Home Inspection Cost Calculator

A professional home inspection priced by the property's size and age is far easier to plan for once you have a number in hand. Folding that figure into your purchase budget early heads off the kind of surprise that derails a closing. Nationally in 2026, inspection costs are expected to fall roughly between $450 and $700, and this estimate keeps you ahead of that range.

The math starts from a base fee tied to average 2026 inspection costs for a standard 1,500 sq ft home, then scales linearly from there. Square footage beyond 1,500 sq ft adds about $0.15 per square foot, while age contributes another $25 for each decade the home predates 2000, since older mechanical and structural systems take longer to evaluate. Optional tests like radon or mold screening enter as fixed add-on costs on top of the base.

Actual costs move with your location, the inspector's depth of experience, and how competitive the local market is, so read these as estimates. Price alone is a poor way to pick an inspector; thoroughness and a strong track record matter far more. Skipping the recommended add-on tests is a costly gamble, since they often surface hidden problems that would otherwise turn into expensive repairs later.