What is a sewer scope or specialty inspection and do I need one?

A standard home inspection is visual and general; specialty inspections dig into specific high-cost systems. A sewer scope runs a camera down the main sewer line to find cracks, root intrusion, or collapses that can cost thousands to fix and won't show up in a normal inspection — essential for older homes with mature trees. Others include radon testing, mold, chimney, pest and termite, foundation or structural engineer reviews, and pool inspections. They cost extra but are cheap insurance relative to the repairs they reveal. On homes over about 25 years old, a sewer scope in particular is often worth it. Ask your inspector which specialty checks the property's age and location warrant before you finalize the deal.