Your Complete Guide To Home Inspections

Before you buy a house, you need to have a home inspection done. Though some buyers may choose to skip this extra expense, hiring a home inspector can help you avoid purchasing a house with major underlying problems – and save you time and money in the long run.

Homeowners preparing to sell a house and wanting to avoid costly repairs down the line can also benefit from having a home inspection. This way, if any major problems are found, they can be addressed before they turn into even more expensive repairs.

Here's what you need to know about home inspections, what they include and how much you can expect to pay.

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What's Included In a Basic Home Inspection?

While some states have requirements for what needs to be included in a home inspection, inspectors are not regulated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Development. This means many inspectors cover different areas in their inspections, so you'll want to find out ahead of time what's included and what's not.

In order to avoid future hassles and costly maintenance repairs, experts recommend getting a home inspection that covers the following areas:

Foundation — Cracks or damage in the walls and floors of your foundation can be cause for serious alarm. Many signs of trouble can't be detected by the naked eye, so you'll want to hire an experienced home inspector who can confirm that your foundation is level and structurally sound.

Roof — When you're buying or selling a home, you should know the age and condition of its roof. An inspection will determine whether you need to budget for roof repairs or a possible replacement.

Windows — Windows that are broken obviously need to be replaced, but a home inspector can also let you know if the windows are misaligned or structurally unsound. If windows aren't properly fitted, air is likely leaking out, and the HVAC system has to work harder to maintain a comfortable temperature indoors. When this happens, homeowners will see an increase in their energy bills.

HVAC System — Heating and air conditioning should be checked to make sure that it's functioning at adequate capacity for the house. If the HVAC system is not operating efficiently, it may need to be replaced.

Electrical system — The Electrical Safety Foundation recommends you have an electrical system inspection conducted if you purchase a previously-owned home, your home is over 40 years old, your home has undergone a major renovation or you've added major new appliances in the last 10 years. If the report finds that a house's electrical system is not up to code, this needs to be fixed as soon as possible.

Plumbing — Fixing small leaks or minor plumbing issues can prevent them from turning into majorly expensive repairs in the future. A home inspector should look at the plumbing system on the inside and outside of your house to ensure all faucets, pipes and drains are in proper working order.

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How Much Will a Home Inspection Cost?

According to Home Advisor’s True Cost Guide, the national average cost for a home inspection is $330. Condos and smaller homes under 1,000 square feet may cost as little as $200, while larger homes over 2,000 square feet can run $400 or more.

While it's tempting to just choose the home inspector with the lowest rates, experts recommend you ask about their qualifications, experience, and how they get most of their business. Paying a little more for a thorough home inspection now could save you an enormous amount of money later on.

Additional Home Inspection Services

Radon: Radon testing is not usually included in a basic home inspection, but the United States Environmental Protection Agency recommends all homes be tested to ensure the gas is below recommended safety levels. Typical inspections average between $150 and $300, with home size and region accounting for most variations in cost.

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Mold: Most home inspectors will check for visible signs of mold. The EPA notes that in most cases when visible mold growth is present, further sampling is unnecessary. You know the mold is there, and it needs to be removed before it can grow and possibly cause significant health problems.

If you don't see mold but suspect your home could have an underlying moisture problem, experts recommend having a professional mold inspection. Professional mold inspectors, also known as certified Industrial Hygienists, are licensed to inspect your home for symptoms and sources of moisture damage.

According to Home Advisor’s True Cost Guide, the average cost for a professional mold inspection is $650. Depending mostly on your location and the size of your house, costs can range from $300 to $1,000.

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Termites: Although some home inspectors are also certified termite inspectors, most are not. If you're buying a home, though, you'll absolutely want to have a pest inspection professional look for signs of termite activity and damage to the wood.

The average cost for a pest inspection is $100, but many companies will offer them for free when not tied to the sale of a house. Experts recommend having your home inspected for termites once every two years in low-threat areas and annually in high-threat areas. If you see signs of infestation or wood damage, call in a professional right away.

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Home Inspections vs. Home Appraisals

Unlike a home inspection, which looks for underlying problems with a house, a home appraisal generally identifies things that can be observed by the naked eye, like the number of rooms or improvements which increase home value.

Whether you're a seller or buyer, having a home appraised is a quick, relatively inexpensive way to ensure a fair price. The national average cost of a professional appraisal is $335, with most people paying between $310 and $400.

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Home Energy Audit

A home energy audit can tell you how much gas and electricity a house consumes and identify ways to make it more efficient. A professional assessment will uncover any issues that, when fixed, can save a homeowner 5 to 30 percent on utility bills.

According to Home Advisor’s True Cost Guide, most homeowners spend between $200 and $645 for a professional energy audit. The size of the house accounts for most of the variation in cost.

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More Home & Garden:

• How To Have The Prettiest House On The Block
• 6 Projects To Make Your Home More Environmentally Friendly
• Home Security 101: Protecting Your House (And What It'll Cost)
• Semi-Annual Home Maintenance Checklist

Sources:
How Much Does A Home Inspection Cost?
Using Home Inspections to Your Advantage
How Much Does It Cost To Hire A Property Appraiser?
How Much Does It Cost To Hire A Home Energy Auditor?