“Often the difference between inspectors is the quality of their reports. I spend almost as much time preparing a report as I do inspecting the home.” That is a quote from the ‘about your home inspection’ page on this web site. My fees are higher than most inspectors, because my reports are more detailed. I cannot compete with the fees from a home inspector that uses a ‘checklist’ report. These reports are ‘check the box’ reports that literally take 20 minutes to complete. There is very little specific information in these reports, so the inspections take less time too. Inspectors using a checklist report can easily do two inspections a day, I personally know of inspectors that can do three inspections a day. The good news is checklist reports can be delivered on site.

I am a member of the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI®), and abide by the ASHI code of Ethics and Standards of Practice. It is critical that a home inspector has no financial interest in a home he inspects. Therefore I cannot bill escrow for a home inspection fee. If a home inspector bills escrow, it is in his/her financial interest for the home to close to ensure payment.

Because I cannot bill escrow, payment must be received prior to the inspection or on site.

The basic fee schedule is on the Inspection Agreement: 20 cents per square foot. There is a $300 minimum, which gets you to 1500 sf. A 1700 sf would be $340, a 2100 sf would be $420, etc.

I round down to the nearest 100 if the home is less than xx75 sf. I round up if the home is xx76 sf or over. So an 1870 sf home would be rounded down to 1800 sf and a fee of $360. An 1880 sf home would be rounded up to 1900 sf and a fee of $380.

There is an additional $75 fee for homes more than 50 years old. These inspections and reports take longer, mostly because I have to recommend and describe safety improvements and upgrades.

Following are additional charges for more than one dwelling or building:

Garages: One attached garage or one detached garage is included in the base price. Call for a quote on additional detached garages or shops: the minimum fee is $50 and will depend on the size and amenities (electrical panels, furnaces, bathrooms, etc.).

Guest Home: 20 cents per total square foot of both buildings, + $75 for the additional building.

Multi-family up to a Fourplex: 20 cents per total square foot + $25 for each additional apartment. Add $25 for a duplex, $50 for a triplex and $75 for a fourplex. Call for quotes on multi-family larger than a fourplex.

Commercial inspection fees are usually the same as residential, but you need to call for a quote. Commercial buildings often take longer to inspect than a similar sized dwelling due to multiple and unique systems and components.