Put a bid on a house yesterday and it got accepted today. Now we are hiring an inspector. The furnace, central air, vinyl siding, and roofing were all replaced or updated in the last 2-5 years. Since a lot of stuff is new, I don't expect to see much come from our inspection but I'm doing a contingent inspection nonetheless. What do inspectors usually get paid? I'm told it'll get wrapped into the mortage but I am still curious.

Not sure what they get now. But 8 years ago I paid $300.00. But its nice to know that your house is good and sound.

The cost of an inspection is generally $300-$400 depending on the sq ft. Generally speaking, inspections are not wrapped-in the loan (appraisals are often though)as inspectors are paid regardless of whether or not the property ever closes.

I hope this helps.

Scott Hutchinson
Coldwell Banker Burnet

I paid around $300 as well and it wasn't wrapped into the loan in my case.

My bro-in-law does this on the side. He charges according to value of the home. Prices mentioned are close. He does a thorough inspection, but these guys are not trained or licensed, so don't expect too much from just any inspector.

Make sure you check through the house when they are done also. Lights may be on, attic accesses open, mechanicals turned off or on. Just a few things that are common. They are only human, but most of all they are normally not contractors or real inspectors. Private home inspection is a whole different game than a state inspector.

Mine was $297 this spring. Pretty much a wast of money imo. The guy we had really didnt tell me anything I didnt already know. The only reason I even got one was because with our FHA loan it was required.

We bought a house in Febrauary and we didn't even have one...they just go through and check just about everything. From sockets to attic insulation...All the things I can do myself, and save $350 bucks..

Now it isn't a bad idea to get one, I was just confident in being able to check everything out myself...it was our 3rd purchase so pretty much knew everything they checked anyway.

I paid 300 5 yrs ago I had to get it done because of the loan I would not do it otherwise. IMO they are paid to look for immediate problems they dont care about what kind of maintenance youll have. You need to do your own inspection and then add contingencies (new sewer shingles ETC)

If you wont a Furnace + A/C inspection call a HVAC company. Not a home inspector.
In 30 years I can't think of more then 1 or 2 home inspectors that had any
idea on how to inspect a Furnace or A/C Other then is it dirty or not.
This summer I had two calls from home owners that called a inspector. The problem, The out door A/C unit. (1/2 out) Now, if you read the instillation instructions
they say that the unit should be a little out of level. That way all the water drains.
Try to tell a inspector any thing. If it not in his book it ant so.
Long story short. Call a HVAC or Plumbing Co. for such things not a
home inspector..........

Just because things are new doesn't mean they were installed correctly. There could be code issues that involve things that aren't all that obvious but still a safety issue. In St. Paul the inspection is required and the inspectors are licensed. Mine alerted me to some serious issues and I wouldn't buy without one. Check with a big city you live near and see if they have a program that ID's the people that do inspections.

Our Real Estate agent paid for ours, I think it was around $300 also. He also brought by a few cases of beer a few months after closing.

Paid $425 in October. I felt it was worth it as the inspector came highly recommended and did a very thorough job.

What kind of guarantee does the home inspector offer? Look closely at the paperwork, he probably doesn't guarantee anything.

Make the seller pay for the furnace inspection.

Make sure you're looking for potential code violations like exposed wires.

I'd make the seller clean all the drains, too.

Being a retired remodelling contractor,I will say this. Most inspectors are folks that couldn't make it in the trade. Their knowledge is sometimes limited to a short time involvment in the business.With that said,written inspection results are important ,just in case there are problems that raise their ugly heads up a short time later.Not knowing the age or condition of the property,that is all one can say. I really do reccomend you contacting a reputable contractor to give a second opinion,and one that is more than likely a more accurate opinion at that.Yes,it will cost you a few bucks,but better than getting stuck in a money pit. Good luck,live well and healthy.2