Homebuyer guide
How much does a home inspection cost?
Published prices in the two US company examples below start at $325 and $475. The inspection scope, property size and location matter more than a single national average. All amounts on this page are USD; prices were checked on September 5, 2026.
Actual published prices, with their scope
These are two companies’ advertised prices, not a national survey, a recommended provider list or an estimate for your home. Confirm current pricing and service coverage directly before booking.
| Provider / scope | Published price (USD) | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Beagle: home up to 1,000 sq ft | $325 | Confirm property type and service area. |
| Beagle: 1,001–2,000 sq ft | $375 | Its price list includes a report, photos and video. |
| Beagle: 2,001–3,000 sq ft | $425 | Larger size bands have separate prices. |
| First-In: general home inspection | From $475 | Northeast Ohio; obtain a property-specific quote. |
| First-In: inspection + radon | $650 | Package covers up to 2,000 sq ft. |
| First-In: inspection + radon + sewer scope | $850 | Package covers up to 2,000 sq ft; larger homes cost more. |
A worked inspection budget
Using First-In’s published starting general inspection price and its with-inspection add-ons: $475 + $175 for radon + $200 for a sewer scope = $850. This matches its advertised package for a qualifying property. It illustrates how add-ons change the total; it does not mean every buyer needs that package.
- Ask which add-ons are appropriate for the property and which are separate appointments.
- Confirm whether the final quote includes travel, tax, laboratory charges and any return visit.
- Keep the inspection fee separate from diagnostic follow-up and the cost of repairs discovered later.
Send the same request to each inspector
Provide the address, approximate floor area, age, property type, number of units and any detached buildings. Mention a crawl space, well, septic system or known access restriction. Request a written total and a list of services included.
| Ask about | Record in each quote |
|---|---|
| Inspection agreement | Systems covered, exclusions and inaccessible areas |
| Delivery | Report format, photos, delivery date and follow-up questions |
| Extra services | Separate price and provider for each recommended test |
| Changes | Cancellation, reinspection and additional-area charges |
| Qualifications | Relevant local requirements, experience and insurance |
What a higher or lower quote can hide
A low base price may leave out services included in another quote. A higher price may reflect more systems, difficult access or a different inspection scope. Compare the agreement and an actual sample report before deciding.
For Canada, the UK or Australia, obtain local quotes in the local currency. Converting these US examples does not account for different services, labor markets or inspection practices.
Sources and further reading
Authorship and review
Published by Castilho Enterprises. Educational content; no independent professional review is claimed.
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