FAQ - How long does a home inspection take?

​There is no “one size fits all” answer. Here are some factors that can affect the duration of your inspection:

Size and layout of the house:
A smaller house will usually take less time to inspect. A house with an unusual floor plan may take a little longer because the inspector will want to ensure they are not overlooking any of the rooms.
 
Condition of the house:
Regardless of size, an empty house in good condition may take less time than a house that is packed with furniture and personal belongings or a home that is in poor condition.

Weather conditions:
Inclement weather can slow things down a little. For example, during one of our inspections it began raining heavily, so I waited until the rain stopped before inspecting the roof. It was worth the wait because the rainfall alerted me to several roof leaks as well as a leak in the ceiling of one of the bedrooms.

People present:
It is understandable that the client wants to be at the inspection and I’m fine with that. I help my clients help me by talking with them before the inspection and tactfully explaining that by allowing me to work uninterrupted, the inspection will not take too long. I encourage them to make a note of any concerns and where they are located, and save their comments or questions until we get to that location and then we can discuss. That keeps the client involved without breaking my flow and dragging out the inspection.

Other factors:
Newer inspectors may take longer because they are still in the learning curve and want to get it right (which is a good thing). If contractors or workmen are on-site that can add to the length of the inspection.

Conclusion:
Taking into account the above factors, most home inspections will take between two and four hours to complete. We allow at least three hours per inspection, but in every instance take the time needed to do a thorough job. Quality is always job #1 with us.
 
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