When you order a basic home inspection from U.P. Home Inspection, you can expect to receive a detailed home inspection report within a few days. It will tell you all about the structural quality of the house. Plus, it’ll help you detect any faults or possible health hazards. 

But many of our customers also order one or more types of home inspection testing. 

These tests include checking the home for environmental hazards such as radon, impure water, and mold. Home inspection testing results give you the ultimate peace of mind that your home is hazard free.  

But you should know this when you order a home inspection test: You may not get the results back at the same time as your home inspection report. 

How Long Does Home Inspection Testing Take? 

It depends. An actual home inspection takes a few hours. That is when we collect samples for any tests you order. However, getting test results back could take anywhere from 2 to 20 days.  

Why does it take so long to get your home inspection testing results?

Several factors contribute to this. Read on to find out exactly what to expect from each type of home inspection test. 

How Long Do I Have To Wait For Radon Testing Results?

Radon is a radioactive gas that causes lung damage. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports that radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States.

Radon is odorless, tasteless, and invisible. Hence, it can only be detected by specialized tests. 

The time it’ll take to get back your results from radon testing will depend on the type of equipment used. 

U.P. Home Inspection, LLC carries out radon testing using either a machine called the Continuous Radon Monitor or a pair of canisters. 

• If we’re using the Continuous Radon Monitor, we’ll leave it in your home for 48 hours. Within these 48 hours, the device will record your home’s radon level at intervals. 

With this machine, you can get your results as soon as it is picked up. For example, if we drop the equipment on Monday, you can expect to get the results by Wednesday evening. 

• We use radon canisters in areas with unstable power sources. This helps ensure a reliable test. 

You can expect to wait about five business days before getting the result. This is how long it takes to send the canisters to the lab, get them tested, and have the results sent back.

How Long Do I Have To Wait For Mold Testing Results?

The presence of mold in a home affects its structural integrity. It can also lead to health complications, especially if the home occupants have allergies or weakened immune systems. 

Mold is caused by moisture or high humidity. It spreads fast and can be hard to spot to the untrained eye. This is why home inspection tests are important. 

• Mold inspection takes about an hour on-site. The inspector will conduct a visual inspection, run an air canister, and get some swabs of the mold. 
• Next, he’ll send the samples to a lab for testing. Depending on the FedEx in that area, he could send it out that day or the next. 
• It usually takes the lab a day or two to run the tests and send back the results.

In summary, results from mold testing are usually ready in three days. 

How Long Do I Have To Wait For Water Testing Results?

Municipalities usually treat and test their water. Still, it’s advisable to test the water from your tap to ensure it’s safe for drinking. And if you live in a rural area, most real estate agents agree that a water test is  essential. 

Safe water should be free from contamination like Total Coliform, E-Coli Bacteria, Nitrites, and Nitrates. 

There are two types of water testing: Veterans Administration and Standard water testing. 

The time you wait for your result will depend on the type of water testing you opt for. 

VA Water Testing

Veterans Administration (VA)  water testing has a short turnaround time. It usually takes seven business days, ten at most. 

This type of water test includes testing for nitrites, nitrates, and bacteria (e.coli and coliform). 

Standard Water Testing

Standard water test takes longer than the VA water test.

In a standard water test, the lab will check for bacteria, nitrites, and nitrates like in a VA test. But, it will also test for other contaminants like arsenic and lead.

The test results usually take about 10 to 20 days, depending on the time of the year and water clarity. 

Why Does It Take So Much Longer For Standard Water Test Results?  

Summer is the peak season in real estate. Because of this, labs often get backed up in summer. You can expect the test results in summer months to take ten to twenty days to be ready. However, in slower months like February, you could get your sample results back in 5 to 10 days.

Arsenic testing can also delay your water testing results. Arsenic testing equipment is costly, so most labs run arsenic water tests once a week to manage costs. Also, testing is pushed to the next week when there aren’t enough samples to test. 

This could delay your test results for another week. 

If you’re pressed for time, we recommend doing a VA test instead. 

Quality Home Inspection Testing

It’s important to be aware of the expected turnaround of your home inspection test. This lets you plan for the least possible impact on your real estate transaction timeline.

The quality of your home inspection testing is also an important factor to consider. 

At U.P. Home Inspection, LLC, we use the top-rated 3rd party accredited lab in Michigan. This helps ensure we deliver home inspection testing results that meet EPA standards.

Want to learn more about testing for your home? Visit our home inspection testing page for more information on what is included in each type of test. 

Or if you’re ready to schedule one or more types of testing for your home, you can book an appointment today on our online schedule page.