Home Inspection Costs — What Every Inspection Type Costs in 2026
💰 Cost Breakdown
| Item | Low | Average | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Home Inspection Covers structure, roof, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, insulation, and visible defects. 2–4 hour on-site inspection with written report. | $300 | $475 | $600 |
| Radon Testing 48-hour continuous radon monitor placed in the lowest livable level. EPA action level is 4.0 pCi/L. Essential in high-radon zones. | $100 | $175 | $250 |
| Termite / WDO Inspection Visual inspection for termites, carpenter ants, powder post beetles, and wood rot. Required by many lenders for VA and FHA loans. | $75 | $125 | $200 |
| Sewer Scope Inspection Camera inspection of sewer lateral from house to main line. Catches root intrusion, bellied pipes, offsets, and deteriorated clay or Orangeburg pipe. | $150 | $275 | $400 |
| Mold Inspection and Testing Visual inspection plus air quality sampling and lab analysis. Needed when musty odors, visible staining, or past water damage are present. | $300 | $500 | $800 |
| Structural / Foundation Inspection Engineer's assessment of foundation cracks, settlement, and structural integrity. Produces a stamped engineering report. | $400 | $650 | $1,000 |
| Well and Septic Inspection Well water quality testing (bacteria, nitrates, metals) plus septic tank pump and inspection. Essential for rural properties. | $400 | $700 | $1,200 |
| Pool / Spa Inspection Inspection of pool structure, equipment, plumbing, electrical bonding, and safety barriers. | $150 | $300 | $500 |
General Home Inspection
Covers structure, roof, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, insulation, and visible defects. 2–4 hour on-site inspection with written report.
Radon Testing
48-hour continuous radon monitor placed in the lowest livable level. EPA action level is 4.0 pCi/L. Essential in high-radon zones.
Termite / WDO Inspection
Visual inspection for termites, carpenter ants, powder post beetles, and wood rot. Required by many lenders for VA and FHA loans.
Sewer Scope Inspection
Camera inspection of sewer lateral from house to main line. Catches root intrusion, bellied pipes, offsets, and deteriorated clay or Orangeburg pipe.
Mold Inspection and Testing
Visual inspection plus air quality sampling and lab analysis. Needed when musty odors, visible staining, or past water damage are present.
Structural / Foundation Inspection
Engineer's assessment of foundation cracks, settlement, and structural integrity. Produces a stamped engineering report.
Well and Septic Inspection
Well water quality testing (bacteria, nitrates, metals) plus septic tank pump and inspection. Essential for rural properties.
Pool / Spa Inspection
Inspection of pool structure, equipment, plumbing, electrical bonding, and safety barriers.
📊 Factors That Impact Cost
Home Size
Medium ImpactGeneral inspection fees scale with square footage. Homes over 3,000 sq ft typically add $50–$150 to the base price.
Home Age
High ImpactPre-1970 homes need more specialty inspections — lead paint, asbestos, outdated wiring, cast iron drains. Plan for 2–3 additional inspections adding $400–$800.
Region and Risk Factors
Medium ImpactRadon is critical in the upper Midwest and Appalachia. Termites are essential in the South. Sewer scope matters most with pre-1980 sewer laterals.
Inspector Qualifications
Low ImpactPrices vary 15–25% between inspectors. More experienced inspectors charge more but catch more. Don't pick the cheapest inspector for the largest purchase of your life.
💡 Money-Saving Tips
Bundle specialty inspections with your general inspector
Many general inspectors also offer radon, termite, and mold add-ons at a discount when bundled. Bundling saves $75–$150 compared to booking each separately.
Skip the pool inspection if you plan to close the pool
If the pool is a liability you plan to fill in, the inspection cost is wasted. But if you're keeping it, a $300 inspection can catch $5,000–$15,000 in hidden problems.
Use inspection findings to negotiate the purchase price
Every dollar spent on inspections is leverage at the negotiation table. A $650 inspection revealing $12,000 in needed work gives you documentation to negotiate a price reduction.
Ask the seller for existing inspection reports or warranties
If the seller had a pre-listing inspection, roof certification, or transferable termite bond, you may not need to duplicate those inspections.