Home Inspection, Cost Guides

How Much a Home Inspection Cost in 2024 (Best Price Guide)

The American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) says 84% of home buyers will hire a home inspector. When buying a house you’ll need to know how much is a home inspection.

The US national average cost for a 1500 square foot (SF) single-family home inspection is $413. You’ll pay about $50 per extra 500 SF for larger homes. Professional inspectors charge different prices based on the size and foundation of the home.

You may also be debating whether a home inspection is a good idea. A home inspection is worth it because it gives detailed information about the home’s condition and safety. A home inspection identifies what needs repair or improvement.

How much does a home inspection cost?

How Much Does a Home Inspection Cost?

HomeAdvisor says the average home inspection cost is $280 to $400. But, this number is vague and omits some essential details. The data doesn’t show how most home inspection firms price their services.

Our home inspection cost calculator can help you determine the estimated cost based on the services you need and your state.

Home Inspection Cost Calculator

Home Inspection Cost Calculator

Our home inspection cost calculator provides an easy and convenient way to estimate your home inspection cost. Enter some basic details and any extra features or services you may want. 

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* Disclaimer: This home inspection cost calculator provides estimates only and can not consider all possible factors. Home Inspection Insider provides this home inspection cost estimator for informational purposes only. We recommend you obtain home inspection quotes and verify credentials from three qualified home inspectors before making a hiring decision.  

Online home inspection services charge customers a fee based on the inspection cost, regardless of who did it.

In my 20 years as a home inspector, I’ve found that most experienced inspectors don’t use HomeAdvisor.

HomeAdvisor and other services like it bring in new, inexperienced home inspectors without a reliable referral network. These inspectors often compete on price alone, skewing the average inspection price.

When homebuyers consider purchasing a property, one common question is whether the inspection is included in closing costs. Generally, inspection costs are not typically included in the closing costs. Instead, the buyer is responsible for arranging and paying for their own inspection.

Average Home Inspection Cost by State

Many homes in the US are about 1500 heated square feet or less. The home inspection cost is often determined by where your home is, how big it is, and what kind of foundation it has.

Below is the average cost of a home inspection for a 1500 SF house (does not include ancillary services):

StateCost (1500 SF)
Alabama$371
Alaska$427
Arizona$450
Arkansas$388
California$602
Colorado$446
Connecticut$462
Delaware$639
Florida$446
Georgia$392
Hawaii$747
Idaho$417
Illinois$380
Indiana$380
Iowa$363
Kansas$380
Kentucky$392
Louisiana$408
Maine$462
Maryland$470
Massachusetts$549
Michigan$408
Minnesota$396
Mississippi$355
Missouri$380
Montana$417
Nebraska$388
Nevada$417
New Hampshire$528
New Jersey$474
New Mexico$375
New York$582
North Carolina$396
North Dakota$400
Ohio$375
Oklahoma$371
Oregon$491
Pennsylvania$417
Rhode Island$454
South Carolina$392
South Dakota$421
Tennessee$384
Texas$400
Utah$417
Vermont$470
Virginia$433
Washington$495
Washington DC$623
West Virginia$380
Wisconsin$396
Wyoming$375

Lowest cost home inspection companies include (not including specialized inspections):

StateLowest Cost (1500 SF)
Mississippi$355
Iowa$363
Alabama$371
Oklahoma$371
New Mexico$375
Ohio$375
Wyoming$375
Illinois$380
Indiana$380
Kansas$380

Highest average home inspection cost include (not including extra services):

StateHighest Cost (1500 SF)
Hawaii$747
Delaware$639
Washington DC$623
California$602
New York$582
Massachusetts$549
New Hampshire$528
Washington$495
Oregon$491
New Jersey$474

Based on a poll of over 1000 certified home inspectors, the home inspection fee for a 1500 SF house on a concrete slab averages $413.

The usual cost for a home inspection is $450, but it can change based on location, age, size, and foundation type. A new house less than 10 years old, with a slab foundation and 1500 square feet, may cost $400. Older homes with a crawl space and 4000 square feet may cost $750 or more.

Square Footage (SF)Basement/
Crawl Space
Concrete Slab
0-1500$450$400
1501-2000$497$447
2001-2500$542$492
2501-3000$587$537

Home inspection prices vary by location by as much as $50-$350 on average. In the Northeast, rates were about $150 higher than in certain Southern states. These areas had distressed markets and high unemployment.

Other factors affecting the residential inspection cost include:

While rare, some inspectors base their inspection fees on a percentage of the purchase price.

Many home inspection companies offer discounts for:

  • Military and civil service personnel
  • First-time home buyer
  • Additional inspections for multiple properties
  • Ancillary services purchased at the time of inspection

Beware of home inspectors offering cheap home inspections. Many of these are scams or provide a basic home inspection that may not meet Standards of Practice.

Ask your real estate agent for a list of professional home inspectors in your area. The most reputable home inspectors will be licensed, certified, and insured.

When you hire a home inspector, be sure they are licensed by the state and have association credentials. Also, ask for business references and check online reviews. Lastly, have them explain their home inspection process.

Is a Home Inspection Worth It?

