The average cost of a home inspection in is $300 to $500, according to the Department of Housing and Urban Development. The cost of an inspection can vary depending on many factors, including the square footage of the home, age of the house, the experience of the inspector, and whether additional inspections are included such as mold or radon testing.

Square footage

Some inspectors charge per square foot while others charge per hour. No matter which method you choose, larger houses will incur higher home inspection fees. A single-family house would be more expensive to inspect than a condo with two bedrooms.

Age and cost of your home

Your home inspection costs can be affected by the location of your home. Homes that are more expensive are usually larger. Due to their age, older homes might require more extensive inspections. Inspections of older homes will take longer to examine any additions or repairs that were made.

Experience level of the inspector

A residential inspector who has a lot of experience may cost more than one who is just starting out in the field. An experienced inspector may be able to spot a foundation problem that can only be seen by a trained eye.

A lot of reputable inspectors are doing certified home inspections. They belong to trade associations which hold their members to high professional standards via education and membership qualifications. HUD does not regulate inspectors so it is a smart idea to avoid the cheapest inspector. While the cost of a home inspection may be lower in the short-term than a more expensive one, you could face thousands of dollars in home repairs down the road.

It is important to note that the cost of your home inspector’s inspection will not be comparable for all. It’s important that you understand how home inspectors price their home inspection in rock springs wy. 

You should be aware that there are special home inspection fees.

Additional tests are highly recommended, and are not included in the home inspection report or inspector’s base fees. Here are some specialized tests that you might consider adding to your inspection.

  • Radon -Lung cancer can be caused by even small amounts of radon. Avoid moving into a radon-contaminated house by prioritizing radon testing during your home inspection.
  • Asbestos -Asbestos is most dangerous in older homes. Due to mesothelioma-related findings, it was banned in the United States in 1970.
  • Mold -Different types of mold can pose a threat to your health. To ensure that there are no molds in your home, have your inspector conduct a mold test.
  • Lead -Lead paint was banned back in 1978, and lead pipes were banned back in the 1980s. Homes built before these times should be tested.
  • Sewer scope – This test is useful for older homes with blocked pipes due to tree roots. This can lead to flooding in the septic system, which can cause extensive damage to a house.
  • Additional tests – Ask your inspector if all areas are included in the cost of your home inspection. A detached garage or a swimming pool are not considered to be part of the home’s structural components and will not be included in a home inspection.

What is a pre-inspection? And how much do they cost?

An pre-inspection inspection is one that’s done before the buyer makes an offer. The inspection is the same as regular home inspections and the inspector charges the same price.

Pre-inspection is possible in highly competitive markets where buyers want their offers stand out. You can save yourself the hassle of having to rescind an offer after receiving a poor inspection report.

You can use any issues discovered during the inspection to help you make a solid offer, or you could have to leave if you find too many problems with the house. You could lose your inspection fee if the seller refuses to accept your offer.

What is included in a home inspector?

A home inspection will include a basic check of the structure and internal workings of your house. A home inspector will inspect the house for safety issues and damage. You should receive a report detailing any problems and photos.

A home inspector will usually assess the following:

  • Electric system
  • Plumbing
  • HVAC
  • Roof
  • Insulation
  • Water heater
  • Foundation
  • Fireplaces
  • Exterior structure (such a brick or siding)
  • Interior structure (e.g. walls and supports).

Notice: A home inspector should be hired by the buyer. This ensures that the inspector works for the buyer, and the report does not omit any information the seller might not wish to disclose.

What to expect following the inspection

Your real estate agent will use your home inspection report to help you negotiate. The seller may also request repairs if the buyer is motivated.

Sometimes, the seller might offer concessions. This means that they will lower the selling price by reducing the cost of certain repairs. After that, the buyer must make the necessary repairs themselves, or hire a professional contractor. It is up to you to determine if the home inspection is included with closing costs.

Repairs are common

Upon receipt of your home inspection report, you may find one or more of these issues:

  1. Clogged gutters -A clogged gutter can cause water to back up from your house, even if it is not major. You can fix this by doing simple preventive maintenance or installing splash pans to divert water runoff.
  2. Poor ventilation – This issue can lead to mold growth, and other respiratory problems. A quick fix is to ensure that bathrooms and kitchens are adequately ventilated. You may need more vents if you dig deeper.
  3. Faulty wiring – Typically, older homes have faulty wiring. This is usually exposed electrical wiring or extension cables connecting rooms. This is a serious fire hazard that should be dealt with immediately.
  4. Roof problems – If you notice that shingles are missing or broken, it is important to have them replaced as soon as possible. This will prevent water from getting into your home.
  5. Foundation issues – If there are cracks in the foundation, possibly from flood damage or age, sealing them with caulk or waterproofing them can stop water from getting in and causing more structural damage.

How home inspections could save you money

A home inspection is not required but it’s a good idea to have one. You could be faced with a host of problems that will require expensive repairs if you don’t have a home inspection. After closing papers have been signed, you don’t want to find mold in walls, electrical wiring that isn’t up to code, lead pipes or any other serious problems.

These issues can be costly to resolve, but could have been addressed during the home inspection before closing.

It is important to ask the right questions before you hire an inspector. This will ensure that you are fully informed about the inspection process, pricing structure and findings. These questions will help you to interview inspectors.