How Much Does a Home Inspection Cost in 2026?

The average price for home inspections is around $350, and the range is between $296 and $424. Home inspection will provide you with the assurance that your dream home will be safe on your day of move in. Besides, you can also save money by negotiating with the sellers for all the repairs they need to do to the house before the closing date. This article will provide you with detailed insights into home inspection cost in 2026 and what influences the price.

Factors Affecting Home Inspection Costs

Other than the size of your home, a number of other elements could determine the cost of a home inspection. Your home inspection cost calculations will be based on where you live, the condition of the property, and what will be included in the inspection.

Home Location

The cost of an average home inspection is determined by the place. To illustrate this, the average price in Detroit stands at 300 dollars, as compared to New Jersey where it stands at 430.

The following is a table comprising the various costs of home inspections in the country:

City	Average Cost
New York	$450
Los Angeles	$330
Chicago	$320
Houston	$350
Philadelphia	$450
Miami	$300
Atlanta	$320

Home Size

Several inspectors charge a flat rate for homes up to 2,000 square feet, but some may charge less for smaller units, like a condo or mobile home under 1,000 square feet. The homes that are less than 2000 square feet will have a flat home inspection price, and any home more than 2000 square feet will have an additional fee of approximately 25 dollars for every 500 square feet added. The average price comes out to be about $350 for a common 2000-square-foot home.

The following table is a summary of the costs of a home inspection in terms of square feet:

Home Size (sq. ft.)	Average Cost
Under 1,000	$200–$250
1,000–1,500	$225–$325
1,500–2,000	$250–$375
2,000–2,500	$275–$400
2,500–3,000	$300–$500

Type of Home

Although the amount of money to spend on a home inspection usually depends on the size of the house, the house’s nature may also influence the cost. A single-family detached house could be expensive compared to a condo or a mobile home. An inspector specializing in such homes is also likely to be needed to inspect a mobile home or prefabricated home.

Age of Home

It will not be a secret that inspecting a home might be a little more expensive in the case of an older home. The inspector can take additional time to inspect the wiring and plumbing and ensure that the aspects are up to standard.  

Home inspection is not a bad idea, even when you are purchasing a new home. It is a wise decision to have a new construction home inspection in case the builder missed anything in the course of the construction. You would like to know that everything is up to code and the property is sound in the structure before making a purchase.

Choosing The Right Inspector

When dealing with a realtor, he or she is likely to have a preferred inspector. Even though the specifications of licensing to be a home inspector differ, they must possess the certification of the locals and be properly insured. Professional associations like the American Society of Home Inspectors are allowed to have affiliations with the inspectors. Experienced, certified, and affiliated professionals may charge a higher house inspection fee.

After determining their qualifications, it is good to see what other people have to say about them through online reviews and also to get quotations. After you contract a qualified home inspector, you need to be present during the inspection. The process of inspection generally takes between two and four hours and they will give you a detailed report once it is over.

What an Average Home Inspection Includes

A majority of home inspections include a general set of basic checks. However, it is worthy to look around to find the quotes of multiple local licensed home inspectors to ensure they will not be missing something. All inspections will not be based on all the exact same elements. 

The home inspections normally cover the following major areas:

• Structure and foundation: Reviewing the state and entity of the building.
• Water damage: Searching for evidence of possible water damage, such as watermarks or wet areas.
• Roofing: Examining the nature of the roof condition with loose shingles or rust.
• Inspection of basement and attic: There can be structural damage, mold, and water damage. Check these areas to determine the presence of any of these issues.
• Electrical system: Inspects outlets, electrical panels and other parts of the electrical system to determine whether they are in working condition and in compliance with code.
• HVAC Systems: Check heating, cooling, and ventilation systems to verify that the systems are in good condition and working properly.
• Plumbing: Checking such elements as the pressure of the water in the showers and the efficiency of the water heater.
• Floors, walls and ceilings: Try to see any evidence of damage, such as cracks or peeling paint.
• Kitchens and bathrooms: Inspection of leaking pipes, water pressure and mold.
• Doors and windows: This is to make sure that the doors open and close without much difficulty and that the frames are tight.
• Large appliances: Checking to ensure that they are functioning.

Securing The Low Cost Home Inspections

When buying or selling a house, you should specify who is expected to cover the house inspection cost. The buyer is responsible in most instances, but find out beforehand so that you do not end up wasting money. Also, request your realtor to make any suggestions for an inspector, because some will give a referral discount.

Get in touch with Sabreez Home Inspection for a correct and professionally drawn-up inspection report and fair prices in 2026.

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