Demystify your home inspection timeline with insider information
Home inspections normally take two to three hours.
Inspection reports are usually ready within one to two days.
The inspection time varies based on home size and components.
Condos or town house inspections may take half the time compared to houses.
The average inspection ranges from $300 to $500.
The world of home inspections can be stressful, but don’t worry, we'll guide you through the timeline of this essential home-selling step. From understanding how long a home inspection takes to learning how property size influences the process, we'll equip you with the knowledge you need for an easy home inspection experience.
A standard home inspection normally takes around two to three hours. This time frame allows the inspector to carefully evaluate the essential components of the property, ensuring everything is in working order and up to code. However, the duration can vary based on your home’s size, age, and condition.
It's all about the home inspector completing a thorough and detailed examination to provide you with valuable details about the property's condition and any potential maintenance or repair needs. Rest assured, this process is designed to help you make a well-informed decision about your potential home purchase or sale.
A home inspection for a house takes about two to four hours, allowing the inspector enough time to assess the property's structure, systems, and overall condition. This timeline ensures a thorough examination to provide beneficial information for the homebuyer.
A home inspection for a town house normally lasts around two to three hours. Your home inspector will provide a detailed assessment of the town house's systems, structure, and condition while considering its moderate size and complexity compared to standalone houses.
A home inspection for a condo takes about one to two hours. The focus is on a single unit rather than an entire building, and the lack of need to assess elements like the building’s foundation makes for a simpler process while still providing important insights for the potential buyer.
Some home inspections take longer than others, and the specifics of your home may dictate your inspection time. Several factors can affect how long an inspection takes, from the size of your house to the type of foundation.
Homes with more square footage will take longer to inspect than smaller homes. There’s a lot more ground for the inspector to cover, so plan extra inspection time for a larger house. Bigger houses may also have more complex systems like electrical and plumbing and may have more HVAC components—these will all take more time to inspect than smaller, simpler systems.
While an inspector will follow the same inspection checklist for a new house or an older one, older homes are more likely to have problems that need to be noted on the report. Aging homes tend to have more things in need of repair or replacement, and an inspector may take additional time in an older house to accurately note any potential problems.
A neglected house will need a longer inspection than a well-maintained one. Any features in disrepair will need to be described on the inspection report, and if there are a lot of problems, that can take extra time. If the inspector notes that the house is in poor condition, they may spend extra time to ensure all the home’s issues are properly documented.
Your home’s foundation type can also contribute to how long an inspection takes. If you have a basement or crawl space, it’ll take longer to inspect than a home on a slab foundation. Basements and crawl spaces need additional attention to look for signs of water intrusion or foundation deterioration.
The average home inspection cost ranges from $300 to $500 but can increase for larger homes or more extensive assessments. Your home inspection cost will vary based on several factors, including the home’s size, location, age, and features. When hiring a home inspector, their experience and qualifications also play a role in the labor cost.
It's helpful to view the cost as an investment in understanding your potential home's condition. Ask potential inspectors for quotes to help you stay within your budget and find a home inspector near you who will provide an accurate and comprehensive assessment.
If you're selling your home and the potential buyer has scheduled a home inspection, being prepared and organized will make it go as fast as possible. Providing clear information and the required paperwork will help avoid any pitfalls or things that fail a home inspection.
Here are some helpful tips to prepare for an upcoming home inspection:
Clear pathways and remove any clutter or obstacles
Ensure all areas of the house are easily accessible
Turn on utilities so they’re ready for the inspector to test
Check and replace any burned-out light bulbs throughout the house
Deep-clean the entire house for a well-maintained appearance
Take care of any minor repairs or maintenance tasks
Have important documents readily available for the inspector
Provide the home’s repairs and maintenance history
Ensure that all smoke detectors are in proper working condition
A new home building inspection is an assessment of a newly constructed home by a professional inspector before the buyer moves in. The inspector checks the structural integrity of the building, the quality of materials, and the function of all systems, including plumbing, electrical, and HVAC. They also inspect the roof, foundation, walls, windows, and doors to ensure they meet building codes and industry standards.
A pre-listing home inspection is conducted by the seller before putting their home on the market. It aims to identify any issues or potential problems that may affect the sale of the property. Unlike a new home building inspection, a pre-listing inspection is not mandatory, but it can help sellers prepare their homes for sale and make repairs before potential buyers view the property.
Older homes normally take longer to inspect than newer ones. Old homes are more prone to damage, deterioration, or outdated systems and features, and an inspector will need to note the condition of the home and anything in it that may need to be updated or repaired.
It’s a good idea to be present for a home inspection so the inspector has access to anything they need for the inspection and so you can ask the home inspector questions if necessary. You don’t need to shadow the inspector while they’re conducting the inspection—in fact, it’s better if you don’t—but don’t go too far in case they need access to something or have any questions.
The foundation, roof, and the home’s major systems (electrical, plumbing, HVAC) will take the longest to inspect since problems with any of these areas can point to safety or structural issues. An attic inspection or basement inspection may also take extra time to complete so the inspector can look for signs of moisture damage, mold, or pest problems, all of which are common in these spaces.
