Did you know the average listing price in Miami Dade County is over $ 300,000? And in Weston it’s over $400,000! A home is likely the largest investment you’ll make in your lifetime, but there’s a lot of risk involved. Many defects can hide behind walls, under floors, and in the dark corners of attics — termites, electrical problems, plumbing issues… the list goes on and on.
Which is why a quality home inspection is one of the most valuable investments you can make.
The cost of a home inspection is very small relative to the cost of a house. Most home inspections cost less than $1,000 with many closer to around $500. That’s a small price to pay for peace of mind when facing this high-dollar investment. Here are a few more things we wanted to share about the financial aspect of home inspections.
How Much Is a Home Inspection?
For most homes in Miami Dade, Broward, Palm Beach and surrounding areas, the average cost of a home inspection is about $500 to $700.
How is the Price Determined?
Your home inspector will set the price based on a number of factors, including:
- The home’s square footage: Most home inspectors base their fees on the size of the home inclusive of all floors, crawlspaces, attics, and garages.
- The presence of certain items on your property, for example, a pool, a spa, or outbuildings.
- The age of the home: Older or historic homes may take longer to inspect, particularly if the home has undergone extensive renovations, which can lead to complicating factors, like hybrid electrical and plumbing systems.
- The local real estate market — if more people are buying homes, home inspectors are in demand and competition can drive prices up.
Is the Buyer How Pays For The Inspection?
The buyer is usually responsible for paying for the home inspection, and they get to choose their preferred home inspector. Sellers may also choose to do a pre-listing inspection at their own expense to identify any potential defects they can address before putting the house on the market. If they do, they’re required by law to share the results with potential buyers. So, as a buyer, make sure you ask if a pre-listing inspection report is available.
Don’t Choose a Home Inspector Based on Cost Alone
All home inspectors are required to be licensed by the Florida department of Business and Regulations (DBPR) which indicates a certain level of education, training, and professionalism. Quality, however, comes from experience on the ground. A high-quality inspector will go beyond DBPR’s minimum inspection requirements.. He should educate you, make sure you understand the findings, and go the extra mile to make sure you are satisfied.
And remember, you’re not hiring a company, you’re hiring a person. Many of the larger inspection firms hire new inspectors with little field experience. Make sure your inspector has a depth of experience — ideally with inspections in North Texas — to get the most from this small, but extremely valuable, investment in a home inspection.
About Ernesto Gil
Ernesto Gil is the owner of Checkmark Inspections. He is your personal home inspector, and his investment in the company will be reflected in the quality of your inspection. Mr. Gil’s inspection reports are professional, comprehensive, detailed, and clear. They average about 70 pages and include 80 to 100 color images and include detail findings and recommendations along with tips and best practices for maintaining your home. Checkmark Inspection’s customer reviews speak to Ernesto’s reputation as an ethical, reliable, and courteous South Florida home inspector.
