Whether you’re looking for a full home inspection, a pre-purchase inspection, or a pre-listing inspection, our free online home inspection cost calculator can help provide an estimated home inspection cost.
Our cost calculator for home inspections has been developed by a licensed home inspector with over 20 years of experience in the field. It leverages data from thousands of certified home inspectors throughout the United States.
How Our Home Inspection Cost Calculator Works
The home inspection cost calculator takes into account several factors when determining what your cost will be. It’s important to understand how to calculate inspection costs.
- It starts with the size of your home – larger homes take more time and effort to inspect thoroughly than smaller homes. Therefore, many inspection companies will have inspectors work in teams for timely and efficient service.
- It also considers the age of your home – older homes may need additional inspections due to outdated fixtures or potential structural problems.
- It factors where your home is located – areas with a higher cost of living may have higher inspection rates than lower-cost areas.
Once all these factors are considered, the home inspection cost calculator will provide an estimated cost for a thorough home inspection based on averages from industry professionals in your area.
The home inspection cost calculator is only an estimate. Actual home inspection costs may vary depending on who performs the inspection and any special requests you make.
For example, if you want additional testing done, such as mold or radon testing, this could add to your total cost. An experienced home inspector will likely charge more than a novice inspector.
Home Size Matters
One of the biggest factors in determining the price of a home inspection is size. Generally speaking, larger homes cost more to inspect than smaller ones because it takes longer for an inspector to check each room and system in the house thoroughly.
As such, expect to pay more if your property is over 3,000 square feet than under 1,500 square feet. Some inspectors may charge extra for certain services, such as inspecting outbuildings or additional structures on your property.
The home inspection cost per square foot is between $0.20 to $0.50. However, most home inspectors have a base rate of $300 to $500. A home inspection cost calculator accounts for this base price.
Age and Location Matter Too
In addition to size, age and location also play a role in determining the cost of a home inspection. Older homes require more inspection time due to their complex systems and many moving parts.
The same goes for rural properties—inspectors may need to travel farther from their base office or spend more time navigating challenging terrain when visiting remote locations.
Remember that prices vary widely depending on where you live and which services are included. In most cases, though, the National average cost for a basic home inspection is $417 plus any additional services you may need.
Additional Ancillary Services
Home inspectors may sometimes offer additional services beyond basic visual inspections as part of their services package. For example, for an extra fee, radon testing or mold testing may be available upon request. Our home inspection cost calculator accounts for some of these services.
A list of ancillary services and other home inspection costs:
| Special Service | Cost Range Estimate |
|---|---|
| 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 |
| Thermal imaging (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 |
How to Save Money on Home Inspection Costs
A home inspection cost calculator can estimate your home inspection cost, but you’ll still need to gather some quotes. Here are some tips to help you save money on home inspection costs while still getting the best service.
Shop Around for Multiple Quotes
A home inspection cost calculator estimate may vary from your actual quote, which is one of the reasons why we offer a Low, Average, and High estimate.
When shopping for a home inspector, get several quotes from different companies. This will give you a better sense of your area’s going rate and each company’s services. Be sure to ask if any professional organizations accredit them or have licensing from state governing bodies.
Look for home inspectors certified by NACHI or ASHI.
Ask About Discounts & Special Offers
Many home inspectors offer discounts or special packages for first-time buyers, military or public service personnel, or customers who use their services multiple times. Don’t hesitate to ask about any available discounts or promotional offers that may reduce your costs.
Additionally, many companies offer package deals where you can get more than one service at a discounted price – such as a termite inspection and a general home inspection – so you might be able to save money that way.
Use a Home Inspection Checklist
Investors and experienced DIYers can use a home inspection checklist as a valuable tool to inspect their potential homes. A home inspection checklist can alert them to many potential problems that could arise in the home and give them a better understanding of what needs to be done to ensure it is safe and up-to-date.
A home inspection checklist shouldn’t replace a professional inspection, but it can help you narrow down or eliminate properties before making a purchase offer.
Home Inspection Cost Calculator FAQs
A home inspection cost estimator is a useful tool to help you check the price of a home inspection in your state. However, you may have more questions. Here are some frequently asked questions about home inspections.
Is a home inspection worth it?
A home inspection is worth it. From my 20+ years of home inspection experience, on average, major issues that fail a home inspection can cost $5000 or more to repair.
Who pays for a home inspection?
Typically in a real estate transaction, the buyer pays for a home inspection. Home inspection costs typically range from $300 to $500, depending on the property’s size and complexity.
What is a home inspection cost estimator?
A home inspection cost estimator can provide an approximate cost for a home inspection based on the most common factors like square footage, age, and specialized inspection add-ons.
How long does a home inspection take?
A home inspection typically takes around 2 to 3 hours to complete.
