FAQ - How much does a home inspection cost?

Several factors can affect the cost of your home inspection. Here are a few:  

Local market: Like any other business, home inspectors need to pay attention to what the competition is charging and set their prices accordingly. That being said, in every market there is the “$199 inspector” who will undercut everyone else to get the work. More about choosing an inspector strictly based on price a little later. In the Richmond, VA market, home inspections generally start around $300.00. 

The inspector’s training and experience: Experienced and well-trained inspectors may charge a bit more than the new guy who is just starting out.

The inspector’s pricing structure: How does the inspector determine their fees? Some inspectors do it by square footage. For example, a house between 1200 – 1500 square feet might cost $350.00 to inspect. Other inspectors may charge extra for inspecting a crawl space or detached outbuilding with electricity.  

Add-on services: Services such as radon testing (which by the way IS NOT a required part of a home inspection in Virginia), mold sampling, and sewer scope inspection are offered by some home inspectors and will obviously add to the cost of your inspection.

The inspector’s service area: Most home inspectors don’t mind driving, but if the job is outside their normal service area a mileage fee may be added to the base price.

Discounts: Self-explanatory.  

Dos and Don’ts:

• DO have realistic expectations when it comes to how much an inspection may cost.
• DO know what you are getting for your money. Call the inspectors you are considering and talk to them. Ask questions. Any inspector worth hiring should be able to explain their pricing and demonstrate their value.
• DON’T hire an inspector strictly because they’re the cheapest. This has been the downfall of many a homeowner. The cut-rate inspectors typically have to do more inspections in a given day just to make it. That means the inspector may be in a hurry to finish your inspection so he can get to the next job. The small amount of money you save on the inspection fee will pale in comparison to the amount you spend fixing the issues the cut-rate guy missed.

 
Conclusion: Shop carefully, choose wisely, and hire the home inspector who will get you and your family off to a great start in your new home!
 
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