Home Inspection Costs: What to Expect & How to Save in 2025

A home inspection should be a part of every homebuyer’s due diligence when investing in residential real estate. Though an added expense, an inspection arms buyers with the information they need to avoid stumbling into a money pit.

The cost of new home inspection walkthroughs and documentation is dependent on several factors. Home size, location, and inspection specializations all come into play, so home inspections cost anywhere from $200 to $1,500 or more.

In this  article we’ll explain the variables that drive home inspection costs. We’ll also share some tips on how to save a little bit of money without sacrificing essential information and peace of mind.

Why a Home Inspection Is Important

A home inspection gives buyers and sellers a more detailed and informed understanding of a home’s condition. This is advantageous for both parties, as buyers are more aware of the risk they may be taking on by purchasing a home and sellers can more accurately price their home to expedite a sale. Here’s a closer look at why a home inspection is so essential.

A home inspection can reveal underlying issues with a home.

First and foremost, a home inspection is important because it can identify problems with a property that may not be so obvious to the layperson. Potential issues range from structural damage, pest infestations, mold and water damage, hazardous materials, code violations, faulty appliances and systems, and more. 

An inspection can confirm that a property is safe and secure.

Home inspections can protect unsuspecting homebuyers financially, but there are meaningful safety benefits as well. A thorough inspection can identify the presence of potentially toxic materials, such as asbestos, radon, and lead paint. Inspections may also detect fire hazards or other safety concerns, such as loose floorboards and unsecure railings and banisters.

You can use a home inspection to negotiate a better deal on a property.

Buyers and sellers alike can leverage a home inspection as a negotiating tactic. If an inspection report reveals problems that would be expensive to remedy, the buyer then has a bargaining chip to argue for a lower sale price. On the other hand, the seller may stand to gain by completing any necessary home repairs as affordably as possible, then setting a justifiably higher asking price.

It is also worth noting that homebuyers can protect themselves with a home inspection contingency clause, which essentially allows buyers to walk away from a deal if a home inspection reveals significant problems.

 Inspections support long-term home planning and budgeting.

It’s possible, even likely, that a home inspection will catch some issues that don’t necessarily require an urgent fix but could become more serious over time. In this case, an inspection can help you anticipate future home maintenance needs. If the report estimates five or ten years before a problem becomes more pressing, you can start to save for the repair now to make that future job more manageable. 

Inspections may be contractually required by insurers and lenders.

Even if you’re not convinced of the numerous benefits of a home inspection, you may be obligated to have one completed. In certain circumstances, insurance companies may require a home inspection before agreeing to a policy. Less commonly, mortgage lenders may require a home inspection as well.

How Much Does a Home Inspection Typically Cost?

How much do home inspections cost? The cost is more variable than you might think. As of 2025, the average cost of home inspections is around $400 to $600. In areas with low to moderate costs of living, a basic inspection might cost as little as $200. But if you live in an expensive area and require one or more specialized inspections, you can expect to pay upwards of $1,000. Quotes of $1,500 or more are not unheard of, but a figure in that ballpark suggests a large home in a high cost-of-living area and a number of ancillary inspections.   

Factors That Influence Home Inspection Pricing

It’s hard to know what to expect to pay for a home inspection if you have never gone through the process before. First-time homebuyers shopping for home inspections can better anticipate their financial obligations if they first examine the factors that drive up inspection costs.

• Location

Like most other goods and services, inspections cost more in areas with a high cost of living. Prices skew higher in the Northeast, West Coast, and around major metropolitan centers. Average costs dip lower in the South, Midwest, and in comparatively rural areas.

• Property square footage

It stands to reason that a larger home takes more time to inspect. A thorough inspection of an average-sized home takes around two hours, but that time could double for inspections of homes that exceed 3,000 square feet. For the inspector, more time on the job means a higher quote.

• Home age

Older homes tend to require more in-depth and specialized inspections. There’s a greater likelihood of systemic problems in aging properties, and inspectors may discover outdated or dangerous building materials. In older homes that have been heavily remodeled or renovated, the inspector may need to assess a complicated combination of old and new materials and construction methods.

• Specialty services

There are a few services that are not typically included as part of a basic home inspection but are available at an additional cost. These ancillary services include inspections for hazardous materials, such as radon, asbestos, lead-based paint, and mold. A basic inspection will probably note if there’s obvious evidence of pest problems, but a termite inspection or more thorough pest inspection usually costs extra because of the time and expertise involved.

Another common add-on is a scope inspection to assess the condition of a home’s sewer line. Pool and spa inspections increase overall inspection costs as well.

• Home complexity

Sometimes a home’s quirks could necessitate higher inspection costs. If there are extensive crawl spaces or unfinished spaces that are difficult to access, for example, the inspector may charge more for the increase in time and difficulty of the inspection. 

• Supplementary inspections

A home inspection is typically high level. If you’re concerned about more severe underlying issues with any of a property’s systems, you’ll want a specialized expert to conduct a more focused inspection. For example, if you’re worried about pervasive electrical problems, you should schedule an electrical inspection in addition to the standard home inspection. Unfortunately, though, this is an additional expense.

What’s Included in a Standard Home Inspection?

A standard home inspection covers as much of the home’s structure, systems, and appliances as can be reasonably assessed in a few hours. Here is a general list of the features of a home that an inspector will examine:

• Structural supports, including visible joists, rafters, columns, and pillars
• Floors, walls, and ceilings
• Doors and windows
• Foundations
• Basements, attics, and crawl spaces
• Visible insulation, plumbing, wiring, and ductwork
• Roofs, gutters, and downspouts
• Walkways, driveways, and patios
• Porches, decks, and balconies
• Plumbing systems, including interior plumbing fixtures
• Electrical systems, including all electrical outlets, panels, and lighting fixtures
• HVAC systems, including thermostats
• Major home appliances
• Stairs, railings, and banisters
• Smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and security systems
• Cupboards, cabinets, built-ins, and countertops
• Outdoor grading and drainage
• Exterior siding

A qualified inspector will guide you on what to do during a home inspection. Follow the inspector during the walkthrough without interfering with the process. Take your own notes, even if you’ll receive the full report later on. Come prepared with questions, and don’t be afraid to inquire about potential problems as the inspector moves through each section of the home.

How to Save Money on a Home Inspection

A home inspection is well worth the financial investment, but there are strategies you can employ to save a bit of money.

1. Compare quotes.

There are likely several qualified home inspectors in your area. Request quotes from different providers and compare costs. Just be careful to weigh reviews and experience in addition to prices.

1. Look for deals and discounts.

Some home inspectors may offer discounts for first-time buyers, veterans, senior citizens, or other categories of buyers. You can also inquire about package deals. You might stand to gain more value from an inspector that bundles a standard inspection with one or two specialty services.

1. Investigate recent inspection reports.

If an inspection report for the property was recently filed, you might be able to omit certain specialty services. Use your best judgment to determine if the data in the recent report is still valid. If you’re in doubt, it’s best to request a fresh inspection.

Remember to save, but don’t skimp. A small investment in a home inspection today can save you thousands of dollars tomorrow. And the same is true of a home warranty. Once you move into your new home, protect your appliances and systems with warranty coverage. The modest premium to maintain coverage pays when some piece of home equipment needs to be repaired or replaced. 

Learn more about the ins and outs of home warranty coverage and find a plan that suits your home and lifestyle by calling (833)-543-9700.