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How Long Does a Home Inspection Take?
Have you spent months looking for a perfect house that you can call home? And you’ve finally found one? Congratulations!
We’re sure you must be speeding up the process now. Making the offer, getting the loan, starting with the packing. But, hold on a little. Before you finally move in, it’ll be better to not miss one very important step: a home inspection.
It’s reported that around 88% of homebuyers hire a home inspector when buying a new home. This stat alone emphasizes enough on how important inspections are for homebuyers. So, why should you miss one? After all, it will only benefit you and your property. These will not only offer you peace of mind, but they can also be a great negotiating tool for you.
Now, if you have made up your mind to get an inspection, you must be wondering, “How long does a home inspection take?” It can take anywhere from a couple of hours to three hours, but the exact duration depends on several factors. In this blog, we will explore these to give you a better idea of your home inspection process, helping you choose the right home inspection package.
What Are the Factors that Affect a Home Inspection’s Duration?
Let’s explore the factors that affect how long a home inspection takes:
Size of the Property
One of the very first thing that affects the duration of the inspection is your home’s size. If you’re planning to buy a larger home, with more rooms, systems, and areas to inspect, then of course, the home inspection will take longer. Let’s say if you’re buying a 1,500 sq. ft. house, then it will take around 2 hours to inspect it. But if it’s a 4,000 sq. ft. house then it could require 4 hours or more.
Age of the House
If you’re planning to buy an older home, intrigued by its aesthetics and history, then you shall also expect it to have outdated systems and structures. In this case, inspectors will need longer to closely examine the property. But, if you’re buying a modern home that has been built upon current construction standards, then, of course, the inspector won’t take long to inspect every nook and cranny of the house.
Also, an older house is highly likely to have major wear, damage, or potential safety hazards, which also affects the time of the home inspection.
Property’s Condition
When buying a house, make sure you’re buying a well-maintained one as it won’t only give you peace of mind but also result in a quicker inspection. This is because the inspector will have fewer visible issues to address. On the other hand, if you choose to buy a house that has visible damage or deferred maintenance, then it will require more thorough and detailed inspection. This is especially true if the inspector finds areas of concern that might extend the duration of the inspection.
What Happens During A Home Inspection Process?
A home inspection is a very comprehensive assessment of your soon-to-be home’s condition. During the inspection, the inspector focuses on the exterior and interior components, both.
The process starts with the inspector examining the exterior. Here, they will be evaluating the siding, roof, gutters, foundation, and any surrounding structures like porches or decks. When doing so, you can expect the inspector to check for signs of water intrusion, damage, or structural issues.
Once this is done, they move inside, carefully reviewing the electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems. When doing so, they will ensure that every component, like faucets, outlets, and appliances, is functioning properly. In fact, not just this, but they shall also meet the safety standards.
Moving forward, the inspector inspects the attic and basement/crawlspace. They make sure each of these is properly insulated and ventilated. Most importantly, there mustn’t be any signs of water damage or pest activity.
The inspector also checks your home’s structural integrity (the most important part of their inspection). For this, they examine the walls, ceilings, floors, doors, and windows. They will be looking for any cracks, misalignment, or other potential concerns that might highlight deeper issues.
How Long Does A Home Inspection Report Take?
Once the home inspection is completed, the inspector prepares a detailed report. This summarizes all the findings and highlights any areas that need repairs or further evaluation. With the help of this report, you can get a clear understanding of your property’s condition, helping you make informed decisions about the purchase and potential negotiations.
Typically, a home inspection report can take 24 to 48 hours to complete after the physical inspection. But, the exact time depends on the property’s complexity and the inspector’s workload. To compile the report, the inspector will need time to thoroughly review their findings, organize photographs, and provide detailed explanations of the identified issues. But even then, it doesn’t take longer than two business days to complete and deliver the inspection report.
Conclusion
A home inspection is a very important step in the home-buying process, providing valuable insights into the condition of your potential home.
While the duration of a home inspection varies based on different factors like size, age, and condition of the property, the peace of mind it offers is invaluable. By investing a few hours in a professional inspection, you can identify potential issues before making one of the biggest purchases of your life.
Plus, the detailed inspection report, delivered within 24 to 48 hours, gives you the information needed to make informed decisions and negotiate confidently. So, don’t skip this crucial step—it could save you time, money, and stress in the long run.
Ready to make sure your dream home is a safe and sound investment? GreenWorks Inspections offers comprehensive home inspection services that give you the confidence to move forward. Our licensed and experienced inspectors thoroughly evaluate every aspect of your property, from the foundation to the roof, ensuring you have all the information you need. Don’t leave anything to chance—schedule your home inspection with GreenWorks today and enjoy peace of mind knowing your home is in expert hands. Book your inspection now!
