HOW MUCH IS A HOME INSPECTION?
The cost of a home inspection depends on the size and age of the house, plus any add-ons like pools, external structures, etc. There are new inspectors who charge less but generally, you can expect to pay about $350-500 for a basic home inspection, not including any add-ons.
WHO SHOULD PAY FOR A HOME INSPECTION?
The buyer usually pays for a home inspection because it’s part of the “due diligence” of buying a home. However, the buyer may be able to negotiate for the seller to cover some of the costs of the home inspection as part of the “seller concessions”
IS A HOME INSPECTION PART OF CLOSING COSTS?
Yes, closing costs are estimated by real estate agents and include every additional cost that goes along with buying a home. However, payment for the home inspection is due when it is done – not at closing.
DO HOME INSPECTORS CHECK APPLIANCES?
Yes, home inspectors check all of the major appliances and built-in appliances that will be sold with the home, such as water heaters, HVAC, washers, dryers, refrigerators, stoves, and ovens. Inspectors generally only check appliances for basic functionality.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GET A HOME INSPECTION?
Home inspections usually take about 3-4 hours depending on the size of the home. For larger homes, this process will take longer. With I&O it only takes 1-2 hours because we do team inspections on site.
HOW LONG SHOULD IT TAKE TO GET A HOME INSPECTION REPORT BACK?
A home inspection report will be sent to you usually within 1-2 days after the inspection. The inspection report summarizes all of the major findings of the home inspection.
ARE YOU REQUIRED TO HAVE A HOME INSPECTION?
No but it’s always a good idea to get a home inspected before your buy it. Even if you feel confident about the condition of the home, a home inspector can find issues that you didn’t notice. This may give you the ability to negotiate a lower price, which is well worth the cost of a home inspection.
IS A HOME INSPECTION AND APPRAISAL THE SAME THING?
No. An appraisal is conducted by the bank and a home inspection is done by a privately contracted home inspector. An appraisal is required to get a loan, an inspection is not.
CAN YOU GET AN APPRAISAL BEFORE A HOME INSPECTION?
Yes, you can. However, you do have to pay for the appraisal so it is generally a good idea to have the inspection done first. That way, if you decide not to buy the home after the inspection (due to major issues found or other deal breakers) you won’t have wasted the money on the appraisal to get the loan.
