Are you packing up your Uhaul and ready to move to Denver?
If you’ve been shopping real estate here, you’re probably curious about one thing: how much does a home inspection cost?
You’re not alone!
We hear this question from many, and it’s important to understand what goes into this expense.
In this post, we’ll give you the answers you’re looking for:
how much you can expect to spend, broadly
how to find out about your particular inspection costs
how to choose a good inspector
what in an inspector looks for while in your home
So, let’s get right into it. How much can you expect to spend, and what goes into that cost?
Key takeaways:
the cost for your home inspection depends on several factors
everyone should get a home inspection because it protects your interests
a home inspection does not take all-day
a home inspection covers every area of your home
a qualified home inspector will look at everything they are trained to examine
your home inspection report is a written report of all the things the inspector finds
your home inspection report can be used in your negotiation during the home-buying process
How much does a home inspection cost in Denver?
According to Houzeo, the average home inspection cost ranges from $375-$525 in Colorado.
In our experience, how much the average home inspection costs in the Denver market will vary depending on several factors:
square footage of your home
distance traveled by the inspector to reach your property
age of your home (older homes tend to have more issues)
additional inspections that might be needed (more on that later)
Do you need a home inspection?
It may be tempting to skip a home inspection. Here are a few reasons why you shouldn’t:
a home inspection can identify potential issues in areas of the home that you wouldn’t usually go to during a home showing: in the crawl space, the attic, or on the roof
your real estate agent can help you negotiate for any repairs during the negotiation phase of the home sale
your home inspection report results can help you get out of buying a lemon before it’s too late
a home inspection warns you of any safety hazards that could be present in the home that may not be disclosed by the seller upfront
a home inspection can identify expensive problems, like sewer line breaks – things that can cost you thousands of dollars to fix
How long does a home inspection take?
On average, a home inspection takes two to four hours.
Good home inspectors will take enough time to give you a detailed report full of valuable insights.
A professional home inspector will not rush through the inspection and will include you in the inspection process, answering any questions you might have.
What does a home inspection include?
A home inspection is a visual examination of the home and its systems and components.
A regular home inspection will include:
Roof
Exterior
Basement, Foundation, Crawlspace & Structure
Plumbing
Electrical systems
HVAC Systems
Fireplace
Attic, Insulation & Ventilation
Doors, Windows & Interior
What does a home inspector look for?
Certified home inspectors are highly trained to check for any potential issues that could affect your long-term safety, like:
electrical problems
termite damage
faulty wiring
structural integrity problems of the deck, foundation, and floor joists
structural components of the roof truss system
air conditioning operation
HVAC system operation failures
shoddy home improvement repairs that are not up to par
the function of major appliances
This is not an exhaustive list of everything a home inspector looks for; it is just a sampling.
What is a special home inspection (ancillary services)?
Whether you need a special or standard home inspection depends on your situation, home features and problems, and areas of concern.
Your inspector can recommend the right ancillary home inspection service for you. We offer the following special home inspections:
radon test: test for the presence of radon gas with a continuous radon monitor
sewer line inspection: check for sewer line breaks and obstructions
energy efficiency check: we use a thermal imaging camera to look for areas where you could be losing energy
These special inspections answer specific questions about your home that can’t be answered by just a regular inspection.
How to choose the best home inspector
Choosing the right home inspector can be tricky. You should choose an inspector who is worth your money- a true professional.
How do you know if a home inspector is good?
They should meet the following minimum requirements:
They are certified by and a member of a professional national association for home inspectors, like InterNACHI or ASHI.
They have good customer reviews on Google, BBB, and other sites like Yelp, Porch, and Angie’s List
Your real estate agent recommends, trusts and knows them personally
Home Inspection Cost FAQs:
Is a home inspection worth it?
With the rising cost of a home these days, getting a home inspection makes sense.
Doing a more thorough inspection of the home from the start will give you all the information you need to make an informed decision about your home purchase- and potentially save you money later.
Who pays for the home inspection, buyer or seller?
During the home-buying process, this is how it usually goes:
The homebuyer pays for the inspection
the buyer’s agent will discuss any issues with the seller’s agent and negotiate for repairs
the repairs can be rolled into the closing costs
Sometimes sellers will do a pre listing inspection. In that case, the seller pays for the inspection. It’s a proactive way to make sure they are addressing any problems before putting their home on the market.
Even if the seller has had a prelisting inspection, it’s still a good idea to get your own as a buyer since problems can crop up at any time.
What’s the difference between a home inspection and a home appraisal?
A home inspection assesses the condition of the property. It identifies potential issues and safety hazards that might need attention.
A home appraisal determines the market value of the property. Lenders primarily use it to ensure the loan amount aligns with the home’s worth.
Can home inspectors check my mobile home?
If your dream home is on wheels, you can get it looked at by a home inspector!
Certified inspectors can inspect any type of home, including mobile homes. For a mobile home, your home inspector will look at:
chassis condition
anchoring and tie-downs
Closing Thoughts
In this post, we did a deep dive into the cost of home inspections:
the average cost of a home inspection in Denver
the pricing factors that go into determining the cost of an individual inspection in Denver
Now that you know how much a home inspection costs, you know that:
a home inspection protects you as a home buyer from hidden problems in your home
it can save you from paying for repairs that cost thousands of dollars after you buy the house
your inspection results can help you make an informed decision about whether you still want to buy the home or not
Getting your home inspected is a smart move. Thanks for reading this post about home inspection costs!
See you in my next post about living and owning a home in Denver!
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