Breakdown of Home Inspection Costs

Looking to buy a home? Already have one in mind? That’s great! All you need to do now is get a home inspection! Use our home inspection checklist to help keep you on track.

To do this, you’ll have to contact a home inspector. Home inspectors play a very important role in the homebuying process. The home inspection is a thorough and meticulous process. Home inspectors have to inspect every inch of the property, including crawl spaces, attics, roofing, and more. When an inspector inspects a home, they don’t just gaze over the interior and exterior of the home, they assess the age and quality of the home and estimate how long it will last. Inspectors will let you know if, when, and how structures and furnishings will deteriorate, and will tell you what you need to do after you’ve moved in so as to avoid more problems. A seller should be upfront about any issues with the home that may make it difficult for the buyer to finance, insure, or occupy the home.

Where can I find a quality home inspector?

The American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) has a search tool that allows you to find and compare inspectors near you. Additionally, the website Home Advisor features customer ratings for most local inspectors, but pay more attention to customer comments and reviews rather than simple ratings.

How much does a home inspection cost?

The cost of a home inspection is not standard across the board, as it depends on the size of the home. On average, home inspections cost about $315. Inspections of smaller houses or even condos can run as little as $200, while larger homes (houses over 2,000 square feet) can cost up to $400 or more.

How long does does a home inspection take?

A home inspection takes about 3-4 hours to complete. This also depends on the size of the home. It’s important to be with the home inspector throughout the inspection, so they can update and inform you about the condition of your home. This enables you to then approach the seller with more informed and meaningful questions.

How much does it cost to remove mold?

While inspectors are effectively trained to notice anything out of the ordinary, they are not plumbers, electricians, contractors, or engineers — they have their limits. Some home inspectors do provide additional services for added fees. One such service is mold testing. Most homeowners will pay anywhere between $300 and $500 to have their home inspected for mold and other substances, but the removal of mold can be quite costly. Having mold removed can cost between $305 and $1,175, with the average being $724. Of course, the cost of the removal will depend on how much mold there is and how many areas are infected.

How much does a radon gas test cost?

Another common issue to have your home tested for is the presence of Radon gas. A Radon test is not as expensive as a mold test, with the average cost being $523. Radon gas is an odorless, colorless, radioactive gas formed by the decay of radium. It is said to be the number two cause of lung cancer, so it is very important to have your home tested before moving in.

Remember, a home inspection is not for the seller, the lender, or the real estate agent: home inspections are primarily done to benefit the buyer. They are hired to help you purchase the right home for you, so listen to their advice and give them your undivided attention.