Joshua What Determines The Length Of A Home Inspection?
It is impossible to say how long an inspection of a house will take. There are many factors that determine the length of an inspection. The following are some of the factors that can affect the duration of the home inspection:
House Size
Most homes in our region are between 1,500 and 2,000 square feet. If the home is relatively new and in good shape, it will take approximately 2-3 hours to inspect. Additional time may be needed to complete the inspection. As a general rule, add 30 minutes for every 500 square feet more of living space to the estimated time.
The inspection of a condominium will be shorter than that of a comparable single-family home, because the HOA is responsible for the maintenance and repair of the roof and exterior. These are not part the inspection. An inspection of a 1,500-square-foot condominium in good shape will typically take about 1.5 hours, plus additional time for the completion of the report.
House Age
The age of the house is the second most important factor that determines how long an inspection will last. Older homes have more issues, so there are fewer items to report. The home inspection will take longer for older homes because they have issues that need to be documented. These issues can include old electrical wiring, plumbing and additions/repairs that have been made over the years. Home inspections for homes older than 50 will usually add 30 to 45 minutes.
House Condition
When estimating the time for an inspection, the condition of the house is also important. An excellently maintained home will require less time to inspect compared to one that is neglected or in bad shape. It is because there are more items that need to be documented and added to the report of a home in poor condition.
Types Of Foundation
It will take 30 to 45 minutes more time to inspect a house with a crawlspace or basement than one with a slab. There are also other parts of the house to check in a crawlspace, basement, or off-grade foundation, like exposed wiring, plumbing, etc. These are typically not visible in homes with slab foundations. The inspection of these items as well as foundation beams, piers, and structure takes more time.
The Number Of Appliances/Systems Installed In The Home
Most small to medium size homes have only one electrical panel, water heater, etc. In larger homes, there may be multiple HVAC systems, electrical panel, water heaters etc. to inspect. The time it takes to inspect these items is increased.
Weather Conditions
Certain conditions can increase the inspection time. Heavy downpours, lightning, etc. Certain components of a home such as the exterior or roof can be delayed. The inspection may need to be moved due to extreme weather conditions.
Person Or Persons Present During The Inspection
It is also possible that the number of people present at the time of the inspection will increase the inspection duration. Although not ideal, contractors, cleaning crews and movers can sometimes be present at the inspection. At the inspection, there are other people present. Working together adds time.
We will discuss our findings with the client or their Realtor if they are present. This can add 15-30 minutes to your inspection.
Report Delivery
Our digital home inspections use a modern interface that includes high-quality images and videos. This allows us to complete the majority, if we don’t finish it all, on site. You will receive your inspection report within 24 hours and often the same day as the inspection.
Conclusion
You can see that there are a number of factors which determine the length of a home inspection. These items will give you an idea of the general scope of your home inspection.