Home Services
Home Inspection: What It Costs and What It Covers
Published September 24, 2026 · Last updated October 1, 2026
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The short answer
A home inspection costs about $344 on average, with most between $296 and $425. It's one of the best-spent few hundred dollars in buying a home.
An inspector checks the home's condition from roof to foundation and tells you what needs repair before you commit. And it's not the same as an appraisal. The appraisal is for the lender. The inspection is for you.
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What a home inspection costs
Price range
A home inspection costs about $344 on average, with most homeowners paying $296 to $425. If the inspection flags concerns, specialized inspections of the plumbing, electrical, or foundation run about $125 to $660 each.
Not a quote or an offer. Your price comes from the inspector. Source: Angi, 2026.
What moves the number
- Home size. Bigger homes take longer.
- Home age. Older homes often take more time.
- Property type, like a condo, a single-family home, or a multi-unit building.
- Location.
- Add-ons like radon, termite, or sewer line inspections.
What does a home inspector look for?
A general inspection looks at the visible, reachable parts of the home, including:
- Roof, gutters, and flashing
- Structure and foundation, including signs of settling or water
- Exterior, like siding, windows, doors, grading, and drainage
- Electrical, including the panel, outlets, and visible wiring
- Plumbing, including pipes, fixtures, and the water heater
- Heating and cooling systems
- Attic, insulation, and ventilation
- Interior, like walls, ceilings, floors, stairs, and built-in appliances
According to HUD, a qualified inspector will evaluate the home's condition, estimate the remaining useful life of major systems, and identify items that need repair or replacement.
Inspections you may want to add
A general inspection won't catch everything. Depending on the home, consider:
- Radon testing. The EPA recommends testing homes below the third floor. See radon testing and mitigation.
- Termite (wood-destroying insect) inspection, especially in warm climates. See pest control.
- Sewer line scope, for older homes or ones with big trees.
- Roof, chimney, or foundation inspections by specialists, if the general inspector flags a concern.
An appraisal is not an inspection
HUD makes this point clearly. The appraisal estimates the home's value for the lender. It does not replace a home inspection, and an FHA loan doesn't include one. You have to arrange the inspection yourself.
How to get the most from your inspection
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau suggests:
- Schedule it as soon as possible after your offer is accepted, so you have time for follow-up inspections.
- Attend the inspection. It's easier to understand the report and ask questions in person.
- Use the results. If repairs are needed, you can negotiate with the seller about who makes or pays for them.
- Know your contingency. If your contract has an inspection contingency, you may be able to back out if you're not satisfied with the results.
What to ask an inspector
- "Are you licensed or certified in this state?" Rules vary by state.
- "What's included, and what isn't?"
- "Can I attend and ask questions?"
- "When will I get the written report?"
- "Do you offer radon or termite inspections, or should I hire someone separately?"
The catch: in a competitive market, some buyers waive the inspection to win a house. That can leave you paying for big repairs you didn't know about. If you skip the contingency, consider still getting an inspection for your own information.
Keep reading
Found problems? See roof replacement, foundation repair, and HVAC. Buying a home? Compare homeowners insurance and a home warranty.
Protect and repair your home: Foundation repair · Water damage restoration · Basement waterproofing · Mold remediation · Radon testing and mitigation · Pest control · Home security · Home warranty · Is a home warranty worth it? · Chimney repair · All home projects
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