How much does a pre-drywall inspection cost?
How much does a pre-drywall inspection cost?
$100 – $400 average cost
Average cost of a pre-drywall inspection
A pre-drywall inspection costs $100 to $400 and makes sure new construction is up to code and doesn’t have any issues. The total cost depends on your location, home size, and whether their report includes pictures or videos. Pre-drywall inspections can catch serious issues that are easier and less costly to resolve before the walls are enclosed.
| National Average Cost | $250 |
| Minimum Cost | $75 |
| Maximum Cost | $600 |
| Average Range | $100 to $400 |
Pre-drywall inspection cost by home size
Bigger homes take longer to inspect, so some inspectors charge prices that are proportional to your home’s size. An inspection for a small condo or townhome may cost less than a large single-family home.
| Home size (square feet) |
Average inspection cost |
|---|---|
| 800 | $100 – $150 |
| 1,000 | $150 – $200 |
| 1,500 | $200 – $250 |
| 2,000 | $250 – $300 |
| 2,500 | $300 – $350 |
| 3,000+ | $350 – $400+ |
What affects the cost of a pre-drywall inspection?
A few different factors can influence the cost of inspecting your home before you install drywall:
Location: Pre-drywall inspection prices are fairly consistent across the country, but some areas have much higher costs of living, like New York City or Los Angeles, and contractors there may charge more than average.
Pictures / videos: Most inspectors take videos or photos during the inspection, but they sometimes charge more to include them in the report.
Complexity: If your home has multiple complex systems running through it like HVAC or gas lines, you may pay more.
Drywall: After the inspection and any necessary repairs, you can go ahead with installing the walls. Drywall installation costs $1.50 to $3.50 per square foot on average.
Standard inspection: You may not necessarily need a pre-drywall inspection to buy or build a home, but you will need a standard inspection. Home inspections cost $200 to $500 on average, depending on the home size and whether you pay for any add-ons.
What is a pre-drywall inspection?
A pre-drywall inspection is a walk-through of new construction that takes place before you hang and finish the walls. Spotting issues with the foundation, electrical system, and other elements is much easier to do before the walls are up.
Inspection details
During the pre-drywall inspection of a new construction, the contractor will get a complete look at the work that other contractors have done so far before you put the walls up. They will thoroughly inspect the quality of the following elements:
Doors
Electrical system
Foundation
Flooring
HVAC system
Plumbing
Wall and roof structure
Windows
Inspection report
After the inspection, you’ll get a detailed report. Ideally, this report will state that nothing is wrong and give you the green light to install your walls. However, it may point out issues such as:
Damaged or missing support beams
Drainage and drying issues with appliances
Faulty electrical wiring
Imperfections in wall seals
Incorrect HVAC installation
Issues with water temperature
Leaks or issues with plumbing
Poorly fitted floors
Uneven foundations or walls
Potential repairs
The following table shows the average cost to resolve common issues the inspector might identify:
| Repair type | Average cost to resolve |
|---|---|
| HVAC repair cost | $150 – $1,500 |
| Plumbing repair cost | $125 – $800 |
| Mold removal cost | $1,500 – $6,000 |
| Electrical outlet repair cost | $80 – $200 |
| Hardwood floor repair cost | $500 – $1,500 |
| Replace floor joists cost | $350 – $1,000 each |
| Foundation repair cost | $250 – $800+ |
| Basement waterproofing cost | $250 – $800 per crack |
If the inspector finds any issues, they can recommend local specialists to help you take care of the problem.
Pre-drywall inspection FAQs
Is pre-drywall inspection necessary?
Not all state building codes require a pre-drywall inspection, and many contractors do their own inspections or walk-throughs with clients instead. However, a third-party inspection is more objective and thorough. Even the smallest oversight or mistake can lead to big issues later, so the extra cost may be worth it.
To earn ENERGY STAR certification, new homes and apartments must pass a pre-drywall inspection.
What happens after pre-drywall inspection?
After the pre-drywall inspection, the inspector will give you their report. If they found any concerning mistakes or items that aren’t up to code, you may be required to fix the issue. Whether the repairs are optional or mandatory, the inspector can recommend professionals to help.
Getting estimates from home inspectors
Follow these tips when collecting estimates from home inspectors near you:
Contact several companies for estimates and compare prices.
Read reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Make sure the inspectors have a business license and insurance.
Ask if they use flat fees or charge by home size.
Get a detailed, written estimate before they start.
Questions to ask about the inspection
Ask these important questions before hiring an inspector:
Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?
How much experience do you have with pre-drywall inspections?
How much will the inspection cost?
Do you charge by square footage or use a flat rate?
Can you give me references from previous customers?
How long will the inspection take?
What will you be inspecting?
When should I expect your report?
Will your report include photos or a video? Will that cost extra?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.