How Much Should Home Inspections Cost & Other FAQs!

How Much Should Home Inspections Cost

Ready to get your home inspected for sale?  Or maybe you’re about to purchase a condo and want to know what to expect.  This guide to frequently asked questions will help you with all things home inspection!

How Much Does a Home Inspection Cost?

Home inspections can cost from $200-$500. The price depends on the home’s size, age, location, and if additional steps are required, such as testing for mold and/or radon.

Below is a list of what you can generally expect to pay for a home. With so many factors that play into the final cost of a house, the charge can vary from the suggested price that is listed.

  • Homes Under 1,000 Square Feet: $200-$300
  • Homes from 1,001-1,500 Square Feet: $300-$400
  • Homes 1,501+ Square Feet: $400+

The good news is that you may save some money on home inspections by taking a few simple steps. An inspector’s job is to assess the condition of the home and nothing more.

Anything you can do to make their job easier may reflect positively on how much they charge you. For a smooth process, make sure:

  • The home is clean
  • Small issues (such as burnt out light bulbs) have been addressed before the visit
  • Utilities are on
  • You are present during the inspection
  • Who pays for a home inspection, the buyer or the seller?

In most cases, the buyer will pay for the home inspection. You should enlist the services of an inspector as soon as the seller accepts your offer. Keep in mind that this may not be the case for you as a seller may cover the cost of a home inspection as part of the closing costs.

Ultimately, who pays for the home inspection is decided during the negotiation process. If the seller is motivated to make the transaction go as smoothly and quickly as possible and are confident in the condition of the property, they may decide to cover this fee or fees for you.

How long does a home inspection take?

For an average size home of 2600 square feet, an inspection takes 2-3 hours to complete. The size of the house will directly impact how long an inspection will take, but it won’t veer far from this timeframe.

After the inspection is over, the inspector will need to file a report. This part of the process can take about 3-4 days to complete.

Does a condo cost the same as a house for an inspection?

A condo is generally going to be cheaper to inspect than a house. This is because the size of the building directly relates to the cost of an inspection. The average for home inspections is about $315. The cost to inspect a condo can be as little as $200.

What does a home inspector look for?

A home inspector will search and assess the condition of the home from top to bottom. Any damages or other issues will be taken note of and filed into the report.

You can expect the inspector to look at the following areas:

  • Floors
  • Windows
  • Doors
  • Foundation
  • Basement
  • Structural Components
  • Roof
  • Attic
  • Electrical Systems
  • Interior Plumbing
  • HVAC System

If they find more issues, does the price of the home inspection go up?

If an inspector finds issues, this will not be directly reflected in the inspection price. Additionally, repair estimates are part of a standard inspection. An inspector’s job is only to identify and report any issues with a property

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