The inspection contingency period is crucial for protecting yourself.
Standard Inspections
General Home Inspection ($400-$600)
Covers structure, roof, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and more. Takes 2-3 hours.
Pest Inspection ($100-$200)
Looks for termites, wood-boring beetles, dry rot, and fungus damage.
Specialty Inspections (As Needed)
- Sewer lateral: Video inspection of pipes ($200-$300)
- Chimney: For homes with fireplaces ($150-$250)
- Pool/Spa: Complex systems need specialists ($150-$250)
- Foundation: If concerns arise ($300-$500)
- Roof: For older or concerning roofs ($200-$400)
After the Inspection
Option 1: Accept As-Is
Proceed with purchase, handling repairs yourself.
Option 2: Request Repairs
Ask seller to fix specific items before closing.
Option 3: Request Credit
Ask for money at closing to handle repairs yourself.
Option 4: Cancel
If findings are too serious, exercise your contingency.
Negotiation Strategy
- Focus on safety, structural, and expensive items
- Get repair estimates to support requests
- Be reasonable; minor issues are expected
- Consider seller's perspective and market conditions