understand you may not be able to attend the full inspection, which can take 3-4 hours. But if possible, try to come toward the end of the inspection. This gives the inspector a chance to walk you through key findings and answer any immediate questions before finalizing the report.

Out of Town? You’ve Still Got Options.

If you’re unable to attend at all—whether you’re relocating from out of town or tied up with other commitments—don’t worry. You’ll still receive a detailed inspection report, and your inspector is always just a phone call away. We’re here to make sure you understand the results and feel confident moving forward.

A Quick Note on Who Should Attend

While we do want our clients to attend, it’s important to be mindful of the seller’s home. Bringing a large group of family or friends is discouraged. Too many people can create distractions for the inspector and raise potential liability concerns. Keeping the group small helps us keep things respectful and focused.

Bottom Line: If you can make it, be there—especially for the end. You’ll walk away with a clearer picture of the home and a better understanding of any issues that may need attention. And if you can’t be there, we’ve still got you covered.

Have questions? Reach out to your inspector anytime. We’re here to help.