Key takeout
Most home inspections take 2-4 hours. Large or older homes can take longer. The thoroughness of the inspector and the condition of the home will affect the duration. Specialized tests (e.g. radon, pests) will be added to the timeline.
A home inspection provides a detailed look at the condition of the property. Understanding how long it takes to inspect your home is important to know during the home seller process. A typical home inspection of an average sized home can take 2-4 hours. However, several factors can affect this period. This Redfin Real Estate article prepares you to know what to expect from a home inspection when you prepare to sell your home.
Factors that affect the duration of your home inspection
The exact time a home inspection takes depends on a number of factors. Recognizing these can help you set realistic expectations.
House size
Naturally, large houses need more time to inspect them. Small condos and townhouses may be completed within two hours, but the 5,000-square-foot property may take more than four hours to evaluate. As the area increases, more areas need to be looked into, including additional bathrooms, bedrooms, and living spaces.
House age
In many cases, older homes require more caution during the inspection. They may have an original system (piping, electrical, HVAC) that requires detailed inspection of wear, potential upgrades, or hidden issues. New homes may have more predictable systems and fewer issues built.
The state of the house
Houses in poor condition or are not maintained will likely have longer inspection times. Inspectors should spend more time documenting more issues, testing more elements that may be broken, and assessing the extent of damage. On the other side, a well-maintained home may allow for faster inspections.
Inspector’s thoroughness
An experienced inspector will take the time necessary to complete a thorough assessment. This means checking all the systems and components that are accessible, from the roof to the foundation. A detailed inspection will identify potential issues and provide a full understanding of the real estate status for sellers and buyers.
Test scope
A standard home inspection covers key visible components. However, additional specialized examinations can extend the overall time. These include:
Radon Test: This usually involves placing your test device in the house for more than 48 hours. Pest Testing: Individual tests focusing on termites, rodents, and other pests. Inspect sewer range: Use a camera to inspect the main sewer line for blockage or damage. Mold Testing: If you have any signs or concerns about mold. Chimney inspection: View chimney structure in more detail.
What does the house inspector do during the inspection?
During the inspection, the expert examines various aspects of the property. This includes:
Appearance: roof, grooves, siding, foundation, grading, drainage. Interior: walls, ceilings, floors, windows, doors. Structural components: foundation, basement, crawl space, attic. System: HVAC (heating, ventilation, air conditioning), electricity, plumbing. Appliance: Built-in Kitchen Appliance. Safety features: smoke detector, carbon monoxide detector, and outlet point.
Inspectors will test systems and supplies, such as turning on faucets, flushing toilets, and running built-in appliances, to check for proper functionality. They will take notes and photos for inclusion in the detailed inspection report.
What happens after the home inspection?
Following the inspection, the inspector will compile a detailed report that is usually delivered within 24-48 hours. This report provides an overview of all findings, including:
Major defects: serious issues requiring immediate attention or substantial repair. Minor issues: Smaller issues that may not be urgent, but should be addressed. Safety concerns: poses risks to health and safety. Maintenance Recommendations: Tips for maintaining your home’s systems and components.
How to prepare for a home inspection
Preparing your home for inspections will help ensure a smooth process and a more advantageous report. This includes:
Please check for clear access. Make sure you have easy access to all areas that inspectors need to access, such as attics, crawl spaces, electrical panels, and water heaters. Provide access to utilities: Make sure all utilities (water, electricity, gas) are turned on. Clean and tidy: An tidy home allows inspectors to focus on structural and systematic issues. Collect Documentation: Have an appliance manual that can use maintenance records, past repair invoices, or appliance manuals. Address obvious issues: Fix minor repairs when possible, such as leaky faucets and burnt-out light bulbs.
All homes are different
It is important to understand the time it takes to inspect your home in the sales process. The typical period is 2-4 hours, but factors such as the size of the house, age, condition, and range of examinations can all affect this timeline. Preparing as a seller can contribute to a smoother, more efficient process and ultimately help you get closer to your real estate goals.
