A home inspection in Sioux Falls is not required — not by South Dakota law, and in most cases not by your lender either. It is still one of the smartest few hundred dollars a buyer will ever spend. For roughly the cost of a decent appliance, you get a professional read on the condition of the biggest purchase of your life while you can still do something about it.
Below is what an inspection actually covers, what shows up most often in older Sioux Falls homes, what radon testing and a sewer scope really cost here, and how to use the report instead of filing it away.
This is part of the Bryan Anfinson Local Expert Series, where I sit down with trusted Sioux Falls professionals to answer the questions buyers, sellers, and homeowners actually ask. For this one I talked with Bob and Joe Solomon of Solomon Property Inspections. Inspection details, findings, and pricing below are theirs and reflect August 2026 — always confirm current pricing and scope directly with your inspector.
Meet Solomon Property Inspections
Solomon Property Inspections is a locally owned, InterNACHI-certified inspection company serving Sioux Falls and the greater Sioux Empire. It is run by brothers Bob and Joe Solomon — Bob a licensed general contractor who spent years renovating homes before inspecting them, and Joe a South Dakota State civil engineering graduate with 15 years in property management.
Beyond standard inspections they offer radon testing, mold sampling, and sewer line inspections, all delivered in modern, mobile-friendly digital reports. Their tagline puts it simply: Solomon. The Wise Move.
What a Sioux Falls home inspection actually covers
A home inspection is an objective, professional visual evaluation of a home’s major systems and readily accessible components. It documents the current condition of the property, not its cosmetics. It cannot predict every future issue, but it gives you real insight into the home and flags what may need attention, maintenance, or further evaluation.
Just as important is what an inspection is not. It is not a guarantee of any kind, it does not cover every aspect of every system, and it is not a municipal building code inspection. A report may also note preventative maintenance items purely for your information, and those generally are not a reason to renegotiate the contract. The focus is on the big-ticket items that actually affect your decision.
The 6 major systems every inspection covers
When your report comes back, these are the sections that deserve the closest attention — because they are also the most expensive to repair or replace.
1. Roofing
- Roof age and overall condition
- Missing, degraded, or damaged roof covering
- Flashing at wall intersections, eaves, chimneys, and vents
- Signs of active or previous leaks
2. Exterior wall covering
- Overall condition
- Installation deficiencies
- Impact or moisture damage
3. Foundation and structure
- Cracks or settlement concerns
- Basement or crawlspace conditions
- Water intrusion issues
- Exterior drainage and grading
4. Electrical system
- Service panels
- Wiring types
- Grounding and bonding
- Potential safety concerns
5. Plumbing system
- Water supply lines
- Drain and waste systems
- Water heaters
- Visible leaks and water pressure concerns
6. Heating and cooling
- Furnace performance
- Air conditioning operation
- Age of major equipment
- General maintenance observations
That answer is a good example of why I like inspectors who came out of the trades. Nobody walks a house worried about paint — and paint is exactly what stands between wood composition siding and a five-figure siding bill.
What makes older Sioux Falls homes different
One of my favorite things about Sioux Falls real estate is the variety. Historic homes in neighborhoods like McKennan Park, the Cathedral District, and central Sioux Falls offer character that new construction simply cannot replicate. But older homes come with their own inspection findings. That does not mean you should avoid them — it means you should know what you are walking into.
1. Foundation issues, specifically block foundations. We often see shifting or inward movement of block foundations, commonly associated with improper grading or moisture management at the exterior of the home.
2. General aging of the drain, waste, and vent system — specifically the underground portion. The underground sewer line in older homes is typically cast iron and clay. Those materials are susceptible to root intrusion, breaks, and general degradation.
3. Older windows in need of maintenance, repair, or replacement.
Notice the through line on the first two: water and drainage. Grading, gutters, and downspouts are cheap compared to foundation work, and they are the first thing I look at on an older home walkthrough.
Repair costs vary by property, contractor availability, materials, and project scope. Always get current estimates from qualified professionals before you negotiate.
The one add-on every Sioux Falls buyer should consider: radon
If there is one inspection add-on that deserves serious consideration in our market, it is radon testing. Radon is a naturally occurring gas with no smell, taste, or color. Because it is impossible to detect without testing, plenty of homeowners have no idea their levels are elevated.
We do not track average levels, but radon levels vary widely and are often above the EPA’s guideline for safe levels within the home. The EPA recommends mitigation or other corrective action at or above 4.0 pCi/L.
We also find elevated levels in homes without basements. There is a common misconception that radon is not a concern with slab-on-grade homes. Just this week we tested a slab-on-grade home and radon levels were double the EPA’s action level.
My take as a REALTOR®: I never advise a buyer to skip radon testing. At roughly the cost of a nice dinner out, it is one of the simplest ways to learn something real about a house and avoid a surprise after closing. And if the slab-on-grade myth is what was going to stop you from testing — test anyway.
What a home inspection is — and is not
The biggest misconception buyers carry in is that an inspection is a pass-or-fail test. It is not. It is an information-gathering process.
