What Factors Influence the Cost of a Home Inspection?
As well as the size of your home, several other factors can influence how much a home inspection costs. This includes where you live, the condition of the property, and what the inspection covers.
Home Location
The average cost of a home inspection varies depending on your location. For example, in Detroit, the average price is $290, whereas, in New Jersey, it’s $420.
Size of the Building
Many inspectors charge a fixed price for homes up to 2,000 square feet, but others may charge less for a condo or mobile home under 1,000 square feet.
For a standard home size, the average price is around $300, and for large homes over 2,000 square feet, expect to pay $400 or more. For a small condo, you may secure an inspection for around $200.
Some inspectors will have a flat fee for homes up to 2,000 square feet and charge an extra fee of around $25 for every additional 500 square feet above this.
Age of the Home
It’ll come as no surprise that a home inspection can sometimes cost more for an older home. The inspector may need more time to check wiring and plumbing and make sure things are up to code.
You shouldn’t neglect to get an inspection for a new home either, in case the builder overlooked any details during the build. You want to ensure all the work is up to code and that the property is structurally sound before going ahead with a purchase.
What the Inspection Includes
Most home inspections cover a range of standard checks, but it is always a good idea to compare quotes from a few different local licensed home inspectors to make sure they’re thorough. Not every inspection will cover all the same elements.
Typically, you can expect checks to include:
Plumbing
Electrics
Building foundations
Roof
Windows and doors
Overall interior and exterior condition
HVAC systems
Attics
Basements
Major built-in appliances
If you have concerns about an insect or rodent infestation or asbestos, you can request extra checks. However, these typically require specialized certification or extra time, and there will be an additional charge—for example, an asbestos inspection averages around $500.
Thermal Imaging Home Inspection Cost
Some inspectors offer a thermal imaging service for a more thorough inspection of the home for things like infestations, structural or electrical problems, or energy efficiency. You can expect to pay as much as $250 more on top of the main inspection costs for this.
