The Department of Housing and Urban Development states the median price of a house inspection ranges between $300 and $500. But, this estimate is not based on the particular place, size, and age of the home or the quality of an inspector's work. These factors will influence the cost of a home inspection.

Home Inspectors Might Not Be Licensed

Many are amazed to discover, for instance, that more than half the states of the United States don't require state-mandated licensure for home inspections. That's right. There's a 50/50 chance that your state doesn't need a home inspector to be licensed since there aren't any licensing conditions. Certain states like California, for example, in the California Trade Licensing Act of 1996, do not permit the home inspector to fix homes they have visited within the last 12 months. However, that licensing law doesn't extend to, for instance, pest inspectors.

Cost Can Depend on Inspector's Experience

If the price of an inspection of your home is higher than a professional house inspector, then it could be worth the extra cost. It could mean the difference between an amateur who put up an inspector's name and a skilled tradesperson. Home inspectors often have backgrounds working in the construction industry and are trained through their work. Think of the amount of proficiency of an inspector who has performed hundreds of home audits.

Furthermore, many professionals are also members of a trade organization that defines the requirements for membership and the minimum annual education requirements. If you decide to employ an expert inspector who writes a report, the price of the home inspection report could be as high as $1,000 or more.

Cost Can Depend on Square Footage

Most professionals charge between $400 and 450 dollars for a single-family home with 2,000 square feet. In contrast, smaller condos with two bedrooms may cost $300 to $350 for inspections of homes. Home inspectors might charge a fee for crawling beneath the house to conduct an inspection. This additional charge can range between $50 and $100 for a raised foundation's crawl spaces (which may contain dampness or be infested by bug infestations).

Does Every Buyer Pay Cost for a Home Inspection?

Keep in mind that before the 1990s, many home buyers had not had an inspection of their homes. They relied on disclosures by sellers to provide information about pre-existing conditions. A home inspection was thought of as something of a luxury, not an additional cost. But not anymore. Nowadays, it is not common to find a homebuyer who fails to get an inspection of the home. And when a home buyer does not want an inspection, it's typically contrary to the advice of the real estate agent representing the buyer.

Although real estate agents ensure that buyers are completely informed, they have another reason to insist that buyers undergo an inspection of their homes. It is not their intention to risk being accused of a lawsuit after the fact due to inaccuracy or omissions.

Specialized Inspections vs. General Inspection Costs

A way that a first-time home buyer can cut down on the price of an inspection of their home is to employ the same company to conduct a standard home inspection and more specific home inspections. A lot of companies offer an all-inclusive price for many home inspections. They can also carry out additional inspections like (but not restricted to):

• Inspections for dry-rot and pest inspections
• Roof inspections
• Septic or sewer inspections
• Chimney inspections
• Mold, radon, as well as asbestos inspections
• Checking for bacteria and wells

While it may seem like a great idea from a shopper's point of view, the people you think are experts may not be experts in all fields. It could be a case of employees from the company profiting off ignorant customers. Additionally, the inspectors may not be properly trained in particular if it's the same person who wears different roles. You must inquire for specific information regarding the knowledge and experience for "package" inspections. Buyers can invest between $500 and $1000 for home inspections, based on the type of inspection the buyer requires. This is an expense that isn't refundable.

When Sale Hinges on Inspection

Usually, an inspection will be planned by the prospective buyer following they've signed agreement to purchase the property. In addition, lenders and insurance providers might require specific things to be checked before the loan or insurance policy is made. If the reports reveal serious flaws, it may result in the buyer canceling the purchase contract, the lender refusing the mortgage application, or causing the home insurance policy to cost more.