How Much Does a Home Inspection Cost in 2026?

Home inspection cost by home size

Inspectors price mostly by square footage, because a bigger house takes longer to walk through. Angi’s 2026 average is $344, based on more than 34,000 verified projects. Rocket Mortgage, using HomeAdvisor data, reports nearly the same: about $343, with most buyers paying $296 to $424.

Source: Angi, Sep 2026.

Angi says a 2,000 sq ft home averages about $350. Some inspectors charge a flat fee up to 2,000 sq ft, then add about $25 for each extra 500 sq ft. SoFi puts homes over 4,000 sq ft at $500 or more.

Cost by city and region

Where you live shifts the price, often more than home size does.

Source: Angi, Sep 2026.

Regional gaps can be wider than this table suggests. SoFi, citing Spectora data, reports an average of $575 in the Northeast and says the South has the lowest prices. In West Palm Beach County, Florida, the average topped $1,500.

Add-on inspections and what they cost

A standard inspection is visual. It covers the roof, structure, heating and cooling, plumbing, electrical and insulation, but it does not test for radon, look inside sewer lines or check for termites unless you add those services.

Sources: Angi, Sep 2026 (averages); Rocket Mortgage, Aug 2026 (sewer, septic, pool ranges).

A standard inspection plus radon and pest checks comes to about $719 at Angi’s averages (our calculation). Rocket Mortgage notes a termite (WDO) inspection may be required for a VA loan.

What drives the price

• Size. More rooms and more square feet mean more time on site.
• Age. Angi says older homes often cost more because they take longer to inspect.
• Home type. Condos, mobile homes and duplex units typically cost less than a single-family house, per Angi. Rocket Mortgage lists mobile homes at $250 to $500.
• Credentials. More experienced inspectors, or those with certifications such as ASHI membership, tend to charge more, according to Angi.
• Extra structures. SoFi notes that detached garages, sheds and pools can raise the price.

What a standard inspection does not cover

Knowing the limits helps you decide which add-ons to buy. SoFi notes that a basic inspection is visual and noninvasive:

• Inspectors may not move rugs, furniture or stored boxes.
• They can miss problems hidden behind walls or under floors.
• They will not predict how many years are left on the roof, appliances or heating and cooling system.
• Radon and water testing are not part of the basic price.

If the home has a well, a septic system, a pool or an old sewer line, plan on at least one add-on. A sewer scope in particular can reveal a broken line that would cost far more to fix than the inspection itself.

New construction and mobile homes

New homes need inspections too. Angi puts a single inspection of a newly built home at $280 to $400. Rocket Mortgage explains that builders’ projects can also be inspected in phases, such as at the foundation, before the drywall goes up and at the final walkthrough, and that each phase is usually billed separately. A pre-drywall visit is the last chance to see wiring, plumbing and framing before they are covered.

Mobile and manufactured homes cost $250 to $500 to inspect, per Rocket Mortgage. Inspectors check the same systems, plus how the home is anchored and set on its foundation.

How to choose an inspector and pay less

1. Compare at least three quotes. Ask what is included and what costs extra.
2. Bundle add-ons with one company. If you need radon or pest checks, ask whether booking them together lowers the price.
3. Check credentials and a sample report. A clear report with photos is easier to use in negotiations.
4. Attend the inspection. You will learn how the home works and can ask questions on the spot.
5. Do not shop on price alone. A cheaper inspector who misses one major problem costs far more in the end.

Who pays and when

The buyer usually pays, and the bill comes before closing. It is one of the first costs you cover out of pocket, so include it with your appraisal and closing costs when you work out how much house you can afford. Rocket Mortgage puts the average appraisal at about $358, close to the cost of the inspection itself.

Timing matters. If your purchase contract has an inspection contingency, SoFi notes it may give you as little as seven days after signing to cancel. Book your inspector early.

Is a home inspection worth it?

For most buyers, yes. A few hundred dollars is small next to the repairs an inspection can uncover. A failing roof, a cracked foundation or old wiring can each cost thousands. For a sense of scale, compare our guides to foundation repair cost and roof replacement cost.

The report also gives you leverage. Rocket Mortgage notes there is no standard rule for who pays for repairs, so buyers and sellers negotiate them. A clear list of problems, with repair estimates, makes that conversation easier. If you are still weighing whether to buy at all, our rent vs buy calculator can help.

See how we research every number on our method page, or browse more home and repair costs.