Uploaded October 2025 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
There's a lot of confusion in real estate over what constitutes an intrusive inspection or intrusive testing. Today, I'll set the record straight on the definition of an intrusive inspection and discuss several possible scenarios. But first, let's take a quick step back to fully understand what I'm talking about.
The Official Definition for Minnesota
Most of the people who buy a home in Minnesota use the same purchase agreement from the Minnesota Realtors® Association. This form has a big heading, typically on page four, saying INSPECTIONS. Under this section, the buyer can elect to have a home inspection (or not), the purchase can be contingent upon the inspection (or not), and the seller may allow intrusive testing (or not). Most likely not. There's also a short sentence that defines "Intrusive Testing". This is very important.
For purposes of this Purchase Agreement, “intrusive testing” shall mean any testing, inspection(s), or investigation(s) that changes the Property from its original condition or otherwise damages the Property.
There. That's it. If you change or damage a property, it's intrusive. If you don't change or damage a property, it's not intrusive. Now, let's cover some common home inspection situations that are not intrusive.
There's a lot of confusion in real estate over what constitutes an intrusive inspection or intrusive testing. Today, I'll set the record straight on the definition of an intrusive inspection and discuss several possible scenarios. But first, let's take a quick step back to fully understand what I'm talking about.
The Official Definition for Minnesota
Most of the people who buy a home in Minnesota use the same purchase agreement from the Minnesota Realtors® Association. This form has a big heading, typically on page four, saying INSPECTIONS. Under this section, the buyer can elect to have a home inspection (or not), the purchase can be contingent upon the inspection (or not), and the seller may allow intrusive testing (or not). Most likely not. There's also a short sentence that defines "Intrusive Testing". This is very important.
For purposes of this Purchase Agreement, “intrusive testing” shall mean any testing, inspection(s), or investigation(s) that changes the Property from its original condition or otherwise damages the Property.
There. That's it. If you change or damage a property, it's intrusive. If you don't change or damage a property, it's not intrusive. Now, let's cover some common home inspection situations that are not intrusive.
