FAQ
See Your Investment Clearly: Common Questions About Inspections
How much does a home inspection cost in Iowa?
Most home inspections in Iowa start around $300–$900, depending on the home’s size, age, and location. Additional services like radon, mold testing or sewer scopes will increase the price.
What does a home inspector look for during an inspection?
A home inspector checks the home’s major systems and structure, including the roof, exterior, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and foundation. The goal is to identify safety issues, defects, or costly repairs before you buy.
What if the home fails inspection?
A home inspection is not a pass or fail exam. The inspection report simply shows the condition of the home and lists any safety concerns, maintenance issues, or repairs that may be needed at the time of the inspection. The goal of the inspection is to give you clear information so you can make a confident decision about the home.
What is a Sewer Scope?
A sewer scope is a camera inspection of the home’s main sewer line to check for blockages, cracks, tree root intrusion, or other damage. It helps homeowners avoid costly plumbing repairs by identifying hidden issues underground.
Is a Sewer Scope different than a Sewer Inspection?
Yes, there’s a difference. The term “sewer inspection” can mean a general check of the home’s visible plumbing connections, drainage flow, or signs of sewer problems inside the house. However, a sewer scope goes much further by using a specialized camera to inspect the inside of the sewer line all the way to the street connection.
Do I need a home inspection on a new construction home?
Yes — even brand-new homes can have defects. A new construction inspection helps catch builder mistakes, code issues, or installation errors before you move in.
​Can you inspect a manufactured or mobile home?
Yes — but manufactured homes follow HUD Code (24 CFR Part 3280) standards, not standard residential codes.
We’re trained in mobile/manufactured housing inspection requirements, including:
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Tie-down and anchoring systems
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Skirting and underfloor ventilation
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Frame corrosion and pier supports
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Roof seams and crossover ducts
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Plumbing and electrical differences
What is an 11-Month Warranty Inspection?
An 11-month warranty inspection helps homeowners find defects in new construction before the builder’s 1-year warranty expires, saving money on repairs.
What is an Annual Home Maintenance Inspection and is it worth it?
An annual home maintenance inspection is like a yearly checkup for your house. It helps catch small issues early, prevents costly repairs, and gives you peace of mind about your home’s condition.
Are you Licensed and Insured?
Currently, Iowa does not issue state-level home inspector licenses, but new state standards (effective July 1, 2025) require all full home inspectors to meet strict professional criteria — including membership in a qualifying national association, adherence to a recognized code of ethics, and mandatory insurance coverage. We carry both general liability and errors & omissions insurance, and we operate in full compliance with Iowa’s new regulations to protect you as a client.
What should I do before the inspection?
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Make sure utilities (water, gas, electric) are turned on
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Provide clear access to crawlspaces, attic, and panel boxes
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Remove pets or secure them safely
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Have all doors unlocked or accessible
What is the main goal of a home inspection?
The goal of a home inspection isn’t to alarm or discourage you — it’s to give you clarity and confidence about the home’s condition before you make one of the biggest investments of your life. A professional inspection provides the information you need to make informed decisions, prioritize repairs, and plan future maintenance with peace of mind.
Still Have Questions?
We’ve covered the most common questions about home inspections, radon testing, mold testing, and other services in Iowa — but every home is unique. If you didn’t find the answer you were looking for, we’d be happy to help.
Call us today or send us a message, and we’ll make sure you get clear, straightforward answers about your home inspection needs.
At One Vision Inspections, our mission is simple: help you see your investment clearly and make confident decisions about your home.