If you are getting ready to buy a home you have probably heard that you should get a home inspection. A home inspection is one of the steps that you should not skip before you purchase any home. 

Even though a home may look as if nothing is wrong on the surface you never know what's lurking in the walls, the foundation, or in other areas. A basic home inspection will tell you all you need to know about the condition of the home you wish to purchase.

However, many home inspections are not all-inclusive and there are several other tests that you should consider doing in order to ensure that the home you purchase is safe. Take a look at some additional tests you should consider.

Paint that Contains Lead

Homes that were built before 1978 may have been painted with paint that contains lead. Ask your inspector to do a lead paint inspection if you plan to purchase a home that was built during this period. 

If lead is detected in any paint in the home you can get a risk assessment to determine whether or not it can be removed.

Mold Inspection

It is a good idea to do a mold inspection of any home that you want to purchase. A mold inspection will be done visually and with more specialized testing equipment if necessary. 

Samples will be taken from different areas of the property to determine how widespread infestation may be.

Radon Testing

Radon is a radioactive gas that can seep through foundation cracks in a home. It is cancer-causing. Radon has also been known to seep in through electrical outlets and pipes.

Since radon can have such devastating consequences it is recommended that before you buy a home you do radon testing. 

Sewer Inspection

If you are buying a home that is more than twenty years old you should think about getting a sewer inspection. You should be able to find a plumbing company with contractors who can use cameras to inspect the sewers.

An inspection will look at the overall condition of the sewage system in the home and find out if there are any clogs.

Roof Certification

Before you buy a home it is a good idea to find out the condition of the roof. You can do this by hiring a roofing company. You will find out whether or not you will need a roof repair or replacement. 

Even if the roof does not need repair or replacement you'll get an estimate of how much life is left in the roof. When the roof inspection is finished you will usually get a roof certification document.

Knowledge Is Power

The more you know about your home before you purchase it, the better a position you will be in to decide whether or not you want to close on it. A home inspection is not something you should be afraid of because it gives you more clarity about your purchase.

Even if a home has faults it's up to you to decide what you can live with and what you just cannot handle.