Holly Hills Subdivision - Should we get a Sewer scope? (house, buyers)

[AndyR]

My fiance and I are first-time home buyers and recently had an offer accepted on a home in the Holly Hills area. We were asked if we wanted to get a radon test and/or sewer-scope in addition to the home inspection. We went ahead and ordered the radon test, but were wondering about the need for a sewer-scope. The home was built in 1955.

Any suggestions? Does anyone living in, or have knowledge of the area know of any issues commonly found? Thanks!

[2bindenver]

What does your buyer's agent say?

[Mikieo415]

Flush the toilet several times. If it goes down the drain and the yard stays dry, forget the scope. You really should have passed on the radon. Some people will disagree with me, but radon tests aren't necessary. They are useful for selling radon removal equipment. I wouldn't even consider a sewer scope unless the house had old huge trees in the yard.

Who recommended these extra services? I wouldn't be surprised if it was the inspector. If they did and didn't tell you that they had a strong suspicion of problems with the sewer they are looking out for their buddies and probably get a commission/kickback for selling extra services if you use their recommended contractors. Not everything recommended by a home inspector is necessary. They are some of the biggest idiots out there. In my lifetime, I have known of many who miss real problems but always seem to point out silly nonsense. One that comes to mind was an improperly built deck. It didn't matter that the deck was standing there for 20 years, they made it sound like it would fall down tomorrow.

[sterlinggirl]

Originally Posted by AndyR

We went ahead and ordered the radon test, but were wondering about the need for a sewer-scope. The home was built in 1955.

I knew you were supposed to send your husband in for a sewer-scope when he turned fifty, but I didn't know you had to send your house in too....

[Moonwalkr]

We just had a house we put an offer down scoped, and they found a very noticeable offset break in the line with tree root jutting through. We got a nice video evidence of this so this is part of the inspection report, and the seller has agreed to remedy it.

You definitely want it scoped if there are large established rooting trees, and evidence of backups in the sewage line. Our clue was a couple plumber stickers on the sewage line in the basement, meaning it had been serviced several times.