An inspection is a critical part of the home-buying process, but sometimes people are worried about the cost of a home inspection. The purpose of the home inspection is to help you to understand the condition and problems associated with the home that you are considering purchasing (if you are the buyer), or what issues may exist and ways to make your home more desireable (if you are the seller).
Home Inspection Cost
A typical home inspection will cost anywhere from about $300 – $500 (in Texas). While this may sound like a lot of money to some home buyers – especially when added to all of the other expenses involved with purchasing a home, it is a small amount compared to the money that it could save you if any serious (or even a few small issues) are discovered during the inspection.
The cost of a home inspection can be affected by various factors such as the size of the home, the age of the home, and the type of foundation.
Other factors can include travel fees (if applicable) and additional services such as septic inspections, pool and spa inspections, and well inspections. Additional services that are offered will vary by the inspector, as well as the pricing on these services.
While it is advisable to shop around for a home inspector, it is not normally a good idea to choose your home inspector based on price alone. There is a big difference between home inspectors in regards to knowledge, experience, thoroughness, report quality, etc. Just remember, as with most things, you get what you pay for.
Is a Home Inspection Worth the Cost?
You may be wondering, “Do I really need a home inspection?” or “Can’t I just do my own inspection?”.
A thorough home inspection can help you to avoid buying a home that has significant issues, or it can help you to negotiate for repairs or a better price with the home’s current owners.
If you are the seller, a house inspection allows you to present any issues, or lack of, to potential buyers. It also gives you the opportunity to make repairs and improve your house before putting your home on the market.
As for trying to do your own inspection, it is not recommended. Home inspectors go through hours upon hours of courses and hands-on training to become certified. We provide a thorough and objective overview of each system of your home and understand current building codes and standards. As an experienced inspector, I have learned where to look and what to look for to find serious, but hard-to-find problems with a home.
© 2021 Mike Morgan
This article was written by Mike Morgan, the owner of Morgan Inspection Services. Morgan Inspection Services has been providing home, septic and well inspection services throughout the central Texas area since 2002. He can be reached at 325-998-4663 or at mike@morganinspectionservices.com. No article, or portion thereof, may be reproduced or copied without prior written consent of Mike Morgan.
