Buying a new home is exciting, but before you get the keys, you’ll need a home inspection.
Let’s break down everything you need to know about how long this important step takes and what happens during the process.
If you are looking for Quick answer, Most home inspections take between 2 to 4 hours to complete.
However, this time can vary depending on several factors like the size of the house, its age, and its condition.
For a small apartment Or Condo, it might take just 1-2 hours, while a large old house could need up to 6 hours or more.
Table of Contents
What Makes an Inspection Take Longer or Shorter?
House Size Matters
Just like cleaning a bigger house takes more time than cleaning a smaller one, just like that larger homes need more inspection time.
Small houses under 1,000 square feet typically take about 1-2 hours to inspect.
Whereas Medium-sized homes between 1,000 and 2,000 square feet usually require 2-3 hours.
Lastly, Large houses ranging from 2,000 to 3,000 square feet need 3-4 hours for a thorough inspection.
Extra-large houses or mansions over 3,000 square feet might take 4 hours or more for thorough inspection.
Age of the House
Older homes usually need more inspection time for several reasons and rushing out here is not an wise idea.
The majority of the older homes have outdated systems that need extra checking for your safety, and there could be more wear and tear that needs to be examine carefully.
These homes often have had multiple repairs, alterations, or changes over the years that require additional attention.
Moreover, Older building materials might also need special consideration during the inspection process.
For example, a 100-year-old Victorian house will typically take longer to inspect than a 10-year-old modern home of the same size.
The House’s Condition
A clean and organized home helps the inspector do their job much more efficiently. Imagine if you were trying to find something in a messy room with stuff everywhere – it would take longer, right?
Well, the same thing happens with an inspector. If the house is neat and everything is in good condition, it’s easier for them to spot any problems, if there are any, and get through the inspection more quickly.
When a house is well-cared for, there are usually fewer problems to deal with.
If the previous owners have kept up with maintenance, like fixing leaks or cleaning the gutters, there’s less chance that the inspector will find big issues that need attention.
That means they won’t need to spend a lot of time investigating or worrying about things that could cause trouble later on.
Another thing that speeds up the inspection is when all parts of the house are easy to get to.
Inspectors need to check the roof, basement, attic, and all the other areas that are important, so if these places are blocked or hard to reach, it can slow them down.
But when the house is organized, and there’s clear access to everything, it helps the inspector move through the process faster.
Houses that look good and don’t have obvious issues will naturally take less time to inspect.
There’s less for the inspector to write down or fix, and that means the whole process can be quicker.
In the end, if a house is well-maintained, it makes the inspection smoother and could even give the buyer more confidence in their decision to move forward with the purchase.
Weather Conditions
Weather can significantly impact inspection time. Rain might make roof inspections more challenging and time-consuming.
Snow could hide important exterior problems that need to be checked.
Extreme heat or cold might limit how long an inspector can work in certain areas of the house, particularly in attics or crawl spaces.
Home Systems and Features
When a home has extra features, it usually takes longer for an inspector to check everything. Inspectors need to carefully look at each part of the house to make sure everything is working properly and safely.
For example, if a house has air conditioning units, water heaters, or electrical panels, the inspector will need to check each one separately.
This makes the inspection take more time than if there were fewer systems to look at.
If the house has a pool or a spa, the inspector will also need to spend extra time checking them out.
Pools and spas require special care to make sure everything is in good condition, like checking for leaks or making sure the filters and pumps are working properly.
Houses with wells, which are used to get water from the ground, or septic systems, which handle waste, also need extra inspection time because they’re more complicated than regular water and sewer systems.
Another factor is how many heating and cooling systems the house has. If the home has multiple zones—meaning different areas of the house are heated or cooled separately—it will take the inspector longer to check each one.
This is because they have to test all the zones to make sure they are working right, compared to a house with just one heating and cooling system.
What Happens During a Home Inspection?
Starting from the Outside
When a home inspector begins their job, they start by looking at the outside of the house. This is like taking a first impression of how the house is holding up in the open air.
The inspector checks the roof to see if it’s in good shape, without missing shingles or signs of leaks. They also look at the foundation, which is the base of the house, to make sure it’s not cracked or sinking.
The inspector examines the siding (the outer covering of the house) or brick for any cracks, rot, or damage. If there are any issues with these parts, it could mean bigger problems inside the house.
Another important part of the outside inspection is the drainage system. This includes checking gutters and downspouts, which help direct rainwater away from the house to prevent flooding.
The inspector makes sure there’s no water pooling near the foundation, as standing water can cause damage over time.
The inspector also checks the windows and doors. Are they working properly? Are there any broken seals or cracks that could let air or water in?
Outdoor electrical outlets and faucets are tested too. It’s also important to look at the land around the house. Is the ground sloping away from the house so that rainwater won’t pool against the walls?
This is called the grading of the land, and it’s an important part of keeping the house dry and safe.
