A trained professional goes into the new home, checks for common and not-so-common problems that may exist, and provides a report to the potential purchaser and their real estate agent. In the event there’s an issue, a deal "contingent on home inspection" gives the home buyer the power to either walk away or counteroffer.

How much does a home inspection cost, and what should you expect from having a home inspection performed?

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Home inspection cost

In the United States, a home inspection cost varies depending on where you live and the size of your home. There are additional options for a home inspection that can add to the price as well. However, the average home inspection cost in the United States is approximately $337.

In areas like Detroit, Michigan, the average is around $290, while the same home inspection in Hartford, Connecticut, is approximately $480.

Normal home inspection prices range from $200 to $500, with the qualifications of the person completing the inspection impacting the cost.

MORE: How to find and hire an electrician

What does a home inspection cover?

A home inspector will check as much as they are able to without causing any damage to the home. While the checklist varies, typical inspection points include:

Exterior walls for cracks, insect or

rodent infestations

, and cosmetic and structural flaws.

Signs of

foundation problems

like water entry or cracks.

Property grading.

Roof condition and age.

Plumbing issues such as leaks, and defects.

Electrical systems, including operation, safety, and panel concerns.

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning operation and age.

Water heater age and installation.

Bathrooms and laundry room operation, condition, and signs of mildew or mold.

Because the

home inspector

only looks at visible items, it isn’t a guarantee that there aren’t any hidden issues lurking. Inspectors can sometimes go further such as a borescope inspection in the sewer or thermal imaging for an additional cost.

Who pays for a home inspection?

Typically, the buyer is responsible for paying for the home inspection unless other arrangements have been made with the seller. The home inspection is a measure intended to protect the buyer, so it makes sense that they bear the cost of the look-through.

Although it might be tempting to choose the cheapest option for a home inspection (or even

waive the home inspection

in some instances), it’s a good idea to pick someone who is reputable, even if they're pricy.

For the relatively small cost difference, it not only provides added peace of mind, but a better trained eye could find defects that would otherwise go unnoticed.

What are your options after a home inspection?

The home inspection is normally completed after a deal is struck between the buyer and seller. The buyer and seller will agree on something that is contingent on the results of home inspection. It’s a linchpin for the deal in favor of the buyer. You have three options once the home inspection written report has been completed:

Go through with the purchase. If the results of the home inspection satisfy you, you can proceed with your real estate deal according to the terms already in place.

Renegotiate or counteroffer the deal

. If there are significant deficiencies or issues, or a number of issues that you didn’t expect, it might not be in your best interest to continue with the previous deal. Since the deal hinges upon the home inspection, you can counteroffer with the seller with the intention of settling on a new, more agreeable price to you. Beware that you could lose the home purchase if the seller doesn’t agree.

You can walk away from the deal. Any issue noted on the home inspection, no matter how large or small, could be sufficient to "pull the pin" on your purchase.

A home inspection cannot tell you what the home is worth, though, so keep in mind that the home’s price may already reflect the true market value with the defects factored in. Consider all the facts before basing your decision to buy or walk away from a deal on the results of the home inspection.

MORE: How to find and hire a plumber

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FAQs

How long does a home inspection take?

It depends on the size of the home, but a home inspection will usually take anywhere from two to two and a half hours. For smaller homes or condos, you can expect the process to take an hour less.

Is home inspection part of closing costs?

No, home inspection is usually not part of closing costs. This is because home inspection is a step in the buying process, so you'll want to complete it first before closing on a house.

Think of it this way: if you get a home inspection and the inspector tells you the home has serious defaults that will cost you tens of thousands of dollars, you might not want to buy the house after all. That's why the home inspection is usually a step taken before you close on the house.

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