One of the most frequently asked questions that home inspectors hear is “How long will the home inspection process take?” This is an important practical question, as the home inspection day takes some planning and it is important to understand what to expect.
Because every home is unique, the amount of time a home inspection takes varies from property to property. With that being said, most home inspectors have a standard time frame that the majority of their inspections fall into. There are several factors that can influence how long a home inspection takes, such as the size, condition, and type of home as well as the method and level of experience of your inspector.
The Industry Standard
In the province of Ontario, home inspectors must belong to a recognized professional association such as the Ontario Association of Home Inspectors. Part of the process to receive their accreditation involves what is called a Test Inspection Peer Review. The home inspector will inspect a home that has been pre-inspected by the examiners to identify all deficiencies present. This examination is timed and must be completed in 3 hours or less.
So, for a newly certified home inspector, a standard home inspection of an entire house should be completed within 3 hours. As home inspectors become more experienced and knowledgeable, many are able to complete an inspection within 2 to 2 and half hours.
Size, Age, Complications & Deficiencies
In home inspection terms, a “standard” home is considered to be a single-family house with a single kitchen, up to 3 bathrooms, and approximately 2,000 square feet (or less) of living space. Larger houses, especially those with additional kitchens and/or bathrooms, require more time to inspect.
The age of the home can also impact how long a home inspection takes, as they tend to be more complex in terms of systems, materials, and structures. Older homes often contain building materials that are beyond their expected lifespan or that have been deemed hazardous or toxic. Homes that are older also tend to have more small access spaces, such as attics, crawlspaces, and basements, all of which can add to the time needed for a home inspection.
Ultimately, the biggest factor that impacts how long a home inspection takes is any existing deficiencies. When a home inspector identifies a defect, they must then take the time to properly document their findings and gather as much information as possible. Thus, the more defects the home inspector finds, the longer the home inspection will take.
Additional Services
A standard home inspection involves basic inspection and documentation services, which include a thorough visual inspection of all elements of the home, both interior and exterior. In some cases, clients wish to add on services such as infrared imaging or a complete electrical inspection, which can extend the duration of a home inspection.
Those Who Go Above and Beyond
In some cases, a home inspection takes longer simply because you have hired a home inspector who is extremely thorough and goes above and beyond the basic standards of home inspections. They may run certain diagnostic tests on mechanical equipment, remove extra covers to inspect electrical wiring, or may just like to take their time to ensure they don’t miss anything. Most qualified home inspectors take their job very seriously, and won’t complete the home inspection until they are confident they have uncovered everything that could be found.
Be careful, however, with home inspectors who offer to go too far beyond the standard 3-hour window. In most cases, 3 hours provides plenty of time to discover any major concerns and provide their best advice on the condition and quality of the home. Home inspectors that go far beyond the standards of practice may be looking for a reason to charge you more than they quoted.
How Long Does Building Insights Plan for Inspections?
At Building Insights, we encourage our clients to plan for a standard home inspection but be prepared for the inspection to go longer than anticipated depending on the factors listed above. Home inspection times vary, with a full home taking approximately 3 hours, a townhouse taking 2 and a half, and a condo taking approximately 2 hours. This includes a full verbal report and walk-through with the client.
If you want to learn more about how long home inspections take, or are ready to book your home inspection, contact the team at Building Insights today!