How much does a Home Inspection cost?
Most people want to jump directly to "How much does a Home Inspection cost". This is like basing a decision on which doctor or attorney to use based on their prices. Don't get me wrong, price is important, but it should be the last factor you consider when picking your Home Inspector. The following are some important consideration and questions that you should ask your Home Inspector before finalizing which one is going to help you determine the condition of that home you are hoping to purchase.
- What is
their experience and background?
Home Inspectors in Texas are licensed and
the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) issues license numbers
sequentially. They started issuing licenses in 1986, a few years
after Jim and Lore started performing home inspections. Jim
Hemsell's license number is #129 and that represents 26 years of
experience. Some Home Inspectors with a license number in the
9900's started last year.
Who do
you really want evaluating your property that
you are spending
your hard earned money on?
- What are you
getting for your money? Some Home Inspectors are
at the property for a few hours before rushing off to their next
inspection. The Home Inspection Report may or may not be
provided at the inspection. Are digital pictures used to
strengthen the power of your negotiations to get items repaired
before you close on the property? A Closer Look Inspection
Services usually has two inspectors onsite to perform the Home
Inspection. We take our time to explain the significance of the
items needing repair. We generate a
computerized report onsite with digital pictures to make sure
that you are in the best bargaining position as you finalize the
negotiations.
- Does your Home Inspector carry Errors and Omissions insurance as well as General Liability insurance? On September 2007, the law changed to require Home Inspectors to carry $100,000 in Errors and Omissions insurance. The law does not go into effect until the Home Inspector renews their license which could be as lat as August 2009. A Closer Look Inspection Services carries $1,000,000 of Errors & Omissions insurance as well as General Liability insurance and they have for many years and never had to file a claim.
Make sure you are comparing Apples to Apples.
Not all Home Inspection Companies and Home Inspections are the same!
Fee Structure for : A Closer Look Inspection Services
Mechanical/Structural Inspections on Preowned Residential Homes
prices are based upon the square footage of the home and the type of
foundation (either slab or pier and beam). All square footage is
calculated on living area plus garage. All prices include a complete
general inspection and a termite (WDI) inspection.
Up
to 1300
sqft
$ 285
1301 to 1800 sqft $ 315
1801 to 2100 sqft
$ 350
2501 to 3000 sqft
$ 435
3001 to 3500 sqft
$ 420
3501 to 4000 sqft $ 515
4001 to 4500 sqft $ 545
4501 to 5000 sqft
$ 590
Above 5001 sqft
.13¢/sqft
Pier and Beam Foundation Inspections
$ 100 - 150
As buildings
become older , their inspection becomes more complicated so an
additional fee is added based on the age of the building.
Pre 1980
$25
1970
$50
1960
$75
1950
$100
1940
$125
1930
$150
1920
$175
1910
$200
Additional Home Inspection fees
Sprinkler System Inspection (per control box)
$ 30
Spa Inspection
$ 60
Pool
$ 100
Well Inspection including Coliform test
$ 100
Septic Inspection
$ 100 / $200 w/o inspection
Out Buildings
$ 75
Minimum
Reinspection
$ 200
Minimum
Gas Line Inspection
$ 40
CMC Home Energy Audit
ASHI Home Insurance Survey
Premium Gold Service
Water Intrusion Inspections
EIFS Inspection
Minimum $450
bid at .18¢ / sqft
Hardcoat
Minimum $450
bid at .20¢ / sqft
New Construction Inspections
Base inspection fee is same as the Structural / Mechanical Inspection + $50
Foundation Pour Insp.
$ 200 /
350
Framing Inspection (with elevations)
$ 300 /
400
Elevational Survey
$ 150
Environmental Water Analysis
Water Analysis - Samples and Lab Analysis
73 Parameter
water quality analysis- Major pollutants and organic
chemicals. This meets most FHA, VA and Fannie Mae
requirements.
$250
73 parameter
plus 20 pesticide option
$340
Expert Witness and Litigation Inspection Services
Surveys