Getting a home inspection is important. It helps find any problems before buying a house. When I inspect things, I usually find repairs or improvements that cost around $5,000 or more.

A standard home inspection can save you thousands of dollars in unexpected repairs. The inspection process can identify hidden issues, allowing you to make an informed decision. You can negotiate the repairs or the sales price before closing.

A qualified home inspector can give you peace of mind. They check the house thoroughly for any problems. They’ll let you know if there are any major issues. To avoid surprises, make sure your new home matches what you expect.

By getting a detailed report from a certified home inspector, you can decide if you should buy it.

What a Home Inspector Looks For?

A good home inspector will examine the property from top to bottom and objectively report its condition. What does a comprehensive home inspection process include?

They look for signs of damage, wear and tear, safety hazards, and potentially expensive repairs that may be required. They also examine the major systems, such as plumbing, electrical, heating/cooling, and roofing, to ensure they are in good working order. Additionally, home inspectors look for evidence of pests or infestations.

Roof Condition

The roof is a crucial part of any building. It’s no wonder it’s a priority on home inspection checklists. There may be water damage or structural issues if you see signs of wear or missing shingles. These problems could cost more to fix.

Foundation & Structure

Check if the foundation and structure have cracks or shifts. Before purchasing, it’s important to understand any potential issues with the foundation. Repairing them can be expensive and difficult.

Electrical and Plumbing Systems

The plumbing system in your home is important. It carries away waste and prevents flooding. The home inspectors will check all faucets and fixtures. They will also look for leaks in pipes and examine drainage systems. Additionally, they will note if water heaters are working or need replacing.

When inspecting a home, thoroughly check the electrical system for safety and functionality.

Fires or electrical shocks can happen due to faulty wiring, poor grounding, or other problems. Safety features like ground fault circuit interrupters, smoke detectors, or carbon monoxide detectors are also inspected during this process.

Mechanical Systems

The house’s mechanical systems, including HVAC and water heaters, only last 10 to 15 years. The inspector will check that everything works properly and functions as it should.

Reporting on Water Damage

If the home has visible water damage or mold growth, the inspector will mention it in their report. Water damage can occur due to improper ventilation, poor drainage, or leaky pipes.

Do You Need Specialty Inspections?

The cost of a home inspection does not cover extra tests like radon or mold testing. Also not included are special inspections for swimming pools, termites, drones, or infrared scanning.

Here is a list of ancillary services and costs:

Specialized or Specialty Inspections Inspection Cost
Radon testing$100 to $350
Well water testing$200 to $450
Mold testing$300 to $800
Lead paint testing$125 to $350
Drone roof inspection$100 to $250
Infrared scanning$100 to $250
Pool inspection$100 to $250
Septic dye testing$100 to $350
Sewer scope$300 to $800
Termite inspection$150 to $350

The home inspection fee will include an additional cost if any of these are requested. Some areas need extra inspections, which can increase the cost of your home inspection.

You may have additional questions about the home inspections. Here are some of the most common frequently asked questions.

Is a home inspection required?

A home inspection is optional. The seller allows the buyer to inspect the home before buying it. It’s a good idea to have a home inspection to get a complete picture of the home’s condition.

Who pays for the home inspection?

Usually, the buyer pays for the home inspection. But sometimes, the seller agrees to pay. Sellers can also pay for a home inspection before listing a home for sale.

Can I do a home inspection myself without the help of a professional?

No, it is not recommended to conduct a home inspection yourself. A home inspector checks all parts of a house, including the structure, electricity, plumbing, and safety.

Can I attend the home inspection?

Yes, you can attend the home inspection. We recommend you attend to ask questions and better understand the house’s condition.

Do I pay for the home inspection upfront?

Some inspectors require payment upfront. Most home inspectorsrequire payment at the end of the inspection before delivery of the inspection report.

Should I waive my inspection contingency?

We do not recommend waiving the inspection contingency in your sales contract. There may be potential issues with the home that require costly repairs. Waiving the inspection contingency could mean that you are responsible for those costs.

Who is NACHI?

NACHI is the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors. It is a non-profit group that works to promote excellence in home inspection. The organization supports home inspectors by offering education, networking, and resources. They also work to improve the industry through research, advocacy, and developing standards.

Who is ASHI?

ASHI is a group called the American Society of Home Inspectors. They certify home inspectors and set standards for inspection services. Founded in 1976, it remains committed to promoting excellence in the home inspection profession.

Will a home inspection lower the home’s sale price?

A home inspection typically does not lower the sale price of a home. However, if the inspector finds significant damage or safety issues, you may be able to negotiate a lower price for repairs and upgrades.

Are home inspections part of closing costs?

Home inspections are not typically included in closing costs. The home inspection should be performed as part of your inspection contingency.

Author

Hubert Miles | Licensed Home Inspector, CMI, CPI

Hubert Miles is a licensed home inspector (RBI# 2556) with more than two decades of experience in inspection and construction. Since 2008, he has been serving South Carolina through his company, Patriot Home Inspections LLC. As a Certified Master Inspector, Hubert is dedicated to providing his expertise in home inspections, repairs, maintenance, and DIY projects.