Determining home inspection cost takes into account many different factors, some of which depend on the particular house being inspected and some of which are property-independent. Of course, home inspection cost is subject to market forces as well. This article delves into both independent determinants, those contributing to the subjective assessment of inspector worth, such as report quality and expertise, and dependent ones, such as house age and size. It also looks at client-specific charges that can affect overall fee.
Home-independent inspection cost is more or less what one pays for the inspector himself, as opposed to the job he performs. Inspectors are generalists, needing to possess a broad understanding of the entire workings of a house. This implies extensive training and the ability to meet all licensing requirements. If he is also licensed to conduct a complete and specific pest inspection in his state, then his expertise is more valuable.
Beyond this, there is considerable variation among home inspectors in terms of the report produced, communication skills, and thoroughness. This results in variation of basic cost, perhaps not readily apparent but worth investigating. A potential customer can check report quality by requesting and comparing sample reports. It is not too difficult to distinguish someone who cares about delivering useful and accurate information from someone who dashes off a list without a second thought. The sample report is a good indicator of written communication skills as well, though good verbal skills are also desirable. Degree of thoroughness is also evident from the report.
Primary home-dependent factors contributing to inspection cost are the type of residence, its size, and its age. The most common type is single-family residence. Inspectors usually set their base fees relative to it and adjust accordingly. Clients often expect condos, mobile homes, and duplexes to cost less, even though the inspection is not necessarily any less involved. On the other hand, people are not surprised to learn that the price increases for older houses, which tend to have more problems than newer ones, and larger ones. Inspectors gauge by thresholds, examples of which are seven to ten years in age and two thousand square feet in size.
An inspector will usually charge more for additional services requested by the client. For instance, coming back for a re-inspection, measuring air quality, and sampling for evidence of hazardous materials such as lead paint, asbestos, or mold are all tasks that are outside the normal inspection and command more money. Not all inspectors are qualified to perform these additional services. The client may also want the inspector to include items normally excluded, such as retaining walls, unattached fences, or swimming pools, and the inspector is justified in charging more to do so.
Beyond this, there is considerable variation among home inspectors in terms of the report produced, communication skills, and thoroughness. This results in variation of basic cost, perhaps not readily apparent but worth investigating. A potential customer can check report quality by requesting and comparing sample reports. It is not too difficult to distinguish someone who cares about delivering useful and accurate information from someone who dashes off a list without a second thought. The sample report is a good indicator of written communication skills as well, though good verbal skills are also desirable. Degree of thoroughness is also evident from the report.
Primary home-dependent factors contributing to inspection cost are the type of residence, its size, and its age. The most common type is single-family residence. Inspectors usually set their base fees relative to it and adjust accordingly. Clients often expect condos, mobile homes, and duplexes to cost less, even though the inspection is not necessarily any less involved. On the other hand, people are not surprised to learn that the price increases for older houses, which tend to have more problems than newer ones, and larger ones. Inspectors gauge by thresholds, examples of which are seven to ten years in age and two thousand square feet in size.
An inspector will usually charge more for additional services requested by the client. For instance, coming back for a re-inspection, measuring air quality, and sampling for evidence of hazardous materials such as lead paint, asbestos, or mold are all tasks that are outside the normal inspection and command more money. Not all inspectors are qualified to perform these additional services. The client may also want the inspector to include items normally excluded, such as retaining walls, unattached fences, or swimming pools, and the inspector is justified in charging more to do so.