- An evaluation of visible conditions
- A tool for making informed decisions
- A roadmap for maintenance and repairs
- A comprehensive evaluation of every component
- A guarantee against future issues
- A municipal code inspection
- An appraisal
- A pass-or-fail test
How I help buyers use their inspection report
This is where the inspection and the real estate transaction intersect. When my clients get a report, I have them focus first on:
- Safety concerns
- Structural issues
- Major mechanical systems
- Water intrusion concerns
- Significant repair expenses
From there we separate major findings from routine maintenance and cosmetic items. Almost every home generates a list of recommendations — even brand-new construction. The goal is not a perfect house. The goal is to fully understand the house you are buying, then use the inspection response window in the purchase agreement to negotiate repairs, a credit, or a price adjustment where it is warranted.
Here is how that plays out. You and I both receive Solomon’s digital report, and we sit down and go through it together — carefully, not just skimming the summary. We decide which items are worth a repair request to the seller.
Where it matters, we bring in licensed professionals in the relevant trade for real quotes, so we are negotiating with numbers instead of guesses. If the seller agrees to make or pay for repairs, you choose the contractor.
I keep a deep network of trusted local tradespeople — licensed, insured, and bonded — and I am glad to make introductions, but the final call is always yours. It is your home and your money. My job is to give you good options and honest advice, then stand behind whoever you trust to do the work.
Should you attend the inspection?
Absolutely — and I will be there with you. Walking the property with Bob and Joe is one of the best educational opportunities you will get as a homeowner. They welcome every question, and the walkthrough runs about 30 to 45 minutes at the end of the inspection. You will learn more about how your house works in that half hour than in the next two years of owning it.
Home inspection Sioux Falls FAQ
Read that number again. A $195 add-on found a $50,000 problem. That is the entire argument for inspection add-ons in one sentence — and it is why I bring them up on older homes before we ever write the offer.
Meet the inspectors
Bob Solomon — Owner & Inspector
A licensed general contractor, Bob spent 16 years in logistics leadership and years renovating homes before founding Solomon Property Inspections in 2021. InterNACHI Certified (ID 21020265).
Joe Solomon — Owner & Inspector
A civil engineering graduate of South Dakota State with 15 years in property management. InterNACHI Certified (ID 23032304).
Services: home inspections, radon testing, mold sampling, and sewer line inspections, delivered in modern, mobile-friendly digital reports.
Service area: Sioux Falls, Harrisburg, Tea, Brandon, Lennox, Hartford, Dell Rapids, Garretson, Canton, and the greater Sioux Empire.
(605) 376-4602 · bob@solomonpropertyinspections.com · solomonpropertyinspections.com
I will tell you what to look at before you write the offer, which inspection add-ons are worth it on that specific house, and how to use the report to negotiate — from an agent who has closed 300+ homes across the Sioux Falls metro. Nothing to sign, no pressure, ever.
Start the Conversation →About Bryan Anfinson
Bryan Anfinson is a REALTOR® with Hegg REALTORS® serving buyers and sellers throughout Sioux Falls and the surrounding communities. Bryan’s approach is simple: educate first, advise honestly, and help clients make confident real estate decisions — whether you are buying your first home, upsizing, downsizing, or just exploring your options.
Bryan Anfinson, REALTOR® — Hegg, REALTORS® · Sioux Falls, SD
Call or text (605) 670-9846 · bryan@hegg.com · bryananfinson.com
Related reading: FHA, VA, USDA, Conventional, or SDHDA? How to Pick the Right Home Loan in Sioux Falls, The Real Cost of Buying a Home in Sioux Falls (Closing Costs, 2026), and First-Time Home Buyer Guide for Sioux Falls.
Legal disclaimer
This article is an editorial collaboration between Bryan Anfinson, REALTOR® (Hegg REALTORS®) and Solomon Property Inspections. No payment, referral fees, or compensation of any kind were exchanged in either direction — not for this article, and not for any referral. We work together simply to give Sioux Falls buyers and homeowners accurate, useful information. Each of us operates as an independent professional, and you are always free to choose any inspector, contractor, or service provider you trust.
This article is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not legal, financial, or professional inspection advice. It is not a substitute for a home inspection performed by a licensed professional, and no article can determine the condition of a specific property. Pricing and inspection details stated above are provided by Solomon Property Inspections and reflect August 2026; verify current pricing and scope directly. Always hire a qualified home inspector and consult the appropriate professionals before making a real estate decision. All real estate services are offered in compliance with the Fair Housing Act.
Bryan Anfinson is a licensed REALTOR®, not a home inspector, engineer, or licensed tradesperson, and does not claim to be an expert in structural, mechanical, electrical, roofing, plumbing, or any other specialized trade. Nothing in this article is a professional opinion on the condition of any specific property. Bryan Anfinson assumes no responsibility or liability for the condition of any home, or for any defect, damage, repair, or material issue — whether disclosed, undisclosed, discovered, or undiscovered — including any problem that arises or becomes apparent after an inspection or after closing. Any decision you make based on this information is your own, and you should rely on your own licensed professionals.
Sources
- U.S. EPA — Radon action level (4.0 pCi/L)
- South Dakota DANR — Radon Program
- InterNACHI — Standards of Practice for home inspections
- Solomon Property Inspections
- Inspection findings, service details, and pricing provided by Bob and Joe Solomon, Solomon Property Inspections (August 2026)
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