Home inspections are a key part of the homebuying process. As the buyer, you’ll want to have a qualified professional inspect the interior and exterior of the property in detail to determine if there are serious structural issues, hazards or worn-out systems.

A home inspection is conducted by a certified inspector who visits the home in person and evaluates its condition. They can take two to three hours or longer, depending on the size of the property, and they typically cost between $281 and $402 on average, according to Angi.com. Fees can vary depending on a home’s location, size and age.

Inspectors generally look at a home’s major components and systems to determine if there are any issues that require immediate attention, or that could cost you big bucks down the road. They typically encourage buyers (or their real estate agents) to be at the inspection to discuss the findings in person and ask questions. It’s best to attend the inspection yourself, if possible.

During the red-hot days of the pandemic housing market, some buyers waived inspections to make their offers more appealing — but skipping this important step is not recommended. Inspections provide you with an unbiased expert assessment of the property and help you make an informed decision on the purchase. A home inspection contingency in your purchase offer will protect you in case the inspection uncovers a “deal-breaker” problem.

Home inspection checklist

It’s crucial to know what your home inspector is looking for so that you can understand the home inspection report and decide what issues, if any, to address. The results of a home inspection can help you decide whether to ask the seller to cover the cost of repairs.

Add your own content here. Click to edit.