Do you know the home inspection cost and whether it is worth it?
Even though no one wants to spend more fees than they need to, saving money by not having your new home inspected isn’t recommended.
The home inspection report will reveal the property’s condition and uncover what you need to know before buying.
A thorough examination could save you from making an unfortunate mistake that could take your finances years to recover.
But in a seller’s market, you might be under pressure not to have the home inspected. While this could improve your chances of buying the property you want, there could be considerable downsides.
Home inspections are a way to protect yourself when you enter the housing market and are something you need.
From years of experience as a Realtor, it is a valuable part of the home-buying process.
But how much does a home inspection cost?
We examine what home inspections cover, why you need them, and how much you can expect to pay.
The inspection process will give buyers peace of mind they are making the best decision and that there are no surprises.
It is essential to note that the cost of a home inspection in your area may be different than in others.
Calling a few local professional home inspectors will give you quotes for the pricing. A real estate agent should also be able to provide you with a ballpark estimate of what home inspectors charge.
A Google search for home inspector costs near me may also prove helpful for a quote. Let’s look at everything you need to know.
What are Average Home Inspection Costs?
The average cost of a home inspection can vary depending on several factors.
The cost for home inspector reports isn’t the same everywhere. You can expect to pay between $300 and $800 or more, depending on your location. Average home inspection costs are estimated to be around $450.
It isn’t only your location that affects the cost of home inspection. The size of the home will also alter the price, and the property’s age could also affect how much you end up paying. It makes sense as the square footage will influence the time a real estate inspector does their job.
Often, home inspectors charge a flat fee for homes up to a specific size, with additional charges for larger homes. So, you can expect the cost per square foot to decrease for larger homes.
Older homes are sometimes more expensive to inspect because more thorough checks are required. The electrical system and plumbing must be examined to meet current building codes.
There might also be higher charges if the home is unusual or the inspector has traveled a long distance. It makes sense that a larger house would be more money, as the inspector has more space, features, and details to look over.
The cost for an inspection on new construction is similar to resale homes.
What Does The Cost Include?
Besides general home inspection services, you can expect a professional home inspector to provide a detailed report of their findings. The inspection reports will detail any significant issues and needed repairs.
Home inspection pricing usually includes the inspector checking the home for pests. You can expect the fees to involve looking for the presence of insects, mice, and other rodents.
Good inspectors will provide buyers with the overall condition of the home. They will also answer a buyer’s questions when the inspection is completed.
The inspector will flag possible issues that may need further research so you can decide on buying the home. You should consult the current homeowner to determine if they know of flagged issues. Honest homeowners will readily disclose anything they know about.
Sometimes, other inspections are required, depending on your mortgage financing. For example, they will need a termite inspection when you are using a VA loan. Homebuyers should research requirements upfront.
Who Pays For The Inspection?
The buyer in most real estate transactions bears the home inspection cost. Some sellers can choose to do a pre-sale home inspection. In that instance, they would pay for the house inspection costs.
When is it Paid For?
The cost of a home inspection is paid for when completed. Home inspectors will expect payment after the review is finished.
Are They Needed?
Considering the average home inspection cost to the home’s fair market value, it makes sense for a home buyer to make this investment.
While you might not like paying for this additional expense, it could save you a lot of money.
Structural issues in the home could be extremely costly, and buying a home without an inspection could leave you high and dry should something serious be found.
Even though the law might not require it, an inspection offers many benefits to buyers. First-time buyers, in particular, will benefit from professional inspectors thoroughly checking and writing a report about the home.
This will reassure them that they are making a good decision and provide more information about their new home.
Buying a home could be your largest purchase, so you should ensure you aren’t buying a money pit. The home inspection expense is also relatively small compared to the home’s purchase price.
While you might be on good terms with the seller and appear honest, they might not know the problems with their home.
In other situations, the seller might be looking to sell a home they know has severe defects. Either way, having a general home inspection will prevent you from buying a property you will later regret.
Even new construction homes can have problems. Many buyers will ask Is a home inspection needed for new construction? It depends on the quality and reputation of the builder in most cases.
How Long Does it Take?
The time the home inspection lasts depends on the size of the property, but you can expect it to last for at least 2-3 hours. Smaller properties like tiny houses, condos, or mobile homes could take less time.
Some types of homes in deplorable condition, such as condemned properties or abandoned houses, could take much longer.
When you sign a purchase contract after making an offer, there will be a certain amount of time to complete the home inspection. To make sure you stick to this timeline, it is advisable to seek an appointment with an inspector shortly after signing the contract.
