Jump to:Home inspections may seem like yet another barrier standing between you and your dream home, but skipping the step can have major consequences. Full of boxes to check and safety features to test, a home inspection is a crucial part of buying, selling, and building a house. This property analysis not only determines whether your home is safe to live in, but it can also help identify any potential problems and repairs that may need to happen down the line. The total home inspection cost includes not just the fee the inspector charges but also the expense of any necessary repairs they find. A home inspection isn’t just another fee to pay on the path to home ownership—it can actually save you money and be a breeze if you approach the process well-prepared.We spoke with experts to provide insight on this topic. They include Leslie Turner, broker in charge and founding partner of Maison Real Estate; Mark Buskuhl, founder and CEO of Ninebird Properties; and Kerry Sherin, consumer advocate at Ownerly. Ahead, they help us break down what a home inspection is, whether or not you need one, and how much a home inspection costs. Happy house hunting!Related StoriesWhat Happens During a Home Inspection?A home inspection is all about ensuring the property in question is safe. It's a safety and quality assessment that examines the structural integrity, plumbing, electrical work, sewage, and heating or cooling systems. The inspector ensures that all the home's systems are functioning safely and properly. The home is also evaluated for fire and safety issues, damages, and anything else that might affect its value. Home inspections usually happen once a potential home buyer's offer has been accepted during the escrow period. Basically, the seller needs to know that they're getting what they're planning on paying for. Related StoryCan I Skip the Home Inspection?The short answer is yes, you can forego a traditional home inspection. Under normal circumstances, however, there's absolutely no reason to. The only reasons you might consider skipping a home inspection are if there are multiple competitive offers for the home in question or if the buyer or seller has a reason to rush the closing process. Beware: If the property's seller is being weirdly pushy about skipping the inspection, they may be trying to hide something. Buying a home is arguably the biggest purchase you'll ever make, so you want to be sure it's a sound investment. "This crucial step can save you from costly surprises after closing the deal and give you peace of mind knowing that your new palace is solid from foundation to roof," says Turner. A home inspection not only protects your financial interests but also your health and safety.If you choose to skip the inspection, Buskuhl suggests doing your own thorough research: "It's important for buyers to do their due diligence regardless of whether or not they choose to get a home inspection," he says. "This can include checking public records, reviewing recent appraisals, and speaking with the seller or their agent about any issues that may exist with the property." You can also consider asking any contractors you plan to use for renovations to do a walk-through with you to give you a sense of what they will encompass. They can point out issues you might not have noticed. Related StoryAverage Cost of a Home InspectionNow that we’ve established that you definitely do need a home inspection, how much does a home inspection actually cost? According to Buskuhl, "most home inspections tend to cost between $300 and $500, depending on the size and type of property being inspected. Additional fees may apply for services such as radon testing or termite inspections, which are commonly performed in addition to a home inspection." The National Association of Realtors reports that in 2025, the average cost of a home inspection is around $400, while Home Advisor states that some homeowners spend up to $675 in markets with high demand or large properties. Most home inspections tend to cost between $300 and $500.Selecting a Home InspectorOdds are, if you're selling your home, you're using a real estate agent or broker. These industry professionals can point you in the right direction of an experienced local home inspector and can usually recommend one they trust. When you find an inspector, make sure they have the proper certification before you hire them. According to Sharin, a good inspector will be able to explain each step. "A good home inspector will be fully certified, have a healthy list of past clients for referrals, and be willing to walk you through the entire process, explaining their findings and what they could mean for your potential home." It's also worth getting a second opinion wherever possible. House Beautiful's Deputy Photo Director, Dangi McCoy, recalls that her home inspectors had wildly different opinions and findings. “The differences between inspectors are alarming, so I'd recommend trying to find a well-reviewed person,” she says. “We had one super lax person, while the other was on the opposite end of the spectrum. Ensuring that you have some basic knowledge about things to look for (for us specifically in old houses) is helpful, so you're not blindly dependent on the inspector and risk finding costly fixes later.”Related StoryWhat Is the Biggest Red Flag in a Home Inspection?While most issues pointed out in a home inspection can be repaired, any major structural issue is going to be the biggest red flag. A sagging roof, cracked foundation, or unsafe electrical system (shoddy wiring or raw cables) can indicate a state of disrepair that is not worth the asking price.The Most Common Reasons Homes Fail an InspectionAccording to Nationwide Insurance, these are the most common problem areas for homes:Roof damage: This can range from a few missing shingles or small leaks to widespread issues that necessitate a full replacement.Electrical problems: Any nonfunctioning electrical components or hazards, such as frayed wires or outdated wiring (knob-and-tube), can merit a failure.Plumbing problems: This includes anything from small leaks to broken water heaters and sewage backups. