How much does a home inspection cost?
A general home inspection for a typical single-family home costs about $325–$475 in the two published US price lists below, before add-ons such as radon testing or a sewer scope. Published prices start at $325 in Colorado and $475 in Ohio. 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.
How much do inspectors actually charge?
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 (Longmont, Boulder and Loveland, Colorado): 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. |
How much do add-ons like radon and a sewer scope add?
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.
How do you compare inspection quotes?
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 |
Is the cheapest home inspection a good deal?
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.
Questions to ask a home inspector before you book
The best questions establish what service you are buying and how the inspector communicates uncertainty. Local licensing and standards differ.
Check before booking
- Ask about relevant license or certification, experience with the property type, insurance, and sample reports.
- Review the agreement, standard of practice, exclusions, and cancellation terms before the appointment.
- Confirm roof, attic, crawl-space, panel, HVAC, plumbing, and detached-structure access.
- Ask how urgent concerns, inaccessible areas, and specialist recommendations appear in the report.
- Confirm delivery timing and whether post-report questions are included.
Questions to ask
- What is outside your normal scope?
- Which ancillary tests do you perform or recommend independently?
- May I attend, and when should I ask questions?
- How do you distinguish a defect, maintenance item, and further-evaluation recommendation?
- What should I do if access or utilities are unavailable?
Sources and further reading
Authorship and review
Published by Castilho Enterprises. Educational content; no independent professional review is claimed.
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