Home inspections are a long-standing tradition in the world of real estate. They give helpful insight to buyers into homes that would otherwise go unnoticed to those who don't know their way around in the new property. But if you are wondering how long does a home inspection take, there is no simple answer.
Home Inspectors offer details on everything from furnishing to plumbing, from roof inspection to termite inspection, closing deals all the way to examining every inch of your new property. Usually, a home inspection takes a few hours to review your property, but it depends on several factors.
What is a home inspection?
A home inspection is a detailed analysis of the condition of your home. You may be a buyer or a seller, but an assessment can go a long way in helping to decide the price of the property or knowing whether or not the property is worth the investment. As a buyer, you don't wish to invest in a home with hidden issues that you will have to deal with in the future. As a seller, you want to know the actual worth of your property, so you get a fair price for it.
A home inspection is not mandated by law, and you should do it at your discretion. What you need to know about house inspection is that it is a non-invasive process and does not involve any breakage or damage, at least not without your consent (for termite or asbestos inspection).
Who initiates home inspection?
Usually, it's the buyer who gets the home inspection done to secure the investment. They can hire Home Inspectors directly by contacting an agency or via their real estate agents. However, if you are a seller, you too can initiate the assessment of your property. There is no harm in finding out the property's condition before listing it for sale.
How long does a house inspection take: Factors
The focus of this blog is to find out how long does it take for a home inspection. A home inspection can take up to two to three hours to complete. However, let's find of what factors are influencing the time taken for the examination.
1. Square footage of the house
This is a no-brainer. The bigger the house, the more time (and money) it would take to inspect the home. Bigger houses will have more elements to examine. Inspectors check out all parts of the house. So if your house has added rooms or bathrooms to look into, it would add to the time.
2. Age of the property
Inspections are typically more time-consuming for old properties. Older homes often have worn-out piping and wiring, which must be thoroughly checked to provide an honest inspection report for you in order to give buyers peace of mind considering their purchase. Not so much for brand new properties.
3. Extra Elements
To know how long does a home inspection take, you will have to see the extra elements in the property. Every added space or component will increase the time of inspection. Whether you are the buyer or the seller, knowing the condition of the property to the fullest will only benefit you in the long run. Here are a few things that can add to the duration of the examination.
Shops or outhouses Barn Swimming pool Septic Systems Private wells Oil tanks
4. Experience and knowledge of the home inspector
An experienced home inspector may be able to tell you a defect just with one glance, while an amateur might take more time to examine before giving a judgment. So, if you are looking for a reliable inspection in lesser time, you should look for home inspectors with at least a few years of experience.
Why does it take time to inspect a home?
While inspecting a property, there are a whole lot of elements to check. Examining each thoroughly to give you a detailed and precise report will take time. Here are the things your home inspectors will review.
- Structure of the property
- Foundation
- Attic
- Roof
- Ceilings
- Walls
- Floors
- Basement
- Windows and doors
- Heating system
- Ventilation
- Air Conditioning system
- Plumbing system
- Electrical systems
This list is quite exhaustive, and to check each and every detail of all the elements mentioned above, the time taken is expected.
How long does a home inspection report take?
For a small home, the inspection may be done in just two hours. On average, home inspectors take three to four hours to complete the assessment. So, it can be safely assumed that it takes anywhere between two to six hours to examine a home, depending on its size and other components. However, if you are thinking about how long does a home inspection report take, agencies usually take 24 hours to a few days to hand you the formal home inspection report.
Conclusion
Even though there is no correct answer to how long does a home inspection take, you can be sure of one thing- a home inspection is a necessary expenditure while buying (or even selling) property. After the examination by a professional inspector, you will have to go for price negotiation and set terms and conditions for the purchase based on the information attained. So, if you are looking to buy a home, look for a reliable Home Inspection Gainesville to find out if you are indeed making the right investment.
