How long does it take to do a home inspection?

 

Every house is different.  Every inspector is different.  Every inspection is different.  The minimum amount of time depending on the size of the property should be 1 hour.  Generally, for a home inspection under 2,500 square feet, we allot 2 1/2 hours.   How long should you allot in your schedule?  2 hours should be sufficient time for homes under 2,500 square feet.  Anything above that, just ask! We always allot time to go through every nook and cranny of the home.  The larger the home, the more extensive the time it will take, especially for testing outlets and windows for example.

 

Things that could effect the time?

• There could be a lot of questions.
• There could be an issue with a system.
• The report that is in the process of being generated, may be extensive.
• There may be a delay in the start time.  We once had a lockbox that was blocked out during specific times.  The inspection was scheduled for 9:00 AM Saturday and the lockbox had a restriction on it where it couldn’t be accessed before 11:00 AM.
• There could be an issue with a system.

 

For a thorough home inspection, we generally state 2 hours.  If your inspector is in and out within 30 minutes, chances are he/she may not be as thorough.  Make sure you confirm the anticipated time while booking.  We’ve also heard where inspections have taken 5 hours (and it was a standard 2500 square foot home).  How? Why?  The inspector may be generating the report on site.  Each report varies, but again, we allot 2 hours and sometimes it takes longer for reports.  If we were to do the report on site, all parties would be there for 4-5 hours.  Most people can’t block out 4-5 hours.  We prepare the reports and send them within 24 hours of the inspection closing time.  Yes, we’ve sent them even on major holidays.  We understand needing / wanting the report promptly so you can continue forward!