What Do Home Inspections Entail?

When buying a home, most people try to minimize other costs. However, it’s recommended that you invest in a professional home inspection to discover the true condition of the property and what you can expect after closing the sale.

A home will probably be the largest financial investment in your life, so the average home inspection cost is negligible considering how much money you can save in the future, let alone how many headaches you can avoid. 

Here’s what you need to know about the average home inspection cost and what the process entails.

How much does an average home inspection cost?

So, how much will you have to cash out for an inspection? 

Unfortunately, it’s hard to determine the average home inspection cost because so many factors are involved in the pricing. 

For instance, the price varies according to geographic location, home’s age, and size. Some inspectors charge a flat rate for residences of a certain size and increase the fee for larger homes. Some homes may even have special construction traits that can influence the price.

Lastly, experienced home inspectors may also charge more for their work than those just starting. 

Make sure to ask for a quote and compare the pricing between multiple inspectors. While you may be compelled to hire the cheapest provider, someone with more experience is worth the investment. Rookie inspectors often overlook hidden issues, which may leave you open for a huge surprise (and repair) once you move in.

Is a home inspection always required?

Since a home inspection is not required by law, homebuyers often waive their right to inspect the home to save some money. This is a bad idea. Without an examination of some kind, you’re basically going in blind and have no insight into the property’s shape, other than the information the seller supplies.

Indeed, sellers are legally obligated to disclose any issues with the home, but this only applies to those they’re familiar with. In other words, they’re not required to go out of their way to locate any hidden defects. On the other hand, finding defects is a home inspector’s bread and butter. 

How long do home inspections take?

As is the case with the average cost of home inspection, the overall length will depend primarily on the size of the property. In most scenarios, a home inspector will finish their work in around three to four hours. 

Keep in mind that any problems found during the inspection will add some time to the overall duration. 

Although you may not have three hours to spare, it’s recommended you attend the inspection as this provides you with the opportunity to ask the inspector questions that will help you understand the property a bit better.

What do home inspections include?

The inspector will check the key systems and structure on the property, in addition to the appliances that are included in the listing. 

Some of the major items on the checklist include:

• Checking the condition of the roof

One of the biggest stops during the inspection is the roof. The inspector will closely examine the condition of the roof and look for the presence of leaks.

As opposed to roofing contractors who also offer to evaluate the roof, an independent home inspector is fully objective as they’re prohibited from conducting repairs on anything they inspect. As such, a home inspection is the only truly objective source of facts when it comes to the condition of the roof. 

• Finding signs of water damage

Water damage is a major concern for homeowners, and this problem can be so extensive that it renders the home uninhabitable. 

Hence, the inspectors will look for signs of current damage and try to find evidence of previous leaks. 

• Inspecting the electrical systems

While inexpensive repairs will typically resolve any electrical problems, small malfunctions can become expensive and severely harmful the longer they stay undiscovered. For instance, a GFCI outlet costs around $25 to replace so many sellers don’t consider it worth reporting on. However, any difficulties with this outlet could damage appliances and in the worst-case scenario, cause deadly electrical shocks. 

The inspector will also examine other parts of the electrical system, including breakers, light fixtures, and so on.

Besides the key areas listed above, a home inspection also covers the following:

• HVAC system
• Plumbing system
• Insulation
• Attic
• Doors and windows
• Ceilings, floors, and walls
• Basement 
• Key structural components
• Foundation

Should you schedule another special inspection?

If an inspector makes an alarming finding or if the home has some special features such as a pool or a septic system, you can schedule additional inspections that can offer more insight into the property's condition. 

Along with inspections aimed at evaluating the septic systems, pools, and wells, you can also schedule checkups that aim to discover the presence of hazards such as termites, asbestos, geological conditions, radon, lead paint, and more.

Though special inspections can add to your overall costs, bundling these services with a regular home inspection can save you plenty of time and money as most inspectors offer discounts for scheduling multiple services.

Choose the right home inspector

Whether you go with your real estate agent’s recommendation or make an effort to find a home inspector on your own, carefully evaluate all the available options. 

The first thing you should look at is state certification, followed by memberships in active groups such as the National Association of Certified Home Inspectors (NACHI). From there on, inquire about additional certifications if the inspection company hasn’t made them available on their website. 

A more experienced inspector will provide a better service, plain and simple, so they’re worth the additional cost. If possible, ask them to see a sample report so you can get a better idea of how thorough they are.

To get all that and more, feel free to check out Guardian Angel Inspections. 

As an inspection company of choice of the best Broward, Palm Beaches, and St. Lucie realtors, working with us provides you with peace of mind in the home purchasing process. With years of experience and extensive qualifications, you can relax while we supply you with all the information you need to determine if the property you’re eyeing is the dream home you think it is. 

Schedule an inspection now - call 561-512-7854 or fill out our contact form.