Home inspections cost an average of $343
The average cost of a home inspection is $343, with most homeowners paying between $296 and $424.
Costs can range as low as $187 and up to $510, depending on factors like location and home size.
Home inspections help identify potential issues before buying or selling a home.
Key cost factors include the property's location, size, and the inspector's experience.
Investing in a professional home inspection can protect you from unexpected repair costs.
This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.
A home inspection costs an average of $343, with most inspections ranging between $296 and $424, depending on factors like your location and the size of your home. A home inspection can give you peace of mind by providing an expert evaluation of your potential home's condition, highlighting any issues before you close the deal.
By investing in a professional home inspection, you can identify major problems like foundation damage or faulty electrical systems early, helping you make an informed decision and potentially save on unexpected repair costs.
Several factors influence the cost of a home inspection. Your home's location and size play significant roles in the price. You might also notice differences based on the inspector's experience, certifications, and whether they offer specialized inspections.
The size of your home plays a big role in determining the cost of a home inspection. Whether you have a condo or a large single-family house, expect to pay more for larger properties. Keep in mind that inspectors usually include your attic and basement in the total square footage when calculating their fees.
Home Size (Sq. Ft.) | Average Cost Range |
---|---|
Under 1,000 | $200–$250 |
1,000–1,500 | $225–$325 |
1,500–2,000 | $250–$375 |
2,000–2,500 | $275–$400 |
2,500–3,000 | $300–$500 |
Before hiring a home inspector, it's a good idea to interview two or three professionals. Their rates can vary based on their experience, certifications, and whether they offer specialized inspections. Choosing an inspector with the right qualifications ensures you get a thorough evaluation of your potential home.
Your location is a significant factor in the cost of a home inspection. For example, in popular cities, the price can range from $300 to $450.
City | Average Cost |
---|---|
New York | $450 |
Los Angeles | $330 |
Chicago | $320 |
Houston | $350 |
Philadelphia | $450 |
Miami | $300 |
Atlanta | $320 |
After your general home inspection, the inspector might recommend specialized inspections if they notice any issues that need a closer look. These specialized inspections require additional expertise and can cover specific areas of your home.
Some of the most common specialized inspections include:
Radon inspection: $250
Asbestos inspection: $490
Mold inspection: $660
Chimney inspection: $450
Roof inspection: $230
Unless you're an expert in home construction, it's best not to conduct a home inspection yourself. Professional home inspectors have the knowledge and experience to accurately assess a property's condition and are up to date with current building codes. Hiring a local home inspector is an investment that provides you with a comprehensive overview of your potential home, so you can address any issues before finalizing the purchase.
No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. We surveyed over 30,000 real customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
A thorough home inspection can reveal issues that you might otherwise not know about and provide you with an opportunity to address them before selling your home. Or, if you’re the home buyer, the inspection helps you decide whether or not to continue the sale or negotiate with the seller the final sale price if the inspector finds extensive problems.
As the home buyer, you're typically responsible for paying for the home inspection. This investment provides you with a clear evaluation of the property's condition and helps protect your investment. In some cases, the seller might choose to pay for a pre-listing inspection to identify and fix any defects before putting the home on the market, which can streamline negotiations and reduce the risk of unexpected repair expenses.
No, a home inspection isn't typically included in the closing costs. It's an independent service that you, as the buyer, usually arrange and pay for separately. Sometimes, the seller might get a home inspection before listing the property. This thorough evaluation provides detailed information about the home's condition, helping you identify issues that could lead to costly repairs and protecting your investment.
Yes, new home building inspections are just as important as inspections for older homes. They verify that construction standards have been met and that all critical systems comply with current safety codes. Inspectors examine electrical, plumbing, and structural components to ensure everything is in order before you move in. This service is similar to inspections for older homes and helps identify any construction errors early on.