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The average homebuyer usually decides to buy a home within minutes of seeing its exterior. However, this is never a good plan. You can’t know what unforeseen money-pit problems await you if you don’t do a home inspection and commit to prior research.
Below, we outline all home inspection costs, covering the price by property size, location, and age. We also explain what’s included in these costs and help you determine if it’s worth the price tag.
Table of contents
How much does a home inspection cost? Home inspection cost by house size Cost of a home inspection by location Home inspection price by house age What’s included in the cost of a home inspection? Foundation and structural integrity checks Plumbing and electrical system checks Water intrusion and mold checks Environmental and health hazard checks Building code compliance checks Is the cost of a home inspection worth it? Hiring a home inspector Home Inspection FAQs
How much does a home inspection cost?
The average price for home inspection ranges from $200 to $800, according to Home Guide, depending on the home's size, location, and age.
The final home inspection cost may increase further if you need specialized add-on inspections to look for mold, radon, termites, and more.
Home inspection cost by house size
Size |
Average cost of a standard inspection |
Up to 1,000 square feet |
Between $200 and $250 |
Between 1,000 and 1,500 square feet |
Between $250 and $300 |
Between 1,500 and 2,000 square feet |
Between $300 and $400 |
Between 2,000 and 2,500 square feet |
Between $400 and $450 |
Between 2,500 and 3,000 square feet |
Between $450 and $500+ |
Cost of a home inspection by location
Area |
Average cost |
West |
$200 to $800 |
Midwest |
$200 to $625 |
Southwest |
$200 to $600 |
Southeast |
$200 to $700 |
Northeast |
$200 to $750 |
Home inspection price by house age
As a general rule, the older the house, the longer the inspection takes, so the more it costs. Older homes usually need to be checked for toxic materials like asbestos or lead paint. Inspecting for these could increase the final home inspection price by up to $200.
What’s included in the cost of a home inspection?
A standard home inspection looks over the primary systems of any home: the foundation and structural systems, plumbing systems, roof, and electrical systems.
Foundation and structural integrity checks
A qualified home inspector assesses the age, condition, and long-term viability of key structural components, including:
Foundation
Walls
Load-bearing structures
Flooring
Roof
They’ll check each of these for decay, rot, and structural instability.
Plumbing and electrical system checks
Home inspectors often test the viability of the home's water pressure, plumbing systems, and electrical systems. They also test the HVAC system.
Water intrusion and mold checks
A home inspector should spot water intrusion and current, developing, or future mold problems.
If applicable, home inspectors also check the septic systems in the front or back yard to ensure they work.
Environmental and health hazard checks
Home inspectors can check for invisible radioactive gases like radon which can seep into a house from cracks in the foundation. They can check the asbestos levels in the paint or insulation. Or, they can check for pests like rodents or termite infestation.
Building code compliance checks
Most importantly, a home inspector ensures that the home in question and its systems comply with all relevant local housing and building codes.
Is the cost of a home inspection worth it?
Given the high cost of a home inspection, it might be tempting to forgo one altogether. After all, many states or municipalities don't legally require a home inspection, and many home inspectors aren’t professionally licensed. Sellers may even discourage you from paying for home inspection to expedite the finalization of the sale.
In short, you don’t have to have a home inspection.
However, if you buy a home without paying for a home inspection, you may be purchasing a money pit. From crumbling structural systems to rodent or insect infestation problems, and poor electrical or plumbing systems to roofing and flooring issues, a whole host of problems could be awaiting you when buying a new house. And there is no incentive for a seller to tell you that you will spend a fortune rehabilitating the house they are trying to sell to you.
So, for your own financial benefit and peace of mind, it’s best to get a home inspection if you can afford it.
Do you need a site or floor plan for a housing permit? Contact My Site Plan today.
Hiring a home inspector
The most efficient way to hire a home inspector is through a real estate agent, broker, or lawyer. But don’t just accept without vetting them yourself. Get the name of the home inspector, check their credentials and prices online, and comparison shop. Don't be afraid to contact the home inspector directly and ask if they are licensed and registered to work according to local and state laws.
Most experienced home inspectors are members of home inspection industry organizations and groups like:
National Association of Home Inspectors (NAHI)
American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI)
National Association of Certified Home Inspectors (NACHI)
Make sure that your home inspector is a member of one or more of such organizations.
A good home inspector should have a business record going back at least three to five years, with a minimum of 1,000 inspections performed. You can also ask a home inspector to send you a sample report, which is a rough estimate of what the home inspector will do during an inspection and their fee estimate.
Please don't do business with an unlicensed home inspector with only a few jobs under their belt.
Do you need help developing floor or site plans to get a permit? Contact My Site Plan today.
Home inspection FAQs
What is a home inspection?
A home inspection is a thorough inspection and vetting process of the home a buyer plans to buy.
Who pays for a home inspection?
Homebuyers are typically responsible for scheduling and paying for the inspection.
How long does a home inspection take?
A standard home inspection can take between 2 and 4 hours, depending on the size and condition of the home. Larger homes or those in poor condition may take longer to assess thoroughly. You can ask the home inspector for an estimated timeline when you book them.
What to look for in a home inspection?
Skipping a home inspection can expose a buyer to unexpected and potentially costly repairs. These might include structural issues, outdated electrical systems, or hidden damage that could significantly affect the home's value and safety.
Can a home inspection affect the negotiation process of a home purchase?
Yes, the findings from a home inspection can give buyers leverage to negotiate the price down or request repairs if significant issues are found. This can ultimately affect the final purchase price or terms of the sale.
What should a buyer do if a home fails inspection?
If a home "fails" an inspection, the buyer can negotiate repairs, ask for a price reduction, or in some cases, choose to withdraw their offer, depending on the severity of the issues discovered during the inspection.
This post was originally published on November 15, 2021. It was updated on March 31, 2025.
