Home inspection costs range from $300 to $500 in the United States. But these prices vary! What costs just $425 in Pennsylvania is almost $600 in Washington State.
Does this mean you should not shell out for an inspection? The answer is NO.
Home inspections can save you almost $14,000 in repair costs. And that’s not all! 46% of buyers use it to negotiate lower purchase prices. You can do the same and buy your dream home in the United States.
How Much Is a Home Inspection?
The average cost of a home inspection falls between $300 and $500. However, the cost can vary depending on factors like your home size.
Here’s a breakdown of home inspection prices per square foot:
| Home Size (in sq. ft.) | Average Cost |
| Less than 1,000 | $242 |
| 1,001 to 1,500 | $280 |
| 1,501 to 2,000 | $290 |
| 2,001 to 2,500 | $307 |
| 2,501 to 3,000 | $323 |
| 3,001 to 3,500 | $338 |
| 3,501 to 4,000 | $365 |
| 4,001 to 6,000 | $421 |
Source: Thumbtack
What Influences the Average Home Inspection Cost?
Multiple factors can influence the average home inspection cost. Here are a few of them:
- Type of Inspection: A general home inspection usually costs around $500. However, a specialized inspection, like a foundation inspection, may cost around $800. Moreover, for specialized inspections, you will have to find an expert inspector who could quote a hire price.
- Location: Depending on your location, home inspectors charge different prices. For instance, while the average cost of a house inspection in Miami is $124, it is $300 in Jacksonville.
- Number of Home Inspectors: The higher the number of inspectors, the more competitive the price you can expect in your area.
- Age of the House: Home inspections for new homes are cheaper than those for older homes. You may require an experienced home inspector to provide an accurate inspection of older homes.
- Square Footage: The cost of a home inspection increases with the square footage of your property.
What Are the Costs of Different Types of Home Inspections?
Here are some estimates of various types of home inspections:
| Types | Average Price | What it Covers |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation Inspection | $300 to $1,000 | This inspection looks at cracks, mildew, damaged floorboards, and more. |
| Roof Inspection | $150 to $350 | It is an examination for mold, water leakage, structural issues, wear and tear by natural elements, and more. |
| Septic Tank Inspection | $200 to $900 | This inspection involves a check of the septic tank, leach field, and distribution box. The inspector will also check the grading and whether the effluent enters and leaves the tank properly. |
| Electrical Inspection | $100 to $400 | It identifies faulty electrical wiring, overloaded circuits, and a lack of earthing. |
| Plumbing Inspection | $200 to $300 | It is an inspection of the home’s sinks, toilets, and water pipelines. It looks for leakages, water or chemical corrosion, etc. |
| HVAC Inspection | $200 to $300 | A testing of HVAC appliances to check their electrical components, failures, airflow, maintenance, etc. |
| Asbestos Inspection | $231 to $778 | It is an examination to identify the presence of asbestos materials on a property. The inspector may use special tools or analyzers to find traces of asbestos. |
| Radon Inspection | $400 to $419 | The inspection covers the levels of radon in the water, air, or soil surrounding the property. If found beyond a certain level, radon can become a safety hazard. |
| Lead-Based Paint Inspection | $550 to $650 | An inspector performs a visual check of the property for the presence of lead-based paint. If found, the toxic levels of lead are examined to ensure that it does not pose a safety hazard. |
| Termite Inspection | $75 to $375 | This inspection involves an examination of the interior and exterior areas of the home for visible signs of termite infestation. These signs include pest droppings, broken and damaged wood, and more. |
| Mold Inspection | $600 to $700 | It identifies the presence of mold in the home, including what type of mold is present in the house. Too much exposure to mold can cause respiratory problems and infections. |
| Chimney Inspection | $450 to $550 | A basic chimney inspection involves a visual examination of the fireplace and chimney for any obstructions, soot, or buildup. |
| 4-Point Inspection | $85 to $125 | This inspection primarily examines the HVAC, roofing, plumbing, and electrical systems. |
| Garage Inspection | $200 to $600 | It involves an examination of garage walls and foundation, doors, fire safety, etc. |
| Exterior Walls Inspection | $200 to $800 | This inspection identifies cracks, mold, and damage caused by water, air, or heat. |
| Kitchen Inspection | $200 to $400 | It includes an inspection of cooking equipment, electrical kitchen appliances, a general hygiene and safety check, and more. |
| Soil Inspection | $700 to $2,000 | This inspection identifies the presence of toxins or chemicals in the soil, like lead, arsenic, zinc, copper, barium, etc., that can pose a safety hazard. |
Sources: Forbes.com | Homeadvisor | Homeguide | Fixr
Who Pays for a Home Inspection?
Typically, the buyer pays for a home inspection in the United States. Home inspection costs are also considered a part of closing costs, but they are paid at the time of the inspection. Sellers may pay for a home inspection if they conduct it before listing their house or accepting an offer.
How Long Do Home Inspections Take?
A home inspection generally takes around 2 to 4 hours. You can expect a detailed report within 1-2 days of the inspection. However, this time can vary depending on the square footage of your house.
Your inspector must take a considerable amount of time for the inspection. If they complete the process in a short period of time, they might not be able to catch subtle issues.
Bottom Line
While a home inspection costs around $300 to $500, it can save you almost $14,000 in repairs. In addition, it helps you to negotiate with the seller for repair compensation. You can also walk out of the deal if the inspection report shows major defects.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a house inspection?
The average price of a home inspection falls between $300 to $500 in the United States.
Who pays for a home inspection?
In most real estate transactions, a buyer pays the house inspection fees. Sellers may pay for a home inspection if they perform one anytime before putting their house up for sale or before accepting an offer.
What is the most important inspection for a house?
A general home inspection includes a complete assessment of the home's condition. Here are some of the important inspections you should conduct:
1. Foundation Inspection
2. Roof Inspection
3. Plumbing Inspection
4. Electrical Inspection
5. HVAC Inspection
