Blog > Sioux Falls Home Inspection: What to Expect, Radon, Sewer Scope?

Sioux Falls Home Inspection: What to Expect, Radon, Sewer Scope?

by Jennifer Krosch

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What to Expect During a Sioux Falls Home Inspection, Plus Radon and Sewer Scope Tips

Home inspection Sioux Falls SD questions come up in almost every first-time buyer conversation I have, because this is the moment where a house stops being a pretty listing and starts being a real property with real systems.

Here’s the eye-opener. Minnehaha County’s estimated mean radon level is 6.5 pCi/L in the American Lung Association’s South Dakota radon report, which is above the EPA action level of 4.0 pCi/L. Source: American Lung Association (https://www.lung.org/getmedia/fc179f9c-024b-43a5-bd4f-28d253484392/Radon-Testing-Disparity-report-for-South-Dakota-2022-08-14.pdf) and EPA (https://www.epa.gov/radon/what-epas-action-level-radon-and-what-does-it-mean).

In this guide, I’ll walk you through what inspection day really looks like, what’s normal to find, and when I recommend add-ons like radon testing and a sewer scope for buyers in Minnehaha, Lincoln, Turner, and McCook Counties.

Hi, I’m Jennifer Krosch, Broker Associate with Real Broker, LLC. My job is to help you buy with clarity and confidence, not panic. Call or text (605) 214-6482 or email jenn.krosch@gmail.com anytime.

What happens during a home inspection in Sioux Falls, step by step?

A home inspection is a visual evaluation of the home’s accessible systems and components, followed by a written report with photos and notes.

Most inspections follow a similar flow:

  • Exterior first: grading, drainage, siding, windows, doors, decks, visible foundation.

  • Roof and attic: roof surface (if accessible), flashing, ventilation, insulation, attic framing.

  • Inside the home: walls, ceilings, floors, doors, windows, stairways.

  • Major systems: HVAC, electrical panel and visible wiring, plumbing fixtures, water heater.

  • Basement or crawl space: structure, moisture signs, mechanicals.

A solid overview of what’s typically included is summarized here: Discover Sioux Falls (https://www.discoversiouxfalls.com/blog/what-to-expect-during-a-home-inspection).

Friendly reminder: inspectors are looking for material defects and safety concerns, they are not judging housekeeping. If something is blocked by personal items, it may simply be documented as “not inspected.”

How long does a home inspection take, and should I attend as a first-time buyer?

Most home inspections take a few hours, and yes, I recommend first-time buyers attend the final 30 to 60 minutes when possible.

Why attending helps:

  • You can see the issue instead of trying to imagine it from a photo.

  • You can ask, “Is this urgent, or normal maintenance?” in real time.

  • You’ll learn where shutoffs, filters, and key components are.

Typical timelines vary by home size and condition, but a “few hours” is common across standard inspection guidance. Source: Discover Sioux Falls (https://www.discoversiouxfalls.com/blog/what-to-expect-during-a-home-inspection).

If you can’t attend: no problem. I’ll help you read the report and decide what to negotiate.

What does a home inspection cover, and what’s not included?

A standard inspection covers the home’s major visible components, but it does not automatically include specialized testing like radon or sewer line camera work.

Commonly covered:

  • Structure, roof, attic, insulation, visible foundation

  • HVAC and basic function

  • Electrical panels, outlets, visible wiring concerns

  • Plumbing fixtures, water heater, visible supply and drain issues

Often not included unless added (or done by specialists):

  • Radon testing

  • Sewer scope camera inspection

  • Mold testing, pest inspections, lead paint testing, asbestos testing

This “what’s included vs not included” distinction is also explained in consumer inspection overviews like Rocket Mortgage’s inspection guide content. Source: Rocket Mortgage (https://www.rocketmortgage.com/learn/home-inspection-checklist).

My advice: assume add-ons are not included unless they’re clearly listed in writing.

What are the biggest “red flags” on an inspection report, vs normal wear and tear?

The biggest red flags are safety hazards, active water intrusion, structural movement with corroborating signs, and major system failures, while many findings are simply normal maintenance.

