How Long Does A Home Inspection Take?

You have finally found the perfect house, you’ve agreed on terms with the seller, and it is now under contract. It’s now time for your house inspection. You may wonder how long it will take to complete the home inspection. The home inspection can take a variety of times depending on several factors. We’ve outlined what you should expect below.

What determines the length of a home inspection?

It is impossible to say how long an inspection of a house will take. There are many factors that determine the length of an inspection. The following are some of the factors that can affect the duration of the home inspection:

House Size

Most homes in our region are between 1,500 and 2,000 square feet. If the home is relatively new and in good shape, it will take approximately 2-3 hours to inspect. Additional time may be needed to complete the inspection. As a general rule, add 30 minutes for every 500 square feet more of living space to the estimated time.

The inspection of a condominium will be shorter than that of a comparable single-family home because the HOA is responsible for the maintenance and repair of the roof and exterior. These are not part of the inspection. An inspection of a 1,500-square-foot condominium in good shape will typically take about 1.5 hours, plus additional time for the completion of the report.

House Age

The age of the house is the second most important factor that determines how long an inspection will last. Older homes have more issues, so there are fewer items to report. The home inspection will take longer for older homes because they have issues that need to be documented. These issues can include old electrical wiring, plumbing, and additions or repairs made over the years. Home inspections for homes older than 50 will usually add 30 to 45 minutes.

House Condition

When estimating the time for an inspection, the condition of the house is also important. An excellently maintained home will require less time to inspect compared to one that is neglected or in bad shape. This is because a home in poor condition will require more time to inspect and document.

Types Of Foundation

It will take 30 to 45 minutes more time to inspect a house with a crawlspace or basement than one with a slab. There are also other parts of the house to check in a crawlspace, basement, or off-grade foundation, like exposed wiring, plumbing, etc. These are typically not visible in homes with slab foundations. The inspection of these items, as well as foundation beams, piers, and structures, takes more time.

The Number Of Appliances/Systems Installed In The Home

Most small to medium size homes have only one electrical panel, water heater, etc. In larger homes, there may be multiple HVAC systems, electrical panels, water heaters, etc., to inspect. The time it takes to inspect these items is increased.

Weather Conditions

Certain conditions can increase the inspection time. Heavy downpours, lightning, etc. Certain components of the house, like the roof or the exterior elements, can be delayed. The inspection may need to be moved due to extreme weather conditions.

Person Or Present During The Inspection

It is also possible that the number of people present at the time of the inspection will increase the time. Although not ideal, contractors, cleaning crews, and movers can sometimes be present at the inspection. At the inspection, there were other people present. Working together adds time.

We will discuss our findings with the client or their realtor if they are present. This can add 15-30 minutes to your inspection.

Report Delivery

Our digital home inspections use a modern interface that includes high-quality images and videos. This allows us to complete the majority if we don’t finish it all on-site. You will receive your inspection report within 24 hours and often the same day as the inspection. Click on this link to get a home inspection in parker co on how to navigate your home inspection report.

You can read more about it here.

You can see that there are a number of factors that determine the length of a home inspection. You can get a general idea about what to expect from your home inspection by looking at the items listed above.