Moving Inside
Once the outside is checked, the inspector moves inside the house to take a closer look at what’s happening in every room. They usually go room by room, testing things like electrical outlets to make sure they work.
They also check that windows and doors open and close properly, and that they don’t have broken seals or damage.
The inspector looks closely at the walls, floors, and ceilings for any cracks, stains, or signs of water damage.
For example, if there are water stains on the ceiling, it could mean there’s a leak in the roof.
They pay extra attention to places where water is often used, like bathrooms and under sinks. These are spots where water damage can hide, so the inspector checks for any leaks or signs that water has been getting where it shouldn’t.
The inspector will also run water in all the sinks, flush toilets, and test the appliances that come with the house (like the stove, oven, or dishwasher) to make sure they work properly.
Examining Major Systems
The inspector doesn’t just check things you can see—there are also major systems that make the house run smoothly.
The electrical system is one of the most important. The inspector will look at the electrical panel, which controls the power going through the house, and check that everything is safe and up to code.
They also check the heating and cooling systems (like your furnace and air conditioner) to make sure they’re working well and efficiently.
The plumbing system is another area that gets a close inspection. This includes the pipes that bring in water and carry it away, as well as the water heater that provides hot water for showers and washing dishes.
The inspector makes sure there are no leaks, clogs, or potential problems that could cause trouble later on.
In places like attics and crawl spaces, the inspector checks for ventilation, which is important for keeping air moving and preventing mold or moisture buildup.
If the house has a fireplace or chimney, the inspector makes sure these are safe and in good condition too.
They check for any cracks or damage that could lead to dangerous situations, like fires or carbon monoxide leaks.
Tips to Help Speed Up the Inspection
Prepare the House for the Inspection
Before the inspector comes to check out your house, it’s important to make sure that everything is easy to see and access.
This means clearing away anything that might be blocking important areas like the electrical panel, water heater, or heating and cooling systems.
These are things the inspector needs to look at carefully to make sure they’re working properly and safely.
Additionally, make sure there’s nothing in the way of attics or crawl spaces, as the inspector will need to go into these areas.
Moving boxes or other items out of the way, you help the inspector do their job faster and more easily.
A clean and clear house will also help you avoid any surprises later, as the inspector won’t miss anything hidden behind things. Taking a little time to prepare can make a big difference.
Be Ready for Questions
Even though you don’t have to be at home when the inspection takes place, it’s a good idea to stay available by phone.
Sometimes the inspector might find something unusual or need clarification about the house.
If you’re easily reachable, you can answer any questions quickly, which helps keep the inspection going smoothly.
If the inspector can’t get in touch with you, it might cause delays, and they might not be able to finish everything in one visit.
For example, if the inspector is unsure about the age of a system or appliance and needs to ask you, it’s helpful if you can answer right away. This will save time and ensure that everything gets checked out thoroughly.
Schedule the Inspection on a Clear Day
Whenever possible, try to schedule the inspection on a day when the weather is nice and clear.
Bad weather, like heavy rain or snow, can make it difficult for the inspector to check everything properly, especially things on the roof, in the yard, or in areas like the attic or crawl spaces.
On a sunny day, the inspector can look at these areas without worrying about weather delays or damage.
Good weather also helps the inspector stay focused and work more efficiently.
If it’s too cold or rainy, the inspection might take longer, or they might not be able to check everything thoroughly.
Planning ahead and picking a day with good weather, you give the inspector the best chance to do a detailed, careful job.
Understanding the Report
Report Preparation
After the physical inspection, the inspector needs additional time to prepare the report.
This typically takes another 24-48 hours. The report includes detailed findings, photos, and recommendations for repairs or maintenance.
Report Review
Once you receive the report, take time to read it carefully. Your real estate agent can help explain any terms or findings you don’t understand.
If you have questions, the inspector is usually happy to clarify their findings.
Why Rushing Isn’t Wise
When you’re buying a new home, it’s easy to get excited and just want to close the deal as soon as possible.
After all, you’ve probably been dreaming about this moment for a long time. But one thing you should never rush is the home inspection.
It might feel like it’s just another step in the process, but skipping or speeding through it can end up costing you a lot more later on.
A home inspection is like a check-up for the house. Just like you would go to the doctor for a physical exam, the house needs its own “check-up” to make sure everything is working properly.
The inspector will look at things like the roof, the plumbing, the foundation, and even the electrical systems.
This helps catch any issues that might not be obvious at first, like leaks, cracks in the walls, or problems with the heating and cooling systems.
Why is this so important? Well, imagine moving in and then finding out that the roof is about to collapse or the plumbing is leaking.
Fixing these problems can cost thousands of dollars, and you don’t want to be stuck with those huge bills after you’ve already bought the house.
The inspection helps you avoid these nasty surprises, so you don’t end up with a home that’s more trouble than it’s worth.
Also, a thorough inspection can help you negotiate a better deal. If the inspector finds something wrong, you can ask the seller to fix it or lower the price. This way, you get a better home without having to pay extra for repairs.