A home inspection usually takes 2 to 3 hours to complete. There are several factors apart from the home size that can contribute to the overall time taken for an inspection.
Home inspection takes time as it covers several steps to help you find issues in your property. A proper inspection can help uncover various defects in your property, including pests, structural, and electrical issues.
Know More About Home Inspection Timelines🏡
- Its takes 3 to 4 hours for inspection in Texas, making it the longest inspection time in the entire US.
- New York City boasts some of the shortest inspection times in the US, with a 2 hours inspection time.
- California’s inspection reports are generally very comprehensive, typically 30-40 pages in length. Hence it takes longer to inspect.
How Long Does a House Inspection Take?
It usually takes 2 to 3 hours to inspect a standard-sized home. But, Factors like house size, age, and inspector expertise can influence inspection time.
Trained home inspectors look for issues that affect the home’s integrity. A home inspector primarily focuses on checking the structure, roof, HVAC, electrical, plumbing, windows, doors, and foundation.
9 Factors That Determine the Time Taken for a Home Inspection
Factors that can affect a home inspection’s time interval are:
- Age of the Home: Older homes generally have potential hidden threats which call for a thorough examination. You can expect the inspection to last an hour or two for houses built before 1970.
- House Size: An average-sized house takes about 2.5 hours to inspect. An extra 500 square feet will also add another 30 minutes to the inspection timeframe. That means, a 2,000-square-foot house might take 3 hours to inspect.
- Foundation Type: Crawl spaces with depth, require additional exploration time compared to the slabs. Hence, you can add an extra 30-60 minutes to your timeframe estimate if you have crawl spaces in your house.
- Current Condition: A well-kept home moves quickly through inspections, but one with issues requires more time for a thorough check.
- Climate: Extreme weather regions, like heavy snow or heat, require extra time for detailed assessments of roofs and exteriors. Hence, prepare for potential scheduling changes.
- Systems Used: Homes equipped with complex systems like pools, sprinklers, or solar panels require specialized inspections. This can potentially extend the overall duration as well.
- Inspector’s Expertise: Inspectors with experience will be able to solve underlying issues with much more efficiency than a newcomer. Hence, try to choose the best inspectors around you based on an apt experience level.
- Communication: Clear communication addresses your concerns properly. It helps the home inspector to inspect as per your specific needs, which further, saves time.
- Final report: Once the inspection is complete, the inspector outlines their observations, recommendations, and potential repair estimates. It takes an average of 48 hours to form an inspection report. It might also take a few business days based on the circumstances.
How to Determine if You Need a Home Inspection?
While some may be tempted to skip this step, statistics show that nearly 90% of homebuyers opt for inspections. Hence, try to understand the basic flaws present in the house before you make any decisions.
If you are not well aware of how to differentiate between a major and a minor flaw, try to read more about home inspection and what checklist to follow.
Even a small crack can be a major problem if it runs diagonally across the pillar of the house. Therefore, it is advisable to get the home checked every once in two years.
What Happens After a Home Inspection?
Once your home inspection is done, you can expect to:
- Receive the Report: Within a few days, the inspector will send you a detailed inspection report of their outlined findings. This document reveals your home’s strengths and weaknesses.
- Assess the Findings: Take your time to review the report thoroughly. Don’t hesitate to clarify any doubts with your inspector. Understand the details, as it is crucial to make informed decisions.
- Address the Repairs: If you choose to proceed, plan your budget for any necessary repairs. Try to get quotes from several contractors to ensure that you get the best value.
How Much Does a Home Inspection Cost?
The average cost for home inspections falls within the range of $300 to $500. Nationwide, prices vary, depending on the property’s size and the specific type of inspection being conducted.
» Home Inspection Cost: Know more about general inspection rates.
Bottom Line
A home inspection typically takes 2 to 3 hours. It generally covers depends on the house size, age, and the inspector’s expertise. It’s a crucial step to identify defects and save you from potential issues.
The average cost of a home inspection is $300 to $500. The inspection report is generally received within 24-48 hours or might take even a few days. It is an essential tool to make informed decisions about the property.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does an inspection take?
It usually takes 2 to 3 hours to inspect a standard-sized home. But, factors like size, age of the house, inspector's expertise, and more can also influence the time taken to get an inspection done.
How long does it take to get a home inspection report?
It takes an average of 48 hours to form a report. It might also take a few business days depending on the circumstances.
What is 4 point inspection?
A 4 point inspection evaluates the most essential systems of your home, including the roof, electricals, plumbing, and HVAC, to assess the potential risks.
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