How long does a Home Inspection take?
Well, that depends partially on the size of the home. Naturally it will take longer to inspect a 5000 square foot home than one half that size. As a rule of thumb, a good home inspector will spend at LEAST 2 and a half to 3 hours, or more, to inspect a typical home. If a home inspector promises to be in & out of your home in an hour, then look for a different inspector. There is no possible way to inspect and test all the systems and components in a home in less than 2 and a half hours, and that's for a home less than 2500 SF. For larger homes, it may take 4 hours or more to inspect a home properly.
It amazes me that some inspectors actually ADVERTISE that they'll inspect your home in an hour! Is there any better way to say "I'll do a rush job of your inspection"?
In my opinion, you're investing in a property that you'll be living in, and paying for, for many years, and you deserve a home inspector who will respect that investment by doing a good, thorough job. Anything less than 100% effort and attention to detail by your inspector is a waste of your money.
Why Spend That Much Time?
Here's Why:
Awhile back, I read a story about a home inspector who prided himself on quick inspections. In less than an hour after he arrived, he'd be on his way. His inspection reports were the paper checklist type, where he'd check off the components as he went. Not only is this an inferior reporting system, but it left him the opportunity to do a hasty job by indiscriminately checking off components that he hadn't inspected. Of course, his business methods caught up to him.
A week after inspecting a home for a young couple, he received an angry phone call. While moving a sofa through the front door on moving day, the new owner broke his leg when the rotted floor collapsed. In his haste, the inspector had checked off the floor structure as "satisfactory" without ever looking at it.
So yes....doing a complete, thorough inspection takes awhile, but would you want to pay for anything less? Of course not.
Altamont Superior does COMPLETE, THOROUGH inspections and nothing less. Contact me today to schedule a home inspection that is worthy of your home investment.
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How Long does an Inspection take?