Make Sure To Inspect Your Home!

Key Takeaways & Advice for Homeowners

• Get a radon test—especially if you have a basement or ch

• Always inspect a home before purchase, even if it’

• For foundation issues, get a second opinion before signing with a contractor.

• Mold and air quality matter, particularly in home

• Don’t skip warranty inspections for new builds—get documentation before the warranty end

• Educate yourself. Attend a homebuyer class or consult with your inspector on maintenance tips.

• Choose inspectors with strong reviews and full-service options.

Meet Dan Appel

Dan Appel is anything but a typical home inspector. Originally from Wheaton, MN, his resume includes everything from solar sales in Colorado and fur trading across the West to teaching eighth graders in Africa as a Peace Corps volunteer. With a master’s degree in business and a thirst for variety, Dan sought a career that would challenge him intellectually and keep him on his feet.

“I realized I can’t sit in an office all day,” Dan said. “I need to be in a different place every day, encountering something new. This job gives me that. Pretty much every day, I see something that makes me stop and think, ‘What is that?’ And it pushes me to dig in, figure it out, and grow my expertise.”

Now settled in Fargo to be closer to family, Dan helps push Nordic Home Inspection forward with that same curiosity and drive—balancing field work with client consultations, report writing, and ongoing education.

Did You Know?

The upper midwest, including North Dakota and Minnesota, has some of the highest radon levels in the country. This is due to the unique geology of the region—particularly the glacial and sedimentary soils left behind by Ancient Lake Agassiz. These soil types are known to contain higher levels of uranium, which leads to more radon production.

Radon enters homes through:

• Cracks in foundation walls or floors
• Gaps around pipes and drains 
• Sump pits and crawl spaces
• Exposed soil in basements

About Nordic Home Inspection

Nordic Home Inspections offers far more than the standard home inspection. While their bread and butter remains pre-purchase assessments, their services extend to a comprehensive list of critical home evaluations, including:

Sewer Scopes (Camera Inspection of Sewer Lines)

Why this is important: Underground sewer lines are hidden and expensive to repair—replacements can cost upwards of $15,000. A sewer scope can reveal blockages, root intrusions, breaks, or sagging pipes before they cause catastrophic backups or require emergency excavation. This is especially vital in older homes where sewer infrastructure may be deteriorating.

Radon Testing and Radon Mitigation System Installation

Why this is important: Radon is a radioactive gas that naturally seeps up from the soil and can accumulate in homes—especially in basements. It’s the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S., according to the EPA. Testing ensures your home is safe, and mitigation systems reduce risk when radon levels are high. Even homes with existing systems need periodic checks to confirm they’re working properly.

Mold Testing and Air Sampling

Why this is important: Mold exposure can cause or aggravate respiratory issues, allergies, and other health problems—especially in children and individuals with weakened immune systems. Mold often hides behind walls or under flooring, especially after water damage. Air sampling helps detect harmful spores that aren’t visible, and ensures indoor air quality is safe.

Foundation Elevation Surveys to Detect Settling

Why this is important: Homes in the Fargo-Moorhead region are built on clay-rich soils that shift dramatically with moisture and freezethaw cycles. This can cause foundation walls to crack, bow, or settle unevenly. Elevation surveys identify early signs of structural movement so homeowners can address issues before they lead to major repairs—or evaluate whether a contractor’s repair recommendation is truly necessary.

Add Your Heading Text Here

Why this is important: New homes often come with one- or two-year builder warranties. While buyers may assume everything in a new house is flawless, construction mistakes and overlooked issues are common. A thorough inspection near the end of the warranty period gives homeowners documented proof of defects they can ask the builder to fix—potentially saving thousands in future repairs.

“We’re a one-stop shop. Not many inspectors around here are certified for radon testing or have sewer scopes. With us, you get it all in one go,” Dan said.

This approach not only saves clients time and money, but also ensures peace of mind—especially for first-time buyers navigating unfamiliar territory.

“We go beyond just pointing out deficiencies—we help people understand how their home works, and how to keep small issues from turning into big, expensive problems,” Dan said.

This philosophy will soon take shape in a new offering: homebuyer education classes, hosted in partnership with local realtors and lenders. Both in-person and online, these sessions will walk first-time buyers through everything from mortgages to maintenance—and may even help them qualify for better rates.

Advice for Choosing An Inspector

Dan offers practical tips for selecting a reliable inspector:

• Read reviews.

• Understand what services are offered. Not all inspectors offer sewer scopes, radon testing, or mold analysis.

• Look for certifications. Especially for radon and mold testing.

• Be wary of agent preferences. While agents often suggest inspectors, they might prioritize speed over thoroughness. “We’ve found deal-killers,” Dan said. “Not every agent loves that—but we’re doing our job.”

Nordic Inspections

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nordichomeinpection.com
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