Often negotiable or important to plan for:

  • Active leaks, staining tied to current moisture

  • Electrical safety issues (double taps, open splices, missing GFCI where required)

  • HVAC not heating or cooling properly

  • Roof nearing end of life, flashing concerns with evidence of leaking

  • Foundation concerns paired with water intrusion or significant displacement

Usually normal “homeownership items,” not emergencies:

  • Minor cracks in drywall

  • Worn weather stripping

  • Small grading improvements

  • A few missing outlet covers

If you want a buyer-friendly way to interpret inspection findings and decide what to request, Investopedia’s overview of negotiating after inspection is a helpful baseline. Source: Investopedia (https://www.investopedia.com/how-to-negotiate-with-a-home-inspection-11689159).

My calm filter: Does it affect safety? Does it affect water? Does it affect the home’s big systems? If yes, we pay attention.

Should I add radon testing in Minnehaha, Lincoln, Turner, or McCook County?

Yes, I strongly recommend radon testing for most buyers in the Sioux Falls area because radon is invisible and the only way to know is to test.

Two local reasons this matters:

First-time buyer reality: even a beautiful, well-maintained home can test high. Radon is about geology and airflow, not cleanliness.

What radon level is considered high, and what happens if it is?

The EPA recommends fixing a home if the radon level is 4.0 pCi/L or higher, and they also suggest considering mitigation between 2.0 and 4.0 pCi/L.

Source: EPA (https://www.epa.gov/radon/what-epas-action-level-radon-and-what-does-it-mean) and CDC radon prevention guidance (https://www.cdc.gov/radon/prevention/index.html).

What happens if radon is elevated:

  1. You review the result with your agent and inspector.

  2. You negotiate, often asking the seller to install a radon mitigation system or provide a credit.

  3. After mitigation, a retest helps confirm reduction.

Is it a deal-breaker? Usually not. In many cases, radon is a solvable issue, the key is finding out during your inspection window.

Is radon something sellers have to disclose in South Dakota?

Yes, South Dakota’s seller disclosure form includes items related to radon gas and radon systems.

Source: South Dakota Real Estate Commission, Seller’s Property Condition Disclosure Statement PDF (https://dlr.sd.gov/realestate/forms/sellers_property_condition_disclosure_statement.pdf).

A calm takeaway for buyers:

  • Disclosures can help, but they are not a substitute for testing.

  • If a seller discloses a radon system, that’s a good sign, it means the issue was addressed.

What is a sewer scope inspection, and what does it actually show?

A sewer scope is a camera inspection of the home’s main sewer line that can reveal issues a standard home inspection cannot see.

What it can reveal:

  • Root intrusion

  • Cracks, offsets, separated joints

  • Bellies or sags where water sits

  • Heavy buildup and blockages

Two solid explainers:

Why this matters: sewer line repairs can be expensive and disruptive, and problems are often hidden until you have a backup.

When is a sewer scope most important in Sioux Falls area homes?

A sewer scope is most important when the home has age, trees, a long run to the street, or any drain performance history, because these factors increase the chance of hidden line issues.

I recommend a sewer scope more strongly when:

  • The home is older, especially if the sewer line material is unknown.

  • There are mature trees between the home and the street.

  • You notice slow drains, gurgling, or the seller mentions past backups.

  • The property has had multiple owners and unknown repair history.

A practical overview of common sewer scope findings and why they matter is covered in sewer scope guides like Rocket Mortgage’s summary. Source: Rocket Mortgage (https://www.rocketmortgage.com/learn/sewer-scope-inspection).

Who is responsible for the building sewer line in Sioux Falls, and why that matters for buyers?

In Sioux Falls, the owner is responsible for the maintenance of the building drain and building sewer, which is why understanding sewer line condition matters.

Source: Sioux Falls Code of Ordinances, § 53.018 (https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/siouxfalls/latest/siouxfalls_sd/0-0-0-50781).

What that means in plain English:

  • If the line serving your home has a problem on the private side, it’s typically not a city-paid repair.

  • A sewer scope is one of the few ways to reduce the “unknown” before you close.

How do I use inspection results to negotiate repairs or credits without overreacting?

You use the inspection report to focus on material defects, safety issues, and major system concerns, then you make clean, reasonable requests.

