Are you planning to get a home inspection?

Home inspections provide insight into hidden damages in your house. It then helps avoid expending high costs due to unexpected structural faults. Although most buyers won’t require inspections, it ensures they get their money’s worth.

However, before getting a home inspection, knowing the price is a must. It allows you to set aside the right amount of money. To explain further, here is our guide about the average cost of a home inspection.

Average Cost of a Home Inspection

The average cost of a home inspection ranges from $300 to $450. However, the price can change due to certain factors, such as the location and size of your house. 

To get your money’s worth, hire a professional inspector. Expect to spend at least $400 when covering up to 2,000 square feet of your home. For larger houses, the price can push up to $500 to $600.

How Long Will the Inspection Take

One of the benefits of a home inspection is they will check for all necessary repairs in the house. Once you find someone, it’s best to get them into the house immediately. 

The inspection will depend on the state of the real estate market in your area. However, the length of the inspection can vary from a few hours to days. 

If you chose a specialized inspection, it will usually take a bit longer. The inspector will leave their equipment in the home to measure all inspections.

Factors Affecting the Cost

The inspector will do a thorough search of your house. However, there some aspects to make the inspection harder, changing the price. Here are some factors affecting home inspection prices.

Age of the Building

The first factor impacting home inspection cost is the age and condition of your house. Older houses often have higher costs due to having more issues. Inspectors will then need more time looking for damages, increasing the price.

Water Intrusion

Water damage is a serious problem, making it your biggest concern. Lingering water may cause your home’s structure to weaken and become unlivable. Sometimes, it can take years before you can even notice the problem.

From water damage, the issue with molds and mildew arises. This issue later causes health problems. It’s not a problem your family should deal with, especially if you have allergies.

Depending on the type of mold, you might spend thousands of dollars on repairs. If the inspection detects these problems, talk about the fixing cost.

Roof Checking

A building inspector will never forget to check your home’s roof condition. They will mostly check if there are any leaks to prevent water damages. If they notice signs of damage, it’s best to replace them immediately.

If you have asphalt-made roofs, they will often show signs of wearing, such as cracks. Replace them every 15 to 30 years since it’s their lifespan’s limit. 

For metal roofs, they can last anywhere between 50 and 75 years. However, be wary of rust. It can cause unwanted parts to fall off, leading to accidents.

Inspecting the Electrical Systems

Electrical problems are easy and inexpensive to fix. However, inexpensive repairs could also lead to deadly accidents if not taken immediately.

Home inspectors will check every accessible GFCI. It’s to make sure everything is operating properly. 

A faulty ground circuit interrupter costs around $10 to replace. Having a small price, people often overlook it, thus causing electrical accidents. If the property is old or had some upgrades, check to make sure the electrical system isn’t outdated.

Security and Protection

A security or alarm system is an optional addition to your home. The only problem to deal with is changing certain home features affecting its security. These features include the number of stories and windows in your home.

If the property has more than one story, the windows will be the only way for outsiders to enter. In this case, the inspectors will check if anyone can enter through the windows. However, if there are none, the inspectors will recommend you instead get a camera system.

Infestation History

Pest infestation is another serious issue most home inspectors point out. It can cause faster structural wearing and a variety of health risks. It’s especially when their bites cause allergic reactions.

These pests can vary from termites, bats, and even mice. Depending on the circumstances, you can make the necessary repairs. However, it’s still better to hire an exterminator to get rid of them all.

Remember, any other specialized inspection tasks will add to the total cost. If you or your agent suspects the presence of these hazardous substances, test it out. With the right remediation, it will save you a lot of money.

How to Choose the Right Home Inspection Company

To get the best home inspectors, check those near your area. You can even find one through your real estate agent.

Once you found one, ask them for certificates of verification. They should at least be a member of NACHI, NAHI, or ASHI for ensured legitimacy.

Next is to check their experience. They should at least have a minimum experience of 3 to 5 years. Their track record must be clean and mostly positive.

You can also ask for any of their previous reports to gain insight into the inspector. It can further explain why they have a higher price due to quality service. In the end, the money you spend on a home inspection can save you a lot.

Get Your Home Inspected Today

We hope this guide helped you know the average cost of a home inspection. Don’t let unknown damages cause unwanted accidents. Get your home inspected today and enjoy the benefits.

However, it’s best to look for more information regarding your home inspection process. It’s especially when you have special circumstances potentially affecting its costs.

Are you dealing with another housing problem? Check our other content and learn some helpful tips and tricks.