How Long Do Home Inspections Take?

From the foundation to the roof, the outside perimeter to the inside walls, ceilings, and floors, plus the maze of hidden plumbing, pipes, and electrical wires you can’t see, a home inspection covers a lot of territory. 

But how long do home inspections take? Typically, about 2 – 2 ½ hours, depending on the size of your home and the issues encountered. 

What should you expect to happen during the home inspection process? What specific factors will a certified home inspector take into consideration when creating your inspection report?

If you’ve got questions, we’ve got answers. Keep reading for your guide on the real estate inspection process.

What to Know About Home Inspections

Home inspections are a very important part of the home buying process and selling process. For sellers, a professional inspection is necessary to determine the true home appraisal value. For buyers, a home inspection can be the difference between buying the home of your dreams and ending up with a money pit. 

But regardless of whether you’re having an inspection because you’re selling your home or shopping for one, knowing what to expect out of the inspection can make the entire selling and home buying process run more smoothly. 

When it comes to home inspections, the most important factors to consider are:

• Choosing an inspection company – Choosing a trusted, reputable house inspection company is key, so be prepared to do some research. Begin by asking your family, friends, and neighbors for recommendations. You can source recommendations from social media and websites like Nextdoor or Angie’s List as well as professional organizations. When you’re getting estimates, be sure to ask for sample copies of inspection reports so you know what’s covered.¹
• Estimating inspection costs – In general, you should expect to spend between $200 and $500 on your home inspection.² The total cost will depend on a range of factors, from the location and size of the home to the scope of the inspection. Then, you’ll have to prepare for the average cost of repairs after the home inspection.
• When to schedule an inspection – If you’re selling your home, you’ll want to schedule the inspection before you put the house on the market. For buyers, a home inspection should be scheduled as soon as possible after signing the purchase agreement.³  You’ll have to also check what fixes are mandatory after a home inspection before you set a schedule. 

What Happens During an Inspection?

The purpose of a professional home inspection is to establish an objective opinion of the condition of the house, excluding cosmetic issues unless they are symptoms of larger underlying damage. 

During the inspection itself, a qualified home inspector will conduct an extensive walk-through of the home.⁴ They’ll look in every room of the home and in places like basements, attics, and crawlspaces to assess the structure’s overall integrity as well as specific issues.

What’s covered in a home inspection report will depend largely upon the inspection company you hire and whether you require any specialty evaluations.

That said, a thorough home inspection should include a detailed consideration of:⁵ 

• The property’s structural integrity
• The condition of the foundation
• The home’s general construction quality
• The plumbing 
• The wiring and electrical system 
• The home’s heating, ventilation, and cooling system
• The integrity of the roof
• All doors and windows
• The kitchen and bathroom 
• All major appliances
• The condition of interior walls and ceilings
• The basement 
• The gutters, leaders, downspouts, and drainage system
• The garage or carport
• Any patios or decks
• The walkways and driveways 

How Long Do Home Inspections Take?

If you have an upcoming inspection, you might be wondering, how long do home inspections take? 

Though usually it may take up to 2 ½ hours, there are many factors that influence the duration of a home inspection. For example, how well you’ve prepared for your inspection can play a big part. Making sure access to all inspection areas is cleared, both inside and outside the home, as well as making obvious repairs prior to the inspection, can help the inspection go more smoothly.⁶ 

Other factors that complicate the answer to the question of how long does a home inspection take include:⁵

• The size of the home
• The number of rooms in the house
• The scope of the home inspection report

Sell Your Home, Keep Your Independence with Truehold 

When it comes to selling your home for all you know it’s worth, a home inspection is crucial. But, like so many other aspects of homeownership, it can also be a headache. 

Meet Truehold. As you settle into your golden years, don’t let the responsibilities of home ownership get in the way of enjoying your life. With Truehold, you can free yourself of home burdens without giving up your home—or the community you love being a part of.

Our Sale-Leaseback program is a smart solution for seniors who want to continue living in place. When you partner with Truehold, you gain access to your equity, which you can use for home repairs that make life easier as you age. And the best part? You don’t have to leave home.

Interested in learning more about how Truehold can help you take hold of your independence? Discover our aging in place resources today.

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Sources: 

1. Consumer Reports. How to Choose a Home Inspector. https://www.consumerreports.org/home-inspections/how-to-choose-a-home-inspector/ 

2. Forbes. Cost Of Home Inspection: Average Pricing. https://www.forbes.com/advisor/home-improvement/home-inspection-cost/ 

3. Moving.com. How to Schedule a Home Inspection. https://www.moving.com/tips/how-to-schedule-a-home-inspection/ 

4. NerdWallet. What to Expect From a Home Inspection. https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/mortgages/home-inspection 

5. Chase.com. Your Complete Guide to Home Inspections. https://www.chase.com/content/dam/chasecom/en/mortgage/documents/acq_HomeInspectionInfo.pdf 

6. Moving.com. How to Prepare for a Home Inspection. https://www.moving.com/tips/how-to-prepare-for-a-home-inspection/