How much does a home inspection cost?
Ashburn, VA

How much does a home inspection cost?

Ashburn, VA

How much does a home inspection cost?

$250 – $3001,000 to 1,500 SF home
$300 – $4001,500 to 2,000 SF home
$400 – $500+2,000 to 3,000+ SF home

Get free estimates for your project or view our cost guide below:

$250 – $300 1,000 to 1,500 SF home

$300 – $400 1,500 to 2,000 SF home

$400 – $500+ 2,000 to 3,000+ SF home


Get free estimates for your project or view our cost guide below:
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Daniel Bal
Written by
Daniel Bal
Edited by
Kristen Cramer
Fact-checked by
Tom Grupa

Average home inspection cost

A home inspection costs $200 to $500 on average, depending on the home's size, age, and location. Home buyers are typically responsible for scheduling and paying for the inspection. A standard inspection covers the home's major systems, while specialized add-on inspections look for mold, radon, termites, and more.

Average home inspection cost by square footage - Chart
Average home inspection cost by square footage - Chart
Home inspection costs by square footage
Home size (square feet) Average cost (standard inspection)
< 1,000 $200 – $250
1,001 – 1,500 $250 – $300
1,501 – 2,000 $300 – $400
2,001 – 2,500 $400 – $450
2,501 – 3,000 $450 – $500+

Home inspections play a critical role when purchasing a house. Buyers hire inspectors to examine the physical condition of a home to ensure its structural integrity before finalizing the sale. If the inspector finds any issues, the sellers can address them, or the buyers can walk away.

Get free estimates from home inspectors near you.

Home inspection cost calculator

Average home inspection cost - Chart
Average home inspection cost - Chart
Average home inspection cost
National Average Cost $340
Minimum Cost $200
Maximum Cost $800
Average Range $200 – $500

Other variables that may increase the cost include:

  • Age – Older homes often have more issues, requiring the inspector to spend additional time in the house. For example, houses built before the 1980s may contain toxic materials such as asbestos or lead paint. Inspecting for these and similar issues can increase the fee by $100 to $200.

  • Travel fees – Inspectors may charge $1 to $2 per mile if they need to travel over 20 to 60 miles. Others will only accept jobs within a certain number of miles.

  • Infrared thermal imagery – A thermal imagery inspection costs $300 to $500. The inspector uses a heat-imaging camera throughout the home to locate areas affected by heat loss. This helps identify moisture, ventilation, electrical, and structural issues.

  • Freestanding structures – Structures such as guest houses, detached garages, and barns increase the overall cost by $25 to $50 each, depending on the building's size. Some inspection companies won't quote a price without first seeing the structure.

A home inspector discussing inspection results with homeowners.
A home inspector discussing inspection results with homeowners.

House inspection cost near your location

The average cost of a home inspection ranges from $200 to $500. Inspectors may charge up to $800+ if the house is in a region with luxury homes or a high cost of living.

Home inspection costs by state
State Average cost
Alabama $275 – $325 
Alaska $350 – $475 
Arizona $275 – $350 
Arkansas $200 – $400 
California $350 – $500 
Colorado $250 – $600 
Connecticut $400 – $500 
Delaware $270 – $380 
Florida $250 – $375 
Georgia $250 – $600 
Hawaii $300 – $800 
Idaho $240 – $600 
Illinois $300 – $600 
Indiana $250 – $600 
Iowa $300 – $450 
Kansas $350 – $400 
Kentucky $200 – $450 
Louisiana $200 – $350 
Maine $300 – $500 
Maryland $200 – $550 
Massachusetts $350 – $600 
Michigan $250 – $600 
Minnesota $270 – $650 
Mississippi $240 – $600 
Missouri $300 – $550 
Montana $250 – $375 
Nebraska $200 – $550 
Nevada $250 – $600 
New Hampshire $300 – $500 
New Jersey $300 – $500 
New Mexico $200 – $500 
New York $200 – $700 
North Carolina $300 – $600 
North Dakota $250 – $400 
Ohio $200 – $450 
Oklahoma $225 – $550 
Oregon $275 – $700 
Pennsylvania $365 – $415 
Rhode Island $200 – $750 
South Carolina $250 – $650 
South Dakota $250 – $625 
Tennessee $300 – $500 
Texas $350 – $600 
Utah $200 – $600 
Vermont $275 – $650 
Virginia $300 – $700 
Washington $500 – $700 
West Virginia $225 – $600 
Wisconsin $250 – $575 
Wyoming $300 – $450 

New construction home inspection cost

Inspectors charge $100 to $400 to evaluate newly constructed homes. Even though these homes are young with barely used systems and utilities, they are not immune to problems.

Materials may have been unknowingly defective or installed incorrectly. Therefore, it is best not to assume "new" means "flawless".

New construction home inspection cost - Chart
New construction home inspection cost - Chart
New construction home inspection costs
Inspection type Average cost When to schedule
Pre-drywall inspection $100 – $300 Before the drywall is hung, and preferably before adding the insulation
Full home inspection $200 – $400 When the buyer and seller (builder) go under contract
11-month inspection $250 – $350 One month before the home warranty expires

Pre-drywall inspection cost

A pre-drywall inspection costs $100 to $300. Inspecting a home before the builder hangs the drywall allows an inspector to examine parts of a house that are usually covered:

  • Electrical writing

  • Framing

  • Foundation slabs

  • Floor joints

  • Plumbing piping

  • Window and door flashing

  • Wall studs

  • Air ducts and registers

11-month home inspection cost

Get free estimates from home inspectors near you.

Newly built homes typically come with a one-year builder warranty. An 11-month home inspection costs $250 to $350 and ensures you discover any problems with your new home before the warranty expires. If the inspector finds any issues, the builder is responsible for the repairs.

What is included in the cost of a home inspection?

When a home inspection takes place, the inspector examines the following items to look for issues:

Home inspection areas of focus
Area Issues
Structure
  • Condition of window and door frames
  • Cracks in the foundation
  • Leaning, bowing, or distorted exterior walls
Exterior
  • Cracks in siding, bricks, or mortar
  • Crumbling bricks
  • Missing siding
  • Flaking or bubbling paint
  • Plant growth or vines attached to the home's exterior
  • Signs of standing water
  • Evidence of rot or leaks
Roof
  • Missing or damaged shingles
  • Damaged flashing
  • Rusty or drooping gutters
  • Cracked or crumbling chimney
  • Missing or damaged chimney cap
Attic, basement, and crawl space
  • Evidence of water or mold
  • Signs of pest or insect damage
  • Cracked walls
  • Inadequate ventilation
Interior
  • Holes, unevenness, or cracks in floors, walls, or ceilings
  • Paint, paneling, or trim damage
  • Malfunctioning windows or doors
Kitchen
  • Improper outlet placement
  • Leaking or rusting sink, dishwasher, or disposal
  • Improper drainage of sink, dishwasher, or disposal
  • Decay or mold in cabinets
Bathrooms
  • Leaking or rusting toilet, sink, tub, or shower
  • Improper drainage of toilet, sink, tub, or shower
  • Inadequate water pressure
  • Malfunctioning toilet
  • Presence of mold
Plumbing
  • Leaks, stains, and rust on or around pipes
  • Water heater has signs of rust or inadequate ventilation
Electrical
  • Issues with visible wiring
  • Exposed or knot-and-tube wiring
  • Ungrounded outlets
  • Inoperable switches
  • Issues with the service panel and circuits
Heating and cooling
  • Inadequate airflow
  • Combustion gas odors
  • Dirty air filters
  • Malfunctioning thermostat

Inspectors do not inspect what they cannot see. Instead, you'll need to hire specialized inspectors to provide a more in-depth assessment of certain areas and issues, the most common of which include:

  • Environmental hazards

  • Toxic materials

  • Interior of utilities

  • Detached structures

  • Pests and insects

Special home inspection costs

Home inspection companies offer add-on inspections ranging in cost from $70 to $2,800 for pests, termites, toxic materials, utilities, and specific systems.

