How Much Does a Home Inspection Cost?

Home Inspection Cost

According to a survey of HomeAdvisor users, a home inspection costs $340 on average, with most homeowners spending between $280 and $401. The actual costs depend on your location, and the size of your home. Many home inspectors have a fixed price for up to 2,000 square feet and higher prices for larger houses.

Home Inspection Cost Near Me

Average Cost of Home Inspection

The average cost of home inspection is $340, but it varies depending on whether you own a house, condo or mobile home. Veterans Affairs inspections costs are on average as regular home inspection costs.

House Inspection Cost

Condo Inspection Cost

Condo inspection costs as little as $200 for an area of less than 1,000 square feet.

Mobile Home Inspection Cost

Mobile home inspection costs $250, but if you have a double- or triple wide, it will cost more.

VA Home Inspection Cost

Veteran Affairs inspections are the same as any other inspection. On average, a VA inspection costs $340.

New Construction Home Inspection Cost

New construction home inspection costs $400. While you might think there’s no need to have a new home inspected, it’s worth it to ensure the structure is sound before you take ownership of it. And builders are more likely to make the repairs you request than a homeowner who may not have the resources (or desire) to fix everything.

Thermal Imaging Home Inspection Cost

Thermal imaging home inspection can add as much as $250 to the costs of your regular home inspection. While this is more than a regular home inspection, it’s worth it because it can reveal moisture issues, termite nests, electrical problems, rodent infestations, heat and energy loss, ventilation problems, foundation cracks, structural concerns and missing insulation.

Cost of Home Inspection and Appraisal

Bundling an inspection and home appraisal costs $750 on average. Most people pay between $300 and $600 for the appraisal alone.

DIY vs. Hire a Home Inspector

It’s not recommended to perform your home inspection yourself, since you need expert knowledge of home construction to truly assess the condition of the property. Home inspectors are also familiar with the most current building codes. Hiring a professional home inspector is an investment that will provide you with a good overview of the condition of the building so you can address any issues before entering into any real estate transaction. Find a home inspector in your neighborhood.

FAQs

What is included in a home inspection?

Not all home inspectors inspect the same things. They cover different areas in their inspection, so you should always find out ahead of time what exactly is covered and what isn’t. At the end of the inspection, the inspector should present you with a report listing the problem areas he or she found, along with photos. Make sure the following areas are covered to avoid future hassles and maintenance repairs:

• Appliances

• Plumbing

• Foundation

• Roof

• Attic

• Electrical system

• Windows and doors

• HVAC system

• Fireplaces

• The general interior and exterior

You might also want to have the home inspector cover:

• Termites

• Asbestos

• Radon

Note that these additional areas generally require specialized certification and will likely come at an additional cost.

What problems can a home inspection find?

A home inspection can reveal issues you might otherwise not know about, providing you with the opportunity to address them before selling your home or assessing their impact on the sale price if you’re buying the property. Some additional costs that may occur as a result of a home inspection include:

• Foundation repairs: Repairing damage to the foundation costs most homeowners from $2,050 to more than $7,100. The reason for this wide variance is because each foundation requires its own way of type of repairs based on the source of damage. In severe cases, you may need to replace the foundation completely.

• Mold: Removing mold from a crawlspace costs between $500 and $4,000. Removing it from ducts, walls, attics, crawlspaces, etc. can cost up to $6,000. If the mold has caused extensive structural damage, it can cost between $10,000 and $30,000 to repair. Find a mold testing company in your area.

• Basement: Bringing a basement up to code so you can use it as a room costs between $10,000 and $35,000 if you hire a professional to do the work. It involves permitting, repairing or replacing cracked concrete and sealing it at the lower end to create a whole legally livable space at the higher end.

• Plumbing: For most jobs that require a licensed plumber, you can expect to pay $275. This is usually for things like clogged sinks, slow flushing toilets and sink fixture replacements. Tree root problems can have a base cost of $350 with another $250 if a video examination is necessary. If you need to replace your main sewer, it costs on average $2,450.

• Electrical: Depending on where you live, bringing a house’s electrical system up to code costs between $10,000 and $15,000. If only part of your home needs to come up to code, the cost depends on what exactly you need. Remember: Don’t perform any major electrical work unless you’re a licensed electrician!

• HVAC: A new furnace costs between $1,700 and $13,000 If you need air conditioner or furnace parts, repairs usually cost between $500 and $700.

• Windows: Replacing a window costs between $300 and $700. However, if the frame has rot, termite or other pest damage, you can expect to pay between $450 and $1,000 per window.

• Flooring: Repairing a joist costs between $100 and $300 per joist. However, if the damage is extensive and you need to replace the joists, a single section can cost between $5,000 and $10,000. If you need to put the whole house needs on jacks and replace all of the joists, you can expect to pay between $10,000 and $30,000 or more depending on the size of the house and the ease of access beneath it.

What other inspections should I consider?

It’s advisable to consider the following additional inspections and their average costs:

• Radon testing: $150

• Asbestos: $600

• Mold: Testing: $820. Removal: $820.

• Lead: Testing: $300. Removal: $950-$2,300

• Sewer scope: $85-$300

How much do home inspectors make?

Home inspectors make $58,000 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

How much does a home inspection course and license cost?

A home inspection course and license costs between $1,000 and $3,500 depending on the level and area of expertise you want.

Who should pay for a home inspection?

The home buyer generally pays for a home inspection to assess whether the property he or she wants is structurally sound. However, in some cases, a home seller wants a home inspection so he or she knows if there are any issues that need to be taken into account when determining the asking price.

Is the home inspection part of the closing costs?

No, the home inspection isn’t part of the closing cost. A home inspection is completely optional, meaning that neither your lender nor the sales contract require it. Nevertheless, it’s a good investment because it provides you with a good overview of the condition of the home.