You also have the option of attending the home inspection yourself. This will give you extra insights into the home and the issues it might have. It allows you to ask questions if you have any concerns about the house.
You should also have a better understanding of the home and its systems than you ever would have if you were relying on the inspector’s report.
What Checks are Included in the Price?
The home inspection cost includes a complete visual check of the home’s structure and systems. They will typically look at the central systems in the house to ensure they are working correctly and assess their condition and age.
The inspector might also check appliances that are included in the sale. The home’s structure will be examined, and safety issues will be found if there are problems like that.
Other items that the home inspector will report include:
- Foundations
- Basement
- Structural issues
- Kitchen
- Bathrooms
- Windows and doors
- Walls and ceilings
- Heating system
- Electrical System
- Air conditioning
- Plumbing system
- Fireplace
- Attic space
- Insulation
- Roof
- Flooring
- Exterior structures
Checking For Leaks
A home inspector will look for any indication of water entering the property. If there is water in the structure, it could mean serious problems.
Where it is not wanted, water could cause mold and mildew to grow, rotting the wood. A slight leak in the roof could cause water to enter the home without the owner noticing. A more dramatic leak, for instance, is more likely to be seen and repaired during a storm.
The inspection will look for current damage caused by water as well as signs of previous leaks. If there are watermarks, has the cause of the problem been fixed?
Investigating the Roof
The roof is frequently the cause of water damage, and the inspection will look at its condition. Has it been a long time since the roof was replaced?
Are there any signs of wear that could cause water to enter? Are shingles cracking or curling? These are all signs that roof replacement may be necessary.
Electrical Systems
Electrical problems could cause a fire or injure someone. Inspectors for homes will check for these types of issues. If something is wrong, it might not mean expensive repairs. Many electrical problems can be remedied at a low cost.
For example, a broken ground fault circuit interrupter might not be a problem that many consider worth worrying about.
However, if a device like this malfunctions, it could allow an electric shock to happen. But replacing this component might only cost $20, so if this issue is found during your inspection, it’s a simple problem to tackle.
Double-tapped breakers show up quite frequently at home inspections. Fixing the problems is relatively simple.
Additional Services Will Increase The Cost
A standard home inspection is only going to include the items mentioned. There may be other tests you want to conduct at the home.
For example, some of the other things you may want to test for include the following:
- Radon in the house and well
- Lead testing for homes built before 1978
- Well inspection, including quality and quantity of the water and water pressure
- The presence of mold
- The presence of asbestos
- Doing a sewer scope to check the lines
- Thermal imaging to detect water penetration
An additional fee will be charged when a house inspection includes other services.
A general inspection usually does not include these things. Of course, you can expect the expense to go up the more you add to be checked.
How Much Do Other Examinations Cost?
As part of your house inspection checklist, you may want to examine other aspects of the home.
There are some specialty inspections worth considering.
Here they are with their respective costs:
Water Testing
If a private well services the home, you should test the quality and quantity of the water. When testing the quality and quantity, you can expect the cost to be between $200-600.
Radon
It is advisable to check the radon levels in a home to ensure they meet the EPA standards. You can expect the radon testing to cost between $50 and $150.
Septic System Inspection
When a private septic system services a home, you should have it inspected before closing—a septic system inspection costs between $250-$1000.
If you are used to public services, it is wise to brush up on what is needed to care for a septic system. Without proper maintenance, the system can fail sooner. It is a significant expense that can be tens of thousands of dollars.
Proper maintenance will include pumping the tank every three to five years, depending on your family’s size.
An Evaluation For Mold
It would be best to have it inspected when mold is potentially present in a home. The cost for a mold inspection is between $200-$300.
Examination For Pests
A pest inspection performed by a professional company in this line of work runs between $100-$300. Many home inspectors will do a precursory look for pests as part of the general inspection.
Level Two Chimney Evaluation
A home inspector will look at the outside of the chimney and the interior firebox. To complete a thorough inspection of the inside of the chimney, you will need a level two inspection.
A level two inspection includes examining the inside of the chimney for cracking and other defects. You can expect a level two assessment to cost approximately $300-$500.
Pool Components Examination
Inspecting an in-ground pool will cost approximately $150-$350.
Underground Sprinkler System
The cost of inspecting sprinklers will be around $100.00.
Smoke Detector Examination
Inspecting the smoke detectors when ownership is transferred is a good idea. Some states require an inspection to close on a home. The local fire department typically does inspections.
You can expect the cost of a smoke detector inspection to fall between $50-$150.
Remember, all of the above home inspection costs can vary by location. They may be more or less where you live.
