Blog › Home Inspection Costs
Last updated: May 2026 · 6-minute read
A standard home inspection costs $280–$500 in 2026 (national average: $340). Larger or older homes cost more. Specialty inspections (radon, mold, sewer scope) add $75–$250 each. The buyer typically pays at time of inspection.
| Home Size | Typical Cost | Time Required |
|---|---|---|
| Under 1,000 sq ft | $200–$300 | 1.5–2 hrs |
| 1,000–1,500 sq ft | $250–$350 | 2–2.5 hrs |
| 1,500–2,000 sq ft | $300–$400 | 2.5–3 hrs |
| 2,000–2,500 sq ft | $350–$450 | 3–3.5 hrs |
| 2,500–3,500 sq ft | $400–$550 | 3.5–4 hrs |
| Over 3,500 sq ft | $500–$700+ | 4–6 hrs |
| Inspection Type | Cost | When Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Radon testing | $100–$200 | All homes (especially basements) |
| Mold inspection | $200–$600 | If mold suspected |
| Sewer scope | $100–$250 | Older homes (pre-1980) |
| Termite/pest inspection | $50–$150 | Required by some lenders |
| Thermal imaging (IR) | $150–$300 | Hidden water damage, insulation |
| Well water test | $100–$300 | Homes with private wells |
| Septic inspection | $200–$500 | Homes with septic systems |
| Pool/spa inspection | $100–$200 | Homes with pools |
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Yes — after receiving the report, you can: request repairs before closing, ask for a price reduction equal to repair costs, request credits at closing, or walk away (if your contract has an inspection contingency). Focus on safety and major system issues — cosmetic items rarely move sellers.
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View on Amazon →Yes — attending lets you ask questions in real-time, understand the severity of issues, and learn about the home's systems. Plan to be there for the last 30–60 minutes when the inspector summarizes findings. Don't follow the inspector room to room — let them work.
An inspector evaluates the physical condition of the home (what needs repair or monitoring). An appraiser estimates market value for the lender. Both are typically required when buying a home. The appraiser works for the bank; the inspector works for you.
Yes — sellers can refuse repair requests. In a seller's market, many sellers won't do repairs. The buyer then decides: accept as-is, renegotiate price, or walk away using the inspection contingency. Know your leverage before submitting a repair request list.
No — a home inspection is not required by lenders, but an appraisal is. However, FHA and VA loans require the appraiser to flag certain health/safety issues (which may require repairs). Most buyer's agents strongly recommend an inspection regardless of loan type.
Related: Home Inspection Template ($17) · Free Tools · Templates Store