How Much Does a Home Inspection Cost? [2024 Data]
Normal range: $296 - $423
The average cost of a home inspection is $342, though you may spend more or less depending on where you live and how large your home is.
The average cost of a home inspection is $342, with prices ranging from $296 to $423. A home inspection can give you peace of mind that your dream home will be hazard-free on move-in day and even save you money by asking the sellers to pay for any needed repairs before closing. Learn more about the cost of a home inspection and what impacts the price.
- Average
- $342
- Low end
- $189
- high end
- $505
What Factors Influence the Cost of a Home Inspection?
As well as the size of your home, several other factors can influence how much a home inspection costs. Part of your home inspection cost calculations will include where you live, the condition of the property, and what the inspection covers.
Home Location
The average cost of a home inspection varies depending on your location. For example, in Detroit, the average price is $300, whereas in New Jersey, it’s $430. Here are some examples of home inspection costs across the country.
| City | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| New York | $450 |
| Los Angeles | $330 |
| Chicago | $320 |
| Houston | $350 |
| Philadelphia | $450 |
| Miami | $300 |
| Atlanta | $320 |
Size of the Building
Many inspectors charge a fixed price for homes up to 2,000 square feet, but others may charge less for a condo or mobile home under 1,000 square feet. Some inspectors will have a flat fee for homes up to 2,000 square feet and charge an extra fee of around $25 for every additional 500 square feet above this. For a standard home size, the average price is around $350.
| Building Size (by Square Feet) | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Under 1,000 | $200 |
| 1,000 – 2,000 | $350 |
| Over 2,000 | $400+ |
Age of the Home
It’ll come as no surprise that a home inspection can sometimes cost more for an older home. The inspector may need more time to check wiring and plumbing and make sure things are up to code.
If you’re buying a brand new home, a home inspection is still recommended. It’s a good idea to get new construction home inspection, in case the builder overlooked any details during the build. You want to ensure all the work is up to code and that the property is structurally sound before going ahead with a purchase.
What a Home Inspection Includes
Most home inspections cover a range of standard checks, but it is always a good idea to compare quotes from a few different local licensed home inspectors to make sure they’re thorough. Not every inspection will cover all the same elements.
Some major areas home inspections may cover include:
Structure and foundation: Checking the condition and structural integrity of the building.
Water damage: Looking for signs of potential water damage, like water stains or wet spots.
Roofing: Inspecting the condition of the roof, including loose shingles or decay.
Electrical system: Checking outlets, electrical panels, and other components to see if they are functional and up to code.
HVAC systems: Testing heating, cooling, and ventilation components for condition and effectiveness.
Plumbing: Testing aspects like water pressure in showers and the effectiveness of the water heater.
Floors, walls, and ceilings: Looking for visible signs of damage, like cracks or peeling paint.
Kitchens and bathrooms: Checking for leaky pipes, water pressure, and signs of mold.
Doors and windows: Ensuring they open and close easily and frames provide a tight seal.
Major appliances: Testing to make sure they work as they should.
Other Types of Home Inspections
Based on the results outlined in the home inspection report, you may hire an expert to take a closer look at a specific part of the house. These extra checks typically require specialized certification or extra time. Specialized home inspections can cover all areas of the house, both outside and inside.
| Specialized Inspection | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Plumbing | $575 |
| Electrical | $340 |
| Foundation | $600 |
| Roof | $230 |
| HVAC System | $300 |
| Attic | $350 |
| Basement and Crawl Space | $200 |
| Pests | $125 |
| Mold | $660 |
| Lead Paint | $340 |
| Trees | $450 |
| Chimney | $450 |
| Asbestos | $490 |
| Radon | $250 |
Interior Inspections
Carefully checking the major systems of the home is important, as is looking into the areas of the home you may not often visit.
A plumbing inspection typically checks that components are installed properly with no leaks, damage, or corrosion. They may also test water pressure and water quality.
An electrical inspection may be in order if the light flickers when someone starts the dishwasher. The inspector will check that circuits are grounded, cables are clamped, and electrical boxes are big enough.
HVAC inspections can be general or more specialized. Standard home inspections usually include a general look at the HVAC system, but a specialist may be needed to take a closer look at issues with the furnace or air conditioner.
