They inspect the home's structural integrity, the exterior, roofing, plumbing, electrical, heating, central air conditioning, built-in kitchen appliances, insulation and ventilation. The cost of a routine home inspection depends on a home's size, age and location, as well as the inspector's experience and qualifications. Fees can start as low as $200 for small condominiums and can cost more than $400 for larger and/or older homes, according to the N.C. Licensed Home Inspectors Association.

Even by minimum standards, inspectors make hundreds of observations during the course of a few hours in a home. But there is plenty they probably won't -- or officially can't -- tell you about the house you're about to buy.

"We're generalists. We have knowledge in all the different disciplines, but refer other possible problems to a specialist," said inspector Keven Kossler. Along with three other inspectors, he owns a franchise of National Property Inspection, which inspects commercial and residential property.

After talking to some inspectors, we've come up with a list of eight things you won't find on most inspection checklists, but that you might want to check out with a specialist. Costs on each of these will vary -- ranging from less than $100 to several hundred dollars -- depending on how thorough the tests and inspections run.

Termites

In North Carolina, lenders generally require a termite inspection, and anyone who performs structural pest control for the general public must be licensed by N.C. Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services. That said, a general home inspector might find clues that termites might be a problem and may recommend hiring a termite inspector to check it out.

"You'd be silly to buy a house in this climate without a termite inspection, especially if it's more than five years old," said Bob Boucek, owner of Beech Home Inspections and one of the founders of the N.C. Licensed Home Inspector Association.

Radon gas

Radon is a cancer-causing natural radioactive gas that comes from the natural decay of uranium found in nearly all soils. You can't see, smell or taste it, and it is the leading cause of lung cancer among nonsmokers. It's not tested for on the average home inspection, but some inspectors, like Johnny Kay of Fort Mill-based Arrow Home Inspection Service, will conduct a two-day short-term test.

Fireplaces & chimneys

If you're concerned about a home's chimney, hire an inspector or chimney sweep with a "chim cam," which is a camera at the end of a wand that allows a specialist to see every inch of a chimney. Kossler, the inspector and chimney sweep, says he often finds cracked caps on top of chimneys, which can cause water leakage and damage in the home.

Roof

Inspectors must visually check a home's roof either from the ground with binoculars or from a ladder perched at the end of a roof. Inspectors say most major problems can be spotted through these methods, but if a home is particularly large or has roof surfaces that are hard to see from those vantage points, it might be a good idea to have a roofer inspect.

Asbestos & lead paint

Asbestos is most dangerous in homes where renovations are taking place, because when asbestos fibers are disturbed, they get inhaled into the lungs and can cause health problems. Only homes built before 1978 are at a risk for having lead paint, which can be tested for with at-home kits or by a trained professional.

Mold

If you're worried it's a problem, hire a certified mold inspector. Some use thermal imaging and infrared scanning to find problems. Kossler says even some new homes are plagued with mold problems, because they're built with wood that is wet to start with and never gets a chance to dry.

Air & water quality

Home buyers with significant allergies or respiratory ailments may want to have the indoor air quality checked. Mold, mildew and other toxins and allergens might be present and require an air-duct cleaning. Water quality testing is always a good idea and is especially vital in homes with wells.

Insulation

It's not included on most checklists, but some inspectors can use an infrared camera to look for missing insulation in a home's walls. It's particularly useful before the final walk-through in a new home's 11th month, when many of the builder's warranties are about to expire.

Kossler says he's had clients who have required builders to remove large portions of drywall and install missing insulation after he used the infrared camera to test insulation.

Get $150+ in coupons in every Sunday N&O. Click here for convenient home delivery.