Home Inspection Cost Guide
Published 2026-06-17 · Updated 2026-07-08
Short version of everything on this site: what a home inspection runs, what moves the price, and where to click for the long-form answer on each piece.
The one-line numbers
| Job | What it runs |
| Standard inspection | $300 - $500 |
| Large home (4,000+ sq ft) | $500 - $800 |
| Radon test (add-on) | $100 - $200 |
| Termite / WDO (add-on) | $75 - $150 |
| Sewer scope (add-on) | $100 - $300 |
These are ballpark figures pulled straight from the calculator's own constants; see the full cost reference for the size-by-size math behind them.
Six things that move the price
- Square footage. Bigger house, more time on site, higher fee. Full breakdown: cost by size and state.
- Add-on tests. Radon, mold, termite, and sewer scopes stack on top of the base fee. Details: add-on pricing.
- Home age. Older systems take longer to evaluate and usually cost a bit more.
- Location. Regional demand and cost of living swing the fee either direction.
- Foundation type. A crawl space or full basement adds time on site.
- Inspector reputation. The most in-demand inspectors in a market often charge a premium.
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Quick answers
What is the quick number I should budget?
$300 to $500 covers most single-family homes, more for anything large or loaded with add-on tests. Full breakdown: cost by size and state.
What gets checked during the visit?
Roof, structure, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and the other major systems, wrapped up in a written report. Full checklist: what's included.
Does paying for it actually pay off?
Usually. One real finding tends to cover the fee many times over, and even a clean report gives you a record of the home's condition. Longer answer: is it worth it.
Who is on the hook for the fee?
The buyer, in nearly every deal, paid directly to the inspector during the contingency period. Details: who pays.
How long should I set aside?
Two to four hours covers most homes, longer for bigger or older ones. Plan to be there if you can.
What actually derails a deal?
Foundation movement, a dying roof, a blacklisted electrical panel, and active water intrusion are the usual suspects. Full list: what fails an inspection.
Is a Michigan inspection priced differently?
Yes, a bit lower than the national number, since Midwest labor costs run under the coasts. See the state-by-state table for specifics.