Attic inspections are important, even if the unfurnished space is only used for storing holiday decor. Attic insulation, for instance, plays a big role in keeping your home comfortable and energy-efficient.
Hiring a pro to inspect your basement and crawl spaces can assess for possible issues relating to mold and moisture, the integrity of the foundation, and possible infestations.
What our customers are saying:
"The inspector took me along during the inspection. He showed me what he was inspecting and explained any findings. Along the way he took the opportunity to point out various utility shut-offs. He identified and explained safety concerns he found as well. The inspection was quite thorough taking a little over two hours. A comprehensive report complete with many included photographs was provided later the same day. The service was well worth the cost."
— Marshall K., Penfield, NY
Exterior Inspections
Outside the home, inspections may look at major structures and other features of the property.
Inspecting building foundations can reveal potential issues like bouncing floors, sinking ground, or cracks in the foundation, interior walls, or ceiling.
A thorough roof inspection is vital for keeping the home safe from outside elements like rain, snow, and high winds. A roof in need of repair may be prone to mold, leaks, and higher energy bills.
A tree inspection can help decide whether an old, sick tree is worth saving. It can also help to determine whether the tree’s roots may be damaging the home’s foundation.
Chimney inspections come in three levels, ranging from a basic assessment to in-depth testing of hidden parts. Regular chimney inspections are important to uncover possible safety hazards.
Health and Safety Inspections
Potential hazards hidden from view can come to light with the help of an experienced technician. Some inspectors offer a thermal imaging service for a more thorough inspection of the home for infestations, structural or electrical problems, or energy efficiency. Expect to pay as much as $250 more on top of the main inspection costs for this.
A pest inspection searches for signs of insects, rodents, and other creatures in the home. Termites can eat away at the wooden structure of a home, for instance.
Mold inspections are important for protecting the structural integrity of the home. The airborne spores can also cause a variety of respiratory problems.
A lead paint inspection is standard practice on any homes built before 1978 when the federal government banned their use. Lead particles can cause serious health issues.
An asbestos test is recommended for any home built before the 1970s. Asbestos-containing materials commonly used in construction back then are considered highly toxic.
Radon testing detects naturally occurring radioactive gas, which can enter through cracks and gaps around your home and is a leading cause of lung cancer.
Frequently Asked Questions
The main purpose of a home inspection is to assess the overall condition of a home. It looks at major systems, like electrical and plumbing, and considers the long-term safety of the home. In contrast, a home appraisal sets out to estimate a home’s fair market value, often for lending purposes. At about $350, a typical home appraisal costs about the same as an average home inspection.
Yes, new home building inspections are just as important as inspecting older homes. They provide buyers with the chance to catch mistakes, like improper grading or faulty wiring, before they turn into problems. A new home inspection costs about the same as a standard inspection, typically between $280 and $400.
The unseen issues with a home are often the ones that turn out to be the most stressful. While inspections aren’t a legal requirement, they can highlight significant issues, such as damaged foundations, excessive mold, leaky basements, or problematic plumbing. These can cost thousands of dollars to repair and the work can be invasive.
Knowing these things that fail a home inspection in advance allows you to decide if you want to proceed with the purchase. The seller may even cut back the sale price to help cover any renovation expenses or take care of them before closing.
Unless you or a family member are knowledgeable about the construction trade, it isn’t a good idea to conduct your own home inspection. A certified local home inspector will have lots of experience, know what to look for in your home, and be up to date with the local safety and regulation code requirements.
If you’re working with a realtor, chances are they have a trusted inspector to recommend. Although licensing requirements for home inspectors vary, they need to have local certification and valid insurance. Inspectors can have affiliations with professional associations, such as the American Society of Home Inspectors.
Once you’ve established their qualifications, it’s good to check reviews of their work online and get quotes from others. Once you hire a certified home inspector, be available on-site during the inspection. It typically takes around two to four hours to complete an inspection, and they’ll provide you with a detailed report on completion.
As a home seller, you may want to conduct a pre-listing home inspection to help you finalize a fair asking price for your property. Typically, though, the home buyer pays for the inspection. This allows them to make an informed decision before proceeding with any purchase. The inspection is done before the deal is closed, and the buyer pays the inspector shortly after they submit their report.