Here’s the approach I use with first-time buyers:

  1. Sort the report into three buckets: safety, water, big systems.

  2. Decide what you want, repair, credit, professional evaluation, or walk-away.

  3. Request items that are objective and documentable.

For a helpful overview of options after inspection and how negotiations often work, see Investopedia’s inspection negotiation guidance. Source: Investopedia (https://www.investopedia.com/how-to-negotiate-with-a-home-inspection-11689159).

Calm truth: every house has a list. The goal is not perfection, it’s confidence.

My calm inspection-day checklist for first-time buyers in Sioux Falls

Here’s a screenshot-friendly checklist you can use on inspection day.

Before the inspection

  • Confirm your add-ons: radon, sewer scope, pest, or other specialty items.

  • Ask your agent what your deadline is for objections and requests.

  • Bring closed-toe shoes, a notepad, and questions.

During the inspection

  • Take photos of key areas: electrical panel, water shutoff, furnace filter location.

  • Ask, “What should I do first after move-in?”

  • Ask, “What’s maintenance, and what’s a problem?”

After the inspection

  • Review the report, then focus on the big three: safety, water, systems.

  • Decide what you want to request.

For a general inspection checklist baseline, Rocket Mortgage’s consumer checklist is a useful reference. Source: Rocket Mortgage (https://www.rocketmortgage.com/learn/home-inspection-checklist).

How I use tech tools to make your buying process easier

I’m not “AI certified,” but I do use practical tools to help you move faster and feel more informed.

Examples of what that looks like:

  • Showing scheduling and route planning so we can see more homes with less time wasted.

  • Shareable repair request drafts so you can review and approve quickly.

  • Document organization so your inspection report, repair invoices, and add-on results do not get lost in email threads.

The point is simple, you should spend your energy deciding, not digging for files.

FAQ

Should I ever skip a home inspection as a first-time buyer?

Skipping an inspection is a high-risk move because it removes one of your best chances to learn about major systems and safety concerns before you own the home. Even when competition is strong, there are safer ways to strengthen your offer than waiving protections. A good inspection report also helps you plan future maintenance realistically. Source for inspection scope context: Rocket Mortgage (https://www.rocketmortgage.com/learn/home-inspection-checklist).

Can a house “fail” a home inspection?

No, homes do not “pass or fail” in an official way. An inspection is an information report that helps you decide what to accept, what to negotiate, and what to budget for. What matters is how serious the findings are for your comfort level and finances. Source: Discover Sioux Falls (https://www.discoversiouxfalls.com/blog/what-to-expect-during-a-home-inspection).

How long does radon testing take during a transaction?

Many real estate radon tests are short-term tests run over multiple days, which is why it’s smart to add it early in your inspection window. Your inspector or radon professional will tell you placement rules and what to avoid during the test so results stay valid. EPA radon guidance for homebuyers is a good reference point. Source: EPA (https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2024-11/2024-buying-a-new-home-how-to-protect-your-family-from-radon_0.pdf).

Do I need a sewer scope if the home is connected to city sewer?

Often, yes, because the home can still have a private sewer line that is aging or impacted by roots and settling. A sewer scope is designed to show conditions a standard inspection cannot. If the home is older, has mature trees, or you see any drain performance concerns, it becomes a stronger recommendation. Source: InterNACHI (https://www.nachi.org/sewer-scope-sop.htm).

If radon is high, is it a deal-breaker in Sioux Falls?

Usually not. The key is identifying it during your inspection window so you can negotiate mitigation or a credit. The EPA recommends fixing at 4.0 pCi/L or higher, and many homes can be reduced effectively with a mitigation system. Source: EPA (https://www.epa.gov/radon/what-epas-action-level-radon-and-what-does-it-mean).

Conclusion

A home inspection is not there to scare you, it’s there to replace uncertainty with facts. In the Sioux Falls area, I often recommend adding radon testing and considering a sewer scope when the home’s age, trees, or history raise the stakes.

Call or text Jennifer Krosch at (605) 214-6482 or email jenn.krosch@gmail.com and I’ll help you:

  • Choose the right inspection add-ons for your home and neighborhood

  • Read the report calmly and prioritize what matters

  • Negotiate repairs or credits with a clear plan

    Final Citation List

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