How Much Is a Home Inspection and What Does It Include?

A home inspection is vital in helping to ensure that you get your money’s worth. Whether you're buying or selling a home, having an inspector take a look may be just the thing you need for more peace of mind. But how much is a home inspection, and what does it involve?

As an investor, understanding these aspects can help you save time and money in your search for the perfect piece of real estate. In this blog post, we'll cover everything you need to know about home inspections so that you can choose the best option for yourself and your investment goals.

Why Home Inspections Are Crucial in Real Estate

Home inspections are an essential part of real estate transactions, as they can provide invaluable information about a home's condition. Home inspectors typically look for health and safety issues, structural defects, plumbing or electrical problems, and other signs of wear and tear. By conducting a thorough inspection before purchasing a home, buyers can make an informed decision about whether or not they should proceed with the purchase.

Home inspectors can provide buyers with information about how to maintain the property and recommend any necessary repairs that should be done before closing. As such, it's important to hire a reputable inspector familiar with local building codes and standards. By doing so, buyers can get an accurate picture of the home and its condition.

Home inspections ensure buyers make a wise investment in their new property. It is a valuable investment, especially if you want to offer renting services such as Airbnb. If that, we recommend you check out Airbnb investment 2022, what you need to know.

How much is the average cost of a home inspection?

The average home inspection cost depends on many factors, such as the property's size and age, the inspection's complexity, the geographical area, and any additional services requested. Generally, an inspector will charge between $279 and $339 for a typical single-family home inspection.

Complex inspections, or those conducted on older homes, can cost more, while inspection costs may be lower in areas where the demand for inspections is greater. On top of that, inspectors may charge a fee for additional services such as termite, radon, or other specialized inspections. All told, you can expect to pay an average of $339 in the US.

How much is the average cost of a home inspection per square foot?

The average cost of a home inspection per square foot varies depending on the size and condition of the property in question. Generally, it can range from $200 to $ 250 per less than 1000 square feet. That means home inspection cost per square foot can range from $0.2 to $0.25.

Besides size, other factors that could affect this cost include the scope of work requested by the seller/buyer to access the home, the inspector's experience and expertise, and any other special conditions that could affect the cost.

What’s Generally Included in a Home Inspection?

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A home inspection thoroughly examines the property's structure, roof, foundation, plumbing, heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning systems. Inspectors are also trained to check for signs of water damage or termite infestation that could affect the home’s condition.

A detailed home inspection report is then provided to the homeowner, outlining any issues identified during the process. The report provides a good starting point for making a home purchase or sale decision. With this report in hand, the homeowner can assess the cost of necessary repairs and factor those costs into their purchase or sale price.

Common Issues Home Inspectors Look For

Some of the issues home inspectors regularly look for include: improper grading, drainage, and soil conditions; foundation integrity; water damage in basements, attics, and other areas of the home; safety concerns such as faulty electrical wiring or exposed gas lines; signs of rodents or insects; roofing problems; HVAC system deficiencies.

Home inspectors may also check the functionality of appliances, such as furnaces, air conditioning units, and stoves. They may also inspect fireplaces and chimneys for defects or signs of damage. It's important to note that home inspectors typically do not evaluate cosmetic issues; they are primarily focused on structural integrity and safety concerns.

Before hiring a home inspector, align your concerns and prepare questions you might have regarding the inspection. Here is what you can ask from your home inspector:

• Ask if the inspector is certified. This will ensure that the individual is qualified to conduct a home inspection and has experience in this field of work.
• Inquire about any specialties or extra services, such as radon testing, mold sampling, etc.
• Request to see sample reports from prior inspections to get an idea of what to expect from the inspector’s reporting style.
• Ask about any additional fees or charges associated with the inspection, such as pest inspection or thermal imaging.
• Make sure you ask if there are any limits on their liability and find out if they carry insurance.
• Be sure to confirm how long the inspection will take and if the inspector will be available after to discuss the findings.
• Find out what the inspector does not cover in their report, such as any hidden areas that may not be visible or accessible during the visit.
• Ask how soon you can expect to receive a copy of the final report and whether it is possible to have an electronic version.
• Confirm whether the inspector will provide any follow-up after the inspection, such as returning for additional assessments or answering questions about their findings.
• Finally, find out if the inspector provides a satisfaction guarantee and what that entails.

If you are buying a home with another investor, you should also ask them if they have any questions for the home inspector. Learn all about home co-ownership here: what is home co-ownership?

Key Takeaways: Should You Get a Home Inspection? (Bullet points)

A home inspection offers essential insight into the condition of a property that can be invaluable when deciding about buying or selling a home. It is important to ask the right questions before hiring a home inspector to ensure that you get the most comprehensive and accurate property assessment. The home inspection report can provide valuable information to help you make an informed decision about your purchase or sale.

To recap:

• On average, a home inspection costs $339 and $0.2 to $0.25 per square foot.
• A home inspector will inspect a home's structure, roof, foundation, plumbing, and other systems for safety concerns and potential issues.
• Ask your inspector about their certification and experience in the field. Inquire about additional services such as mold or pest inspection.
• Confirm any additional fees associated with the inspection and find out what is not covered in the inspector’s report.
• A home inspection report can provide valuable information that can help you make an informed decision about the home purchase or sale.
• Get a home inspection to help you understand and estimate the cost of any necessary repairs. This will allow you to factor those costs into your purchase or sale price.

Having a home inspection is important to be clear about all aspects of the home before purchasing. This is especially important if you are planning to rent the home or list it as an Airbnb resort. We recommend you to check our fall home maintenance checklist for Airbnb hosts to provide the best services.