With all of the up-front costs you’ll pay before buying a house, it’s nice to know you can count on something. Home inspection costs don’t vary much from one part of the country to another. Even though it’s one more layer in a mounting stack of pre-purchase expenses, a home inspection isn’t something to skimp on.
The average nationwide cost of a general home inspection is about $300. That’s according to HomeAdvisor. Some locations cost a bit more. Seattle, for example, is pricier with the high end of the average range falling around $400. And some cost a bit less. If you live in Des Moines, you might pay as little as $163. Costs can also vary somewhat from one inspector to the next.
If there’s a home inspection in your future, you owe it to yourself to hire an expert. Here’s how to know you’re getting your money’s worth.
Larger Homes Often Cost More
The average cost of a home inspection is based on, you guessed it, an average house. If the property is larger, expect to pay at least a little more. While many home inspectors charge a flat fee or have a set range of flat fees based on the size of the property, some also charge by the square foot. The larger the house, the longer it takes to perform a complete inspection and the higher the fees you might pay.
Independent Home Inspectors of North America also says some inspectors base the inspection fee as a percentage of the home’s sale price. That’s not a common practice, but be aware that it exists. Always find out up front how fees are calculated.
Buyers in pricey markets tend to pay more for home inspections.
Expensive Real Estate Markets May Affect Price
Even when home inspectors don’t use the home’s value or sale price as an inspection fee gauge, the local market can still affect the inspection price. If a gallon of milk or a dozen eggs cost more where you life, a home inspection might, too. Seattle’s higher average cost reflects the higher cost of real estate in the area. Many bigger cities follow the same pattern.
At Angie’s List, contributing writer, Steven Jack, says a single-family home in Chicago can cost as much as $700. If the property is considered an “estate home,” the inspection price might jump to $1,000 or higher.
Home inspections are generally considered an affordable investment for the market where the house sits. And unless the local costs are exorbitantly high, they’re worth it. Always get a few quotes before hiring an inspector so you’ll have a better idea of what people in your area tend to pay.
The important thing is to get an inspection. Without one, you’ll fly blind to the closing table and on into 20 or 30 years of mortgage payments. That’s why Hire an Inspector exists: to help you find the right inspector so you can make an informed decision. Are you ready? We’ll help find a home inspector near you.