If you are purchasing a home in Maine, you probably have wondered what the average cost of a home inspection would be. The average cost of a home inspection in Maine is approximately $315, and $200 for condos as well as homes that are under 1,000 square feet.
However, for larger homes that are over 2,000 square feet- the average cost will run around $400, or even more. Mold testing will usually cost extra, however if you purchase it with a home inspection, it will be less expensive.
The first question that those who have purchased a home ask home inspectors is the cost of the inspection. Keep in mind that a good quality home inspection will be somewhat costly as you will get what you pay for. You need to be more concerned about the inspector’s experience, qualifications, and recommendations- however cost is important as well so you are aware of what you are getting when it comes to a home inspection.
Just be aware of the fact that there isn’t a set standard for how the price of the inspection is calculated. Inspectors will give you quotes by using several methods. There are some inspectors that will charge you based on the time that is spent, as you also need to understand that the larger the home that is being inspected, the more costly it will be.
There are other inspectors that will charge a flat fee based on the square footage of the home as well. The age of the homes can affect the fee, because newer homes can be inspected as little as 2-3 hours whereas older homes can take 4 hours or more. Older homes are likely going to need repairs in areas that you may not even be aware of. These need to be examined closely, hence the inspection taking longer. Again the more time spent, the more costly the service will become.
In addition to the inspection itself, the time required to compile a report can also be a contributing factor to the cost. Some inspectors may need to only complete the report in 1-2 hours, whereas some may need to take over 4 hours if a lot of problems have been discovered in the home.
That said, paying the lowest cost for a home inspection is not recommended. Because inspectors are not regulated by HUD (The U.S. Department of Housing and Development), cheap ones are likely going to be cutting corners. You cannot take that chance whenever you are purchasing any home!
You definitely need to know what the average inspection covers. Here is what a good quality licensed inspector will examine in the home:
- Foundation
- Plumbing
- Appliances
- Attic
- Roof
- Electrical system
- Fireplaces
- HVAC system
- The general exterior and interior
There are some additional areas that might be covered by your home inspector, and they are:
- Asbestos
- Radon
- Termites
Those additional areas usually require specialized certification, therefore if you want those to be looked into then you will have to find a qualified inspector who can examine those- and they will come at a higher cost.
Just be aware that in most cases you do not need to worry about holes in walls being created due to the inspection, as well as fixtures being damaged, shingles being torn apart and the structure of the home being affected. Therefore most home inspections are not invasive, but in unique cases they may be but only if the homeowner gives the inspector a written consent. However, due to this, it is in your best interest to be around while the home is being inspected.
To sum up, having a good quality home inspection will not be cheap, but remember you do get what you pay for and you never want to cut corners when it comes to a home inspection.