When are Specialist Home Inspections Required?
If a home inspector finds something concerning that they are not specialized in, they might advise that you get a specialist inspection. When additional checks like this are required, there are other costs.
If there is a septic tank or a well, there could be some evidence of problems that require an expert. If an inspector finds some signs that there are pests in the home, a specialist may be needed to check if it is a problem thoroughly.
Other reasons for specialist inspections include geological conditions, asbestos in the home, a level two chimney inspection, and radon risk.
If there is evidence in the home of foundation problems, like sloping floors or crooked door frames, the inspector might suggest a specialist check the foundations. A structural engineer should be able to assess how bad the problem with the foundations is and give you advice on how much it will cost to repair.
While you might not imagine a newly constructed home requires an inspection, it does. A specialist new construction inspection will check the foundations before they are hidden and the structure before completion.
Once the home is finished, checks like a standard inspection will occur.
The cost of specialist inspections varies greatly depending on the area of concern. If a structural inspection is required, it could cost $500, but to check the plumbing, it might only be $200.
A Home Seller May Also Want There Property Inspected
The best way for a seller to find out about their home’s current condition is to do a pre-inspection. Buyers will likely have a home inspection contingency in their offer during home-buying.
If significant problems are discovered, the sale can fall through.
It is in the seller’s best interest to inspect the property thoroughly to see if it is in good condition or requires some attention. Things like faulty wiring or an air conditioner that needs servicing can sometimes be addressed.
A whole host of problems could be identified that the seller could fix. In the long run, it could end up saving the sale. The cost for a home inspection is generally the same for a seller as a buyer.
It is always excellent advice for a home seller to prepare for the home inspection. When home sales fall through, a listing agent will be asked why.
Putting a house back on the market due to a home inspection can make things more challenging.
Finding the Right Inspector
Before choosing an inspector, it’s a good idea to check what the prices are like in your area. You should be able to see fees charged on the websites of home inspectors so that you can better judge what a reasonable price is.
However, the cost of a home inspector shouldn’t be the most crucial factor in your decision. Paying a few extra hundred dollars in the grand scheme could be well worth it.
There should be several reputable companies. It is a good business practice to ask for recommendations.
Your real estate agent might offer some suggestions for an inspector, but you might also be able to find reviews online. Whenever you locate an inspector, check that they have membership in industry associations, like the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) or the International Association of Certified Inspectors (InterNACHI).
Ideally, you will want to find an experienced inspector. Someone with at least three years of experience should have the necessary knowledge not to miss issues with the home.
Asking an inspector for a sample report should show you how thorough they are and could indicate a higher fee is worth the extra expense.
Should You Avoid an Inspection to Make Your Offer More Attractive?
In a competitive market with many other buyers, it can be tempting to waive an inspection to improve your chance of buying the home. While this could work, it does put you at risk.
If you avoid an inspection, you buy the home in the dark without much reassurance that there aren’t serious problems.
When you are making a significant investment in a home, the cost of an inspection is a small expense by comparison. It will alert you to any issues and help you understand whether buying the house is right for you.
However, waiving a home inspection may be your only option in scorching seller markets. You’ll have to weigh the pros and cons of whether it makes sense.
Many houses have no significant problems. If the home looks like there is the pride of ownership, it could be worth the risk to land a home you love.
There are no mandatory home inspection fixes anyway. Home sellers are likely to refuse inspection requests in extreme seller markets.
How Much Do Inspections Cost in Massachusetts?
The average cost of a general home inspection in Massachusetts is about $300-$600.price cost can vary from inspector to inspector and where you are located within the state.
Expect the cost of an inspection to rise for larger homes.
Home Inspection Cost Near Me
Do a Google search to understand better what a home inspection costs in your area. You can search home inspection costs near me and will likely find the answer you’re looking for.
Is it Tax Deductible?
Inspection costs are only tax deductible when you are buying an investment property.
Interesting Statistics Worth Knowing
1. The average home inspection price is $450.
2. Approximately 78% of home inspections fall within the price range of $400 to $500.
3. On average, a home inspector spends 2.5 hours conducting an examination.
4. Homes built between 1990 and 2000 require the least evaluation time, with an average of 1.8 hours.
5. Homes built before 1950 have the most extended average duration at 3.2 hours.
6. A real estate inspector’s price tends to be slightly higher in urban areas than rural areas, with a difference of approximately 12%.
7. About 91% of homebuyers include a home inspection contingency clause in their purchase contracts.
8. Homes with swimming pools have an additional average price of $100 due to the increased complexity and time required.
9. Approximately 15% of home inspections reveal major structural issues that would significantly impact the property’s overall value.
10. Nearly 40% of homes require additional radon testing during an inspection in regions prone to radon gas, which costs $150 on average.
FAQs
Is the price of an inspection negotiable?
Yes, how much an inspection will cost is often negotiable. While there is a standard range of inspection fees, it is not uncommon for inspectors to be open to negotiation based on various factors.
These factors may include the size and complexity of the property, the location, the inspector’s availability, and even the current market conditions. It is recommended that potential homebuyers or sellers engage in respectful negotiations with the inspector to reach a mutually agreeable fee for their services.
However, it’s important to note that while negotiation is possible, it may not always result in a significant reduction in cost due to the expertise and time required for a thorough inspection.
Are there different price ranges for different types of houses?
Yes, there are different price ranges for different types of homes. The assessment expenses can vary based on several factors, such as the size of the property, its age, location, and complexity.
Larger homes or properties with multiple units may require more time and effort to inspect thoroughly, which could result in a higher cost. Similarly, older homes might have more potential issues that must be examined, leading to higher fees.
Additionally, houses in remote areas or regions with higher living costs might have slightly higher inspection fees than those in more accessible or affordable regions.
Can I get a discount on the price of a property inspection?
Absolutely! Many home inspection companies offer various discounts and promotions to their clients. The availability of discounts may depend on factors such as the location, time of year, or specific circumstances surrounding the property.
For instance, some companies may offer discounted rates for first-time homebuyers or properties within a certain radius of their office. Additionally, you may be able to negotiate a discount by bundling your home inspection with other services, such as radon testing or pest inspections.
It’s always worth reaching out to different companies and inquiring about any available discounts or promotions they may have.
What are some ways to save on inspection expenses?
There are several effective ways to save money. First, consider hiring an independent local inspector rather than going through a bigger inspection company.
Independent inspectors often have lower overhead costs, allowing them to offer more competitive rates. Additionally, scheduling your home inspection during the off-peak season can lead to potential discounts, as inspectors may be more willing to negotiate their fees during slower periods.
Another cost-saving tip is to bundle your evaluation with other services, such as pest inspections or radon testing. Many inspectors offer discounted rates for combined packages.
Lastly, consider asking for referrals from friends or family who recently had a home inspection, as some inspectors may offer referral discounts.
What are some red flags if the price seems unusually low?
It is vital to be cautious of meager rates as they may indicate potential red flags. One possible reason for a significantly lower price could be that the inspector lacks proper certifications or experience. This could compromise the quality and thoroughness of the inspection.
Another possibility is that the inspector may cut corners by rushing through the process or not using advanced equipment, leading to overlooked issues or inaccurate assessments.
Moreover, a low price could indicate hidden fees or charges that might be added later, resulting in unexpected costs. Therefore, it is crucial to thoroughly research and choose a reputable and qualified home inspector who offers fair and transparent pricing to ensure a comprehensive evaluation of your prospective property.
Do I have to pay upfront?
It is common practice for a real estate inspector to require payment upfront. This is primarily due to the increased demand for evaluations and the need for inspectors to allocate their time efficiently.
By requiring upfront payment, inspectors can better manage their schedules and ensure they are compensated for their valuable expertise.
Additionally, this payment structure helps filter out potential clients who may not be serious about moving forward with the inspection process, allowing inspectors to focus on those who are committed.
However, checking with individual home inspection services is always a good idea, as policies may vary.
Final Thoughts
The cost of a home inspector can vary from inspector to inspector. It is no different than a Realtor’s commission. A professional home inspection is well worth the cost. Finding potential issues that could be very costly is a small price.
The cost of home inspections should be considered an investment.
About the Author: The above Real Estate information on what home inspections cost was provided by Bill Gassett, a Nationally recognized leader in his field. Bill has expertise in mortgages, financing, moving, home improvement, and general real estate.
Learn more about Bill Gassett and the publications he has been featured in. Bill can be reached via email at billgassett@remaxexec.com or by phone at 508-625-0191. Bill has helped people move in and out of Metrowest towns for the last 37+ years.
Are you thinking of selling your home? I am passionate about real estate and love sharing my marketing expertise!
I service Real Estate Sales in the following Metrowest MA towns: Ashland, Bellingham, Douglas, Framingham, Franklin, Grafton, Holliston, Hopkinton, Hopedale, Medway, Mendon, Milford, Millbury, Millville, Natick, Northborough, Northbridge, Shrewsbury, Southborough, Sutton, Wayland, Westborough, Whitinsville, Worcester, Upton, and Uxbridge MA.
