A home inspection costs $300 to $500 in 2026
Most buyers pay $300 to $500 for a standard inspection, about $345 on average. Price is set by the size and age of the house. A condo is $200 to $350; a large or older home is $500 to $700. The buyer pays, up front, in the first week or two after the offer is accepted.
Cost by job
| Condo or townhome | $200 to $350 |
|---|---|
| House under 1,500 sq ft | $275 to $400 |
| House 1,500 to 2,500 sq ft | $325 to $450 |
| House 2,500 to 4,000 sq ft | $400 to $600 |
| House over 4,000 sq ft or pre 1950 | $500 to $800 |
| Pre listing inspection (seller) | $300 to $500 |
| Re inspection after repairs | $100 to $200 |
| New construction inspection | $350 to $600 |
What to know before you book
| Who pays and when | The buyer, by card or check on the day. Most contracts give a 7 to 14 day inspection contingency; the inspection has to happen inside it. |
|---|---|
| What is included | Roof, exterior, structure, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, interior, attic, insulation, appliances that are staying. A written report, usually the same day or next day, with photos. |
| What is not included | Radon, termite, mold, sewer line, well water, pool, chimney interior. Each is an add on with its own price and often a different specialist. |
| Licensing | About 30 states license home inspectors. In the rest, anyone can call themselves one. Ask for the license number, or ASHI or InterNACHI membership where there is no license. |
| Florida and New Jersey | Two of the states people ask about most. Florida runs $300 to $450 with wind mitigation and four point inspections as common add ons ($75 to $150 each) because insurers ask for them. New Jersey runs $400 to $600 and inspectors must be state licensed. |
| New construction | Still worth it. Builders make mistakes and the city inspector checks code, not workmanship. $350 to $600, and a second visit at the 11 month warranty mark is common. |
Why it costs what it costs
An inspector spends two to four hours in the house and another hour or two writing the report, carries errors and omissions insurance, and takes on the liability of missing something. That is why a $400 inspection is one of the cheapest things in a home purchase and why the cheapest quote is rarely the one to take. A missed roof or foundation issue costs more than every inspection you will ever buy.
What will this cost me?
Pick the home size, your state and how fast you need it. The estimate updates as you change them.
Estimates from published 2026 cost guides. Get a written quote before work starts.
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How much does a home inspection cost?
$300 to $500 for most homes in 2026, about $345 on average. Condos are cheaper, large or old homes cost more.
How long does a home inspection take?
Two to four hours on site, longer for a large or old house. The report usually arrives the same day.
Can I skip the home inspection?
You can, and in a hot market some buyers do. It is the one part of the deal that tells you what you are buying. Most agents will tell you not to.
Is the inspection pass or fail?
No. It is a report on condition. You decide what to negotiate, what to accept, and whether to walk.
What does a home inspection cost in Florida?
$300 to $450 for the inspection. Add $75 to $150 each for wind mitigation and four point inspections, which most Florida insurers ask for.