How Long Does a Home Inspection Take? An Expert's Perspective

Learn how long does it take for an expert to inspect your house from this guide by an expert in Home Inspections.

How Long Does a Home Inspection Take? An Expert's Perspective

It usually takes two to three hours to perform a thorough inspection of a 2,000-square-foot home. These times will vary depending on the experience of the home inspector and whether there are one or more of them touring your home. So when asked, “How long does a home inspection take? the answer is not always simple. On average, an inspection of a 2,000-square-foot home will take two to three hours to complete.

As an expert in the field of home inspections, I can tell you that the average time for a thorough inspection of a 2,000-square-foot home is two to three hours. However, this time frame can vary depending on several factors. The size of the home, its condition, and the experience of the home inspector are all important considerations. Additionally, if there is more than one inspector conducting the tour of your home, this can also affect the length of time it takes. For example, a 1,000-square-foot home may take just an hour and a half to inspect.

The home inspector will use a comprehensive checklist to evaluate each of these components and when they were last replaced, how long they should last, and any problems that need to be fixed. Because many buyers are unable to accompany them, the inspector may also spend more time documenting their findings throughout the process. Nowadays, many inspections are carried out individually and, subsequently, virtual follow-ups are carried out to discuss the results with the buyers. However, with a professional home inspection, the buyer can be sure that they are aware of the problems and the current state of the home. The inspection report will provide you with a lot of information that you can look at, but a lot of details will be lost if you don't walk around the house with the inspector and let him show you what he sees. Inspectors use several different communication methods so that buyers can stay informed about the state of the home.

The law doesn't require a home inspection, which means you need to know what it's about and why you would schedule one, regardless of whether you're a buyer or a seller. If public services have been disconnected because the home is unoccupied at that time, they will need to be reconnected for inspection. On the other hand, if a home inspector works with a partner, you can expect the process to be much faster. This includes the size, age and condition of the home, along with the level of experience of the home inspector and the weather conditions on the day of the scheduled inspection. Mortgage lenders don't usually require a home inspection, but a home appraisal inspection may be required depending on the type of loan.

What's included in an inspection report, especially with regard to home repairs in old districts that are more likely to have outdated HVAC systems, pipes and roofs, can change from state to state, which can influence the length of the home inspection. While the inspection takes place much faster, the follow-ups are much longer, allowing buyers to ask questions and receive comprehensive answers.