Because home inspectors are limited in what they can inspect, you may need to hire specialists who can provide a more detailed assessment.

Special home inspection costs
Inspection type Average cost Who to hire
Asbestos inspection cost $250 – $750 Asbestos inspectors
Basement waterproofing inspection cost $350 – $450 Basement waterproofer
Chimney inspection cost $360 – $400 Chimney sweep
Electrical inspection cost $100 – $200 Electricians
Foundation inspection cost $400 – $750 Foundation contractor
Furnace inspection cost $70 – $130 Furnace repair company
HVAC inspection cost $150 – $500 HVAC contractor
Indoor air quality inspection cost $250 – $300 HVAC contractor
Lead inspection cost $250 – $700 Lead inspector
Mold inspection cost $300 – $650   Mold inspector
Pest inspection cost $100 – $1300 Pest control
Plumbing inspection cost $100 – $1,300 Plumbing inspector
Pool inspection cost $75 – $350 Pool contractor
Radon inspection cost $125 – $400 Radon inspector
Roof inspection cost $100 – $400 Roof inspector
Septic tank inspection cost $150 – $650 Plumbing inspector
Sewer camera inspection cost $125 – $500 Plumbing inspector
Soil inspection cost $100 – $500   Lawn contractor
Geotechnical inspection cost $1,000 – $2,800 Structural engineer
Structural inspection cost $350 – $900 Structural engineer
Termite inspection cost $50 – $350 Termite inspector
Well & water inspection cost $250 – $550 Well water tester

Home inspector taking notes and checking exterior
Home inspector taking notes and checking exterior

4-point home inspection cost

Get free estimates from home inspectors near you.

A 4-point home inspection costs $50 to $100 and focuses on four specific areas—the roof, electrical system, plumbing, and HVAC. Insurance companies often require this type of inspection when insuring a home over 30 years old.

4-point inspection areas of focus
Area Inspects
Roof
  • Age
  • Signs of deterioration
  • Leaks
Electrical
  • System size
  • System type
  • Meets all code regulations
Plumbing
  • Material and age of the drain and supply lines
  • Condition of the water heater
HVAC
  • Functionality of the furnace and AC unit
  • Condition and age of the furnace and AC unit

Home inspection prices by property type

Because properties such as condos, guest houses, and mobile homes have less square footage, inspections are usually cheaper.

Home inspection prices by property type - Chart
Home inspection prices by property type - Chart
Home inspection costs by property type
Property type Average square footage Average inspection cost
Condo 500 – 1,000 $200 – $250
Guest or pool house 100 – 800 $200 – $250
Mobile home 600 – 1,300 $200 – $300

Condo inspection cost

A condo inspection costs $200 to $250 for an average-sized unit (500 to 1,000 SF), with costs increasing as the square footage increases. Because condos are housed inside a larger building, inspectors focus on the following aspects of the interior:

  • Cracked or damaged walls

  • Water damage

  • Foul odors

  • Adequate water pressure and drainage

  • Operational HVAC system

  • Working doors and windows

  • Functioning sinks, toilets, baths, and showers

  • Damage to shared walls

  • Improper maintenance or repairs from previous issues

Mobile home inspection cost

A mobile home inspection costs $200 to $300 for a single-wide home (600 to 1,300 SF) or $250 to $450 for a double-wide home (1,100 to 2,200 SF).

Mobile home inspectors look for many of the same issues as traditional home inspectors. However, there are specific problems only manufactured homes suffer from that need the attention of an inspector who has experience with mobile homes specifically:

  • Check for missing or loose trim, skirting, or siding panels.

  • Evaluation site-built additions.

  • Verify the I-beams connecting the frame are not bent or rusted.

  • Inspect foundation piers for any damage.

  • Examine the vapor barrier under the floor framing.

  • Confirm the anchor straps are appropriately attached to the home’s frame.

  • Ensure anchors are not loose or corroded.

Home inspection FAQs

Is a home inspection worth it?

Because purchasing a home is a major investment, an inspection is a crucial and necessary part of the process. It uncovers any potential problems and helps forecast future repairs.

Buyers often use the home inspection to negotiate with the seller, asking them to pay for the repairs or reduce the price of the house. If the buyer and seller cannot agree, the buyer can back out of the deal.

Do you need a home inspection, and is it required?

While home inspections are not required by law, sellers in most states are obligated to provide a disclosure that identifies existing flaws. Some insurance companies and banks may require a home inspection before providing coverage or approving a loan.

Is the home inspection part of closing costs?

No, home inspections are usually not included in the closing costs. However, realtors often add it to their estimation of what buyers should put aside for the closing.

Who pays for a home inspection?

The buyer typically hires, pays for, and schedules the home inspection within ten days of the homeowner accepting their offer. Most contracts require the home inspection to occur within a certain amount of time after the house is under contract.

A seller might pay for a home inspection before listing their house to find potential issues and help decide on an asking price. They may also pay for the inspection as an incentive to prospective buyers.

How long does a home inspection take?

A home inspection takes an average of 2 to 4 hours to complete. The length varies depending on the size of the house.

What fixes are mandatory after a home inspection?

Legally, sellers are not required to repair any issues found by a home inspection. However, some repairs are mandatory depending on the buyer’s lender, including structural defects, building code violations, and health or safety issues.

Should the buyer or seller be present at a home inspection?

Most inspectors recommended that buyers are present during the inspection. This allows buyers to ask questions, take notes, and see first-hand any issues the inspector finds. However, the buyer and seller are not required to attend the home inspection.

Getting quotes and hiring a home inspector

When searching for a home inspector, consider the following:

  • Ask your realtor for recommendations.

  • Research recommendations, even from family, friends, or agents.

  • Look for inspectors certified by one of these organizations:

    • American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI)

    • International Associate of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI)

    • North American Association of Home Inspectors (AHI)

  • Check online reviews from reputable sites.

  • Request a sample copy of an inspection report.

  • Choose an inspector that lets you attend the inspection.

  • Ask for multiple references.

Questions to ask before and during the home inspection

  • How long have you been inspecting homes?

  • Are you certified by ASHI, InterNACHI, or AHI?

  • Are you insured and bonded?

  • What do you charge for an inspection?

  • What will you check? What won’t you check?

  • How long will the inspection take?

  • Can I attend the inspection?

  • When will I receive the final report?

  • Did the inspection uncover any problems?

  • What are the biggest issues?

  • Is there anything I should fix immediately?

  • What repairs can wait?

  • Are there any issues that raise health concerns?

  • Would you recommend a specialized inspection?

How to prepare for a home inspection

In preparation for an inspection, it is important to check the following items yourself to make sure they are in working condition:

Inspection preparation
Area/System Inspect
Lighting
  • Lightbulbs
  • Light fixtures
Mechanics
  • Furnace
  • Air conditioning
  • Hot water tank
  • Fuse box
Exterior
  • Gutters/downspouts
  • SidingDriveway
  • Doorbell
  • Landscaping
Windows
  • Open/close
  • ScreensFrames
Plumbing
  • Faucets
  • Tubs/showers
  • Toilets
  • Water pressure
Access
  • Crawl spaces
  • Basement
  • Attic
  • Doorways
  • Closets
Detectors
  • Smoke
  • Carbon monoxide
Utilities
  • Gas
  • Electric
  • Water
Appliances (included in sale)
  • Dishwasher
  • Washer and dryer
  • Oven/range
  • Refrigerator