Quick Answer: Average home inspection generally takes 2-3 hours, and you will receive the report within 24 to 48 hours. With an inspection report, the home buyer can review the findings and negotiate the necessary repairs.
Buying or selling your property is one of the most significant investments you can make in your life. In this case, a construction inspection comes in handy to make an informed decision. Do you find property inspection overwhelming and time-consuming? Understanding how long a house inspection takes can help you plan accordingly without frustration. In this guide, we will discuss factors affecting the duration of inspection.
Factors Affecting the Duration of a Home Inspection
When it comes to property inspection, people generally wonder how long it will take. They fear that they may lose the deal until inspection. Remember that it’s not a time-consuming process. However, there is no fixed duration of inspection. It depends on the experience and qualification of home inspectors and more. Here are some factors that influence the duration of completing the home inspection.
Influence of Size of House on Inspection Duration
Aged homes have around 1000 to 1500 square feet of living space. Inspection of homes of the following size should take no longer than four hours. You can add one hour for every 500 to 700 square meters increase. Some companies work in two teams, which makes the process pretty fast. Two teams can complete the task in as little as 90 minutes.
Impact of Age of Construction on Inspection Time
Older homes are likely to have more structural and functional problems. Knowing this, a good inspector can spend more time checking the home for safety issues. If you wonder how long an old house inspection can take, add one hour to the process. This is because more problems tend to pop up that the home inspectors should be aware of.
Contribution of Types of Foundation in Inspection Time
Some construction types require more detailed inspection to uncover potential damage. If a house has crawl spaces and basements, inspectors need to check thoroughly to identify leaks, damages, molds, and cracks. Problems like seepages and cracks are major concerns in the inspection report.
How Condition of the House Affect Inspection Duration
Well-maintained properties require less time and effort to inspect. On the other hand, poorly maintained properties, even if they are new, require more effort and technical skills to identify errors. Are you skeptical about inspectors’ skills? You should learn about becoming a home inspector.
Impact of Weather on Inspection Time
A home inspector needs to climb on the roof to inspect it, which is difficult in challenging weather. If your home inspection takes place on a snowy, windy, or rainy day, it can delay the process until conditions are clear.
Average Duration of Property Inspection
On average, a standard house inspection takes about two hours. However, the time frame depends on the factors mentioned above. If the home inspector is professional, well-aware of local and understand the 2025 California Balcony Code, here is a typical inspection timeline you can expect while inspecting the homes:
Small Home: A house with an area of less than 1000 square feet takes around 1.5 to 2 hours.
Medium Homes: The 1000 to 2000 square feet property takes 2 to 3 hours.
Larger Homes: These homes have surface area from 2000 to 4000. These houses take 3 to 4 hours.
Commercial Buildings: Such construction can have more than 4000 square feet of area. It takes 4 to 6 hours to complete the inspection.
What to Expect During Home Inspection
Do you wonder what home inspection skills a qualified instructor has? And why does it take so long to prepare the report? This happens because inspectors methodologically examine all the components of the house. The inspection process includes:
Exterior Inspection
The inspector begins evaluation of the exterior of the property, including siding, windows, roof, and landscaping. They examine the signs of deterioration.
Interior Inspection
Then, he moves to the interior of the property to determine its structural integrity, including floors, stairways, walls, and more.
HVAC System Inspection
They closely examine the electrical, plumbing, and overall HVAC systems because they impact the property’s insulation.
Attic and Basement Scrutiny
These are crucial areas of the property that reveal significant issues like leaks, mold, and structural problems. Therefore, the home inspector critically inspects the spaces to make sure that they are in good condition.
Appliance and Fixtures
Appliances are a major part of the property’s final value. Therefore, inspectors critically examine built-in appliances, smoke detectors, and carbon monoxide detectors. They also check for other fixtures to make sure they are working correctly.
How To Ensure a Successful Inspection Process
Can you refuse a home insurance inspection? This is a common question people ask. Don’t worry about questions because accurate and successful inspections barely receive refusals.
Success of inspection of process lies in the expertise of inspectors. Hence, it is necessary to hire the source who followed the proper path to become a home inspector.
Preparing for a property inspection is also crucial to make the most of it. Follow these tips to ensure the optimal outcome of the process.
- Make sure that the home is clean and accessible.
- Although it is not mandatory, try to be present during the inspection. This will allow you to ask questions and gain deeper insights into the property’s condition.
- You should never hesitate to ask questions, and you should clear your second thoughts the moment they arise. Understanding the report carefully helps you make an informed decision.
- Once you get the report, carefully review it and use it to negotiate repairs and price adjustments if necessary.
Conclusion
Home inspection is a critical aspect of real estate dealing. Knowing how long a property inspection takes and what you should expect can help you make an informed decision. By understanding factors that can influence during the inspection can ensure a smooth and efficient experience. Are you unfamiliar with the inspection industry? Get in touch with 1 Day Home Inspections for the best services. We offer prompt services, cutting your half tension through it.
