How Much Does a Home Inspection Cost?
What You Need to Know
How Much Does a Home Inspection Cost?
Home inspections are a critical component in the home buying process and should never be skipped. The home inspector can reveal items that even the current owner is unaware of, and the impact can sometimes affect the cost of the home itself. Home Inspections are for both the buyer and the sellers to mitigate liability. You should familiarize yourself with the state’s SOP for the home inspectors in your state and the state’s rules for sellers’ disclosures during a home sale. Understanding these two helps with knowing what should expect from the sellers and the home inspector you choose.
The average cost of a home inspection is $300 – $500, according to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development. The specific cost will depend on a number of factors, including square footage, the region where the home is located, and any special services that may be required. Keep in mind that this is only for the home be inspected. There are additional services such as sewer scopes (plumbing pipes inspected with a camera), mold testing(air quality testing) as examples that will be added cost to the inspection.
How much Does a Home Inspection Cost in your area?
Opting out of a home inspection is not advised, even if the home you are buying is a new construction home. We have a booming area here in South Florida, Port St Lucie that has a ton of new construction and these homes should be inspected just like a home that is for resale. I’m not going to get too much into why but if you have ever bought something new that didn’t perform or was missing components expected then you understand why new construction should also be inspected.
So let’s look at some square footage examples for home inspection cost:
< 1000 sq ft = $200 – $250
1000 to 1999 sq ft = $250 – 500
2000 to 3000 sq ft = $500+
Home inspectors may also charge more for older homes. How much does the inspection cost? A property that is older will require more time as the list of potential issues and defects increases.
From plumbing and wiring to hazardous materials, the inspector will have to spend more time to ensure no issue is overlooked. Be sure to discuss the age of the home with potential inspectors to find out what, if any, added costs there will be.
What do home inspections include? or What do Home Inspectors look at?
Every home varies in what may be available or accessible at the time of the home inspection but all home inspections include the following items:
- Roof
- Exterior
- Foundation & Structure
- Plumbing
- Insulation, Ventilation & Attic
- HVAC
- Electrical
- Built-in Appliances
- Doors, Windows & Interior
- Garage
Who pays for the home inspection?
In most cases, the home buyer will be the person that pays for the home inspection. The home inspection is not considered a part of the closing cost for the deal.
How long does the inspection take?
A typical home inspection will take two to three hours. This will vary depending on both the age and size of the property being inspected. Other factors may be whether the home is furnished, cluttered, etc.
Are there any mandatory fixes after a home inspection?
The requirements will vary state to state but most often repairs are for things like environmental issues, roof, and renovations done without permits.
How should you choose a home inspector?
You can seek a home inspection company using google search, your realtor may have a few options to consider as well. Check out their reviews, websites, and sample reports to help with your selection.
I hope this information has been helpful related to how much does a home inspection cost. If you have additional questions and want to get in contact with GGR Home Inspections please send us a note, text, or call.
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Great article! The cost of a home inspection can vary depending on several factors, such as the location, size, age, and condition of the home, as well as the qualifications and experience of the inspector. Generally, a standard home inspection for a single-family home can cost between $300 and $500, while larger homes or additional inspections, such as radon or mold inspections, may cost more. It is essential to keep in mind that the cost of a home inspection is a small price to pay compared to the potential cost of undiscovered issues or repairs after purchasing a home. A thorough home inspection can provide valuable information about the condition of the property and help buyers make informed decisions about their investment. It is important to choose a qualified and experienced home inspector, and to discuss the cost and scope of the inspection upfront to ensure that both parties are on the same page.
Thanks for sharing!