A home inspection by an experience home inspector is a crucial element of any home purchase and well worth the home inspection cost. Most buyers make their purchase offer contingent on the results of a home inspection so they can decide not to buy if the inspection reveals significant problems. In a market with heavy competition for homes, buyers sometimes waive the home-inspection contingency to make their offer more appealing to the sellers or sellers can list a property 'AS IS'.   Even in those circumstances, it's advisable to schedule an 'information-only' inspection so you know what you're buying.  Energy audits can also provide useful information about a homes condition.
 

IS YOUR HOME'S AIR SAFE TO BREATH?  Radon is a common element in the air but it can accumulate in enclosed areas like a home. Experts say that it exists at unsafe levels in 1 out of every 15 homes and is the second leading cause of lung cancer. Northeast Tennessee, including Johnson City, Kingsport and Bristol, has some of the highest levels of radon in the nation but mitigation systems are highly effective in reducing amounts to acceptable levels. A radon test is conducted by placing an air-monitoring device in the home for 48 hours which provides immediate readings of radon levels.  Radon testing starts at $100 per test or only $50 with a scheduled home inspection at the same location.