How Long Does a Home Inspection Take?
You’ve just put in an offer on a home and it’s been accepted. Congratulations! The next step is to schedule a home inspection. So, how long does a home inspection take?
Well, that depends. But the short answer is, the average inspection takes 2-3 hours, but it could be longer or shorter depending on the size and condition of the home.
In this article, we’ll give you a better idea of what to expect during a home inspection, whether is it really worth it and exactly how long a home inspection takes.
1- What Is a Home Inspection?
When you’re buying a home, one of the most important things to consider is the condition of the property itself. But there’s another aspect to this purchase—the financial aspects. You want to make sure that your home is worth the price you’re paying and will stay that way long into the future.
A house inspection will help you do that by looking at all sorts of things related to how well-maintained the house is: structural integrity, plumbing, electrical and gas services, HVAC systems, heating, and cooling systems, roofing/guttering/fascia, foundation and siding materials, windows and doors, roofs and gutters (if applicable), flooring/carpeting (if applicable), appliances (if applicable), etc.
In addition to detecting problems before they become expensive ones, a home inspection also lets you know what needs updating or repair so you can take care of those things before they become major projects for your family or yourself.
2- How Long Does a Home Inspection Take?
The answer to the question, “How long does a home inspection take?” largely depends on the size and condition of the home. However, inspectors typically spend around two to three hours examining a property.
Inspection time also varies based on the client. Some people want to be there for the entire inspection, while others only want to be there for certain parts. The inspector will also take breaks, usually around 30 minutes each, for lunch and dinner.
It is important to be aware that if potential problems or items of interest are found during the inspection, more time may be needed to fully investigate the issue.
In general, though, house inspections should not take more than a full day.
The inspector will walk through the entire property, checking for any signs of damage, safety issues, or necessary repairs. They’ll also look for potential problems with the roof, plumbing, wiring, and more.
So, if you’re planning on putting your home on the market, it’s best to schedule a home inspection as soon as possible. This will give you enough time to address any issues that are found before going to market.
3- What Is Included in a Home Inspection?
In general, a home inspection will include a visual examination of all accessible areas of the home, including the roof, attic, basement, crawlspace, and all exterior surfaces. The inspector will also check for plumbing and electrical issues, as well as any signs of damage or pests.
4- When to Walk Away After Home Inspection?
It’s important to keep in mind that you don’t have to stay for the entire inspection. If you’re uncomfortable with something the inspector is doing, or if you feel like he’s missed something, you can always walk away and have him come back later.
Just be sure to communicate this to your real estate agent so they’re aware of what’s going on.
5- Lender Inspection
When you’re buying a home, the last thing you want to deal with is a long, drawn-out inspection process. Luckily, most lenders will only require an inspection that takes a few hours.
During a lender inspection, the inspector will check the property for any major damage or problems that could affect your ability to buy the home. They’ll also make sure that the property meets all of the lender’s requirements, such as size, age, and condition.
If everything looks good, the inspector will typically issue a “clear to close” report, which means that the sale can move forward as planned.
6- How to Look Up for a Home Inspector?
If you’re in the market for a new home, it’s important to have a home inspection done before you buy. This will help you identify any potential problems with the property and get them fixed before you move in.
As we’ve already discussed, a typical home inspection takes around 2-3 hours to complete. However, depending on the size and age of the home, it could take longer. It’s also important to factor in travel time for the inspector, as well as time for them to review their findings and prepare a report.
The best way to find a qualified home inspector is by word of mouth. Ask your friends, family, or real estate agent for recommendations, and then research any inspectors they suggest. Be sure to check their qualifications and insurance coverage before booking an appointment.
The home inspector will try to uncover any problems that might not be visible to the naked eye, such as a water leak or structural defect.
A home inspection is also an opportunity for the inspector to educate buyers about the process of buying and owning a home. The inspector will explain what they will be looking for during their inspection and how important it is to notify your real estate agent immediately if there are any issues found during the inspection.
7- Is Home Inspection Worth It?
So, is home inspection worth it? The answer to that question depends on your circumstances. If you’re buying a new home, it’s definitely a good idea to have an inspection done, as it can help you uncover any potential problems with the property.
If you’re selling your home, an inspection can help you identify any repairs or renovations that need to be done before putting your house on the market. It can also give you a competitive edge over other sellers, as buyers will know that your home has been checked for any major issues.
In general, a home inspection is a relatively quick and affordable process, and it’s well worth the peace of mind it provides.
8- All Things Considered, Should You Skip Home Inspection or Not?
In general, it’s a good idea to have a home inspection done before you buy a property. A professional inspector will check everything from the roof to the foundation and will alert you to any potential problems or repairs that need to be made.
That said, there are some cases where skipping a home inspection may be the better option. For example, if you’re buying a new construction property that has already been inspected by the builder, or if you’re confident in the seller and know that they won’t be hiding any major problems with the property.
9- Conclusion
The answer to the question, “How long does a home inspection take?” largely depends on the size and condition of the home. However, inspectors typically spend around two to three hours examining a property.
After the home inspection, you have several options. The first is to walk away from the property, the second is to ask the seller to make the necessary repairs, and the final option is to ask the seller to lower the price of the home.
No matter what you decide, be sure to get a home inspection done before you buy a property. It’s an important step in the buying process, and it can help you avoid any surprises down the road.
10- Need Expert Assistance? Get on Board With Your Reputable Local Agents Right Away!
At Brokerly, we’re determined to provide people with some of the most reputable loan officers or mortgage brokers in your area. Our professionals at Brokerly have one goal in mind: To connect you with local loan agents that are capable enough to eliminate your worries and get you the best mortgage plan.
Brokerly loan agents work one-on-one with you to help you choose the right mortgage plan that will suit you, in the long run, saving you thousands of dollars.
So, whether your concern is getting approved, getting an affordable plan, comparing interest rates, or having insight about different mortgage rates our expert loan officers do the math and present you with possibilities catered to your preferences!
We hope that we were able to alleviate your concerns about the topic of ‘How Long Does a Home Inspection Take?’. For more information, head over to Brokerly to mitigate your mortgage-related worries right away!