Minnesota just set a bold timeline for energy-smart housing. A 2024 law (HF 5242A) moves the state to a three-year update cycle for the residential energy code starting in 2026, with a target of cutting a new home’s net energy use 70 percent by 2038 (Minnesota’s New Residential Energy Code Update Process: A Major Step Toward Energy Efficiency | Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance). While that might sound like pure policy talk, it quietly changes what a thorough home inspection should cover beginning this year.

1. Why an energy-focused code matters to buyers and sellers

• More airtight, better-insulated homes
  Inspectors will see thicker attic insulation, advanced air-sealing details, and mechanical ventilation systems designed to keep fresh air moving without wasting heat. Verifying that these elements were installed correctly protects buyers from costly comfort complaints later.
• Equipment sizing and age
  The new code assumes smaller heating and cooling loads. If you are buying an older house that still has a monster 100 k BTU furnace, right-sizing that unit could slash annual bills. A home inspector can flag oversize or end-of-life equipment so you negotiate up front.
• Future-proof appraisals
  Appraisers already factor energy features into market value. With code updates coming every three years, today’s “average” 2025 build could look dated next to a 2029 neighbor unless sellers document its efficiency. A detailed inspection report provides the proof.

2. Expect a new set of field tests

Municipalities are not yet demanding blower-door or duct-leakage numbers on every resale, but lenders and green financing programs are. Adding an optional blower-door test during inspection offers three benefits:

1. Confirms the home meets or exceeds the code in effect when it was built.
2. Spots hidden air leaks that foster ice dams and mold.
3. Provides baseline data if you refinance through an energy-efficient mortgage later on.

3. Water quality alert – PFAS enters the chat

In April 2024 the Minnesota Department of Health announced 22 public water systems exceeding new federal PFAS limits (Health department says 22 Minnesota water systems have PFAS above new federal limits | MPR News). Cities from Brooklyn Park to Hastings now have five years to install treatment plants, and private-well owners are left to self-test.

For inspectors this means:

• Offer PFAS sampling the same way we already cover radon.
• Interpret lab results for clients unfamiliar with parts-per-trillion numbers.
• Recommend point-of-use filters when results top the new EPA maximum.

Homeowners who can show a clean water report stand out in a market where “forever chemicals” are suddenly headline news.

4. How Mason Home Inspections is adapting

1. Energy-ready checklist – We now document R-values, insulation coverage, ventilation type, and mechanical equipment sizing against the forthcoming 2026 code so buyers know where upgrades will be required.
2. Optional diagnostic testing – Blower-door and infrared scans are available as add-ons. Early data helps prioritize air-sealing dollars.
3. Expanded water testing panel – PFAS, nitrates, lead, manganese, hardness, and coliform bacteria can all be bundled. Results typically arrive in five business days.
4. Plain-language reporting – Technical findings are translated into practical steps so clients understand what should be fixed now versus later.

Final thoughts

Minnesota is quietly rewriting the definition of a “code-compliant” home. The upcoming efficiency targets and stricter water-quality rules will reshape purchase negotiations, insurance underwriting, and even resale timelines. A modern home inspection has to look beyond shingles and outlets; it must verify that the invisible systems behind the drywall will meet tomorrow’s standards.

If you’re planning to buy or sell in 2025, schedule an inspection that tackles these new realities. We would be happy to walk the property with you, answer questions, and make sure the next owner steps into a safe, efficient, and healthy home.

Questions? Reach out anytime – we love talking houses, even the drafty ones.

The Vital Role of Moisture Testing in Mason Home Inspections

When you schedule a home inspection through Mason Home Inspections, you’re not just getting a surface-level overview of a property — you’re gaining insight into the long-term safety, value, and livability of the home. One of the most critical yet often overlooked parts of any thorough inspection is moisture testing. This process helps uncover what may be hidden behind the walls or beneath finished surfaces and plays a significant role in identifying current or potential issues that can lead to major headaches down the road.

Moisture intrusion is one of the leading causes of structural damage, air quality problems, and costly repairs in residential homes. Whether it’s the slow seep of groundwater into a basement wall or a hidden plumbing leak inside an upstairs bathroom wall, excess moisture almost always causes more harm the longer it goes undetected. That’s why every inspection I conduct includes a non-invasive moisture test of both above-grade and below-grade walls using a specialized moisture meter.

At Mason Home Inspections, we test for moisture to protect you from the risks you can’t see — even when the drywall looks perfectly clean or the basement floor appears dry.

Why Moisture Testing Matters

Moisture testing is an essential component of a complete inspection because water can be both sneaky and destructive. It can compromise the structural integrity of framing, insulation, and foundation materials. It can lead to mold growth, pest infestations, rot, and even weaken electrical systems. And the worst part? Many moisture problems aren’t visible until the damage is advanced — which is often too late to fix without spending thousands.

Using an electronic moisture meter, I’m able to scan key areas of the home’s walls and ceilings to detect any signs of elevated moisture. This gives us a clearer picture of what’s happening behind the scenes, even when no water stains or visible mold is present.

Below Grade (Basement) Moisture

Basements are especially prone to water intrusion due to their location below the ground. If moisture is detected on the interior of a basement wall, it could indicate a failure in the home’s waterproofing system, improper grading outside, blocked or missing gutters, or even cracks in the foundation. Left unresolved, these issues can cause spalling concrete, crumbling mortar joints, or full-scale mold colonization in insulation and framing.

When I find elevated moisture levels in a basement, I always recommend further evaluation to determine the source. In some cases, it could be as simple as poor humidity control, while other times it might require drainage correction or exterior sealing.

Above Grade (Living Areas) Moisture

Moisture found in upper-level walls and ceilings is often a red flag for roof leaks, plumbing failures, or condensation issues. These types of problems might stem from old or damaged flashing, leaky shower valves, or even poor attic ventilation. Catching this early is crucial — not only to protect the structural elements of the home, but also to prevent mold growth that can impact air quality and your family’s health.

Peace of Mind for Buyers and Sellers

Whether you’re buying your first home or preparing to list a property, moisture testing gives you peace of mind. Buyers can move forward confidently, knowing hidden moisture isn’t waiting to cause trouble. Sellers can proactively fix issues before they become deal breakers.

At Mason Home Inspections, I don’t just check boxes — I look deeper. Moisture testing is one of the ways I ensure your home is safe, sound, and ready for whatever comes next.