Home size is a significant factor that determines home inspection costs. Professional inspectors often charge based on the square footage of the home because it largely determines the scope of the work and the length of time they will spend on the inspection.

Home inspections cost as little as \$200 for an area of less than 1,000 square feet (a tiny home or condo, for example). Costs increase as home size increases, with an inspection of an average 1,500-square-foot single family home costing between \$300 and \$400 and a larger multi-family home inspection costing upwards of \$500.

New Construction Home Inspection Cost

It may seem counterintuitive, but you should purchase a home inspection even if the home you’re looking to buy is brand new. It’s important to know the home is structurally sound before you buy. And if you find an issue, the home builders have resources necessary to make requested repairs and are more likely to complete them than a homeowner.

A pre-drywall inspection that covers a walkthrough before the builders install drywall will cost between $100 and $300. A home inspection after the home is completed costs $400 on average.

What is Included in the Cost of a Home Inspection?

Each home inspector focuses on different things, so do your research ahead of time to find out what they cover. To cover your bases, find an inspector who will examine several components, including:

• Yard
• Exterior structures
• Plumbing
• Appliances
• Roof
• Attic
• Foundation
• Electrical system
• HVAC system
• Windows
• Doors
• Walls

Your inspector will provide you with a report detailing any issues they found during the inspection along with photos. You may choose to repair these after you purchase the home or negotiate for the seller to complete them before the sale.

Having short sales and especially foreclosures on your street decreases the value of your home. Even if they are not direct comparables, as in same square footage and the number of bedrooms and baths, they are in your immediate neighborhood, so can make the entire area depreciate in value.