How Long Does a Home Inspection Take?

Key Takeaways:

• Home inspections are usually scheduled by the buyer as soon as an offer is accepted.
• A full home inspection can take anywhere from two to four hours.
• There are several things both sellers and buyers can do to speed up the home inspection process.

The process of selling or buying a home can feel like it takes forever. There are so many factors involved, so many legal obligations to address, and so much paperwork! Everything must be done in the right order, and many aspects of home buying or selling require timelines to keep the process rolling.

One part of the process is a home inspection. The specialists at Tiger Inspection are here to break down what you need to know about this step in terms of your selling or buying timeline.

What is a Home Inspection?

A home inspection is a careful look at a house that you might want to buy. It’s not required by law, but hiring a professional to inspect the home is a smart choice. This way, you can find out if there are any issues with the property before making a purchase.

It’s important to note that professional home inspectors can only point out the condition of various aspects of your home. They are not licensed to make repairs or offer advice.

Where Does a Home Inspection Fall in the Selling/Buying Process?

As a buyer, as soon as the seller accepts your offer, you should schedule an inspection. The inspection should be completed within the next five to ten days. Within a few days after that, you should receive your complete inspection report. It’s important to submit your request for any repairs or credits within the contingency period.

How Long Does a Typical Home Inspection Take?

A typical full home inspection takes about 2 to 4 hours. This includes a comprehensive and professional inspection of all areas of your home, from the roof to the basement, and of all systems within the house, including plumbing, HVAC, and electrical. 

Factors That Can Affect Your Home Inspection Timeline

No two homeowners are alike, and so no two home inspections are alike. Different factors will contribute to the length of time it takes an inspector to complete their job.

Things That Shorten the Home Inspection

Sellers can speed up a home inspection by:

• Scheduling their own inspection before putting the home up for sale. This allows you to address issues or concerns before potential buyers see your home, helping you receive offers more quickly.
• Having service records ready. Collect all the permits and receipts you have for work done to the home while you lived there. This shows that your home has been well cared for.
• Testing and addressing special issues. Have your home tested for hazards such as lead paint or radon so you can address them before a buyer’s inspector finds them.

Buyers can shorten the home inspection process by:

• Asking for repair estimates and seller credits. If issues come up during the inspection, consider asking for repair estimates and seller credits so you can handle the repairs yourself.
• Looking for obvious structural issues. While the inspector’s role is to examine the home systematically, you, as the buyer, can look for any obvious signs of major damage that may prevent you from proceeding with the purchase. This saves you time, money, and stress.

Things That Lengthen the Home Inspection

Sellers should watch out for the following factors that may make the home inspection process take longer:

• Broken systems or appliances. Have your HVAC systems, plumbing, major appliances, and water heaters serviced before putting your home on the market. Have professional plumbers or HVAC technicians fix anything that a home inspector may notice.
• Outdated wiring. Old electrical systems are a major turnoff for potential buyers. Take the time to have a professional electrician diagnose and repair any electrical issues, even if it means rewiring your home. Doing this yourself may be cheaper than having a buyer request credits.
• Failed inspection. Buyers are unlikely to move forward with a property that fails inspection. If the home has not undergone a professional inspection in several years, obtaining one can be a valuable investment in facilitating a smoother sale.

Buyers, too, can cause the inspection to take longer than necessary:

• Bringing people with you. Only the potential buyer(s) should attend the home inspection. While friends and family members mean well, they may point out things that aren’t really issues with the home, or distract the inspector with unimportant questions.
• Focusing on every little detail. Inspectors provide a general overview of the home’s condition, not whether the living room needs a new coat of paint.
• Getting distracted. The home inspection is your opportunity to note major problems with the home that may keep you from proceeding with the sale. Listen to the inspector and ask follow-up questions about anything you don’t understand.

FAQs: Home Inspection Timeline

Q: Who is responsible for a home inspection?

A: Typically, the buyer is responsible for the home inspection. However, sellers sometimes do a pre-listing inspection to make their homes more attractive to potential buyers.

Q: When should I schedule a home inspection?

A: Once an offer is accepted, home inspections are usually scheduled within five to ten days.

Q: Do I need to be present at a home inspection?

A: You are not required to be present during the home inspection, but it can be beneficial to explore your new home with a professional. This allows you to ask specific questions at the end of the tour.

Tiger Keeps Your Home Inspection On Track

Since 1990, Tiger Home Inspection has been a family-run business for Massachusetts home buyers and sellers. We’ve been recognized by the United States Chamber of Commerce as a Blue Chip Initiative Enterprise winner and have received the South Shore Chamber of Commerce’s “Success Profiles” designation multiple times.

Contact us today to find out more about our trusted inspection services. We’re open seven days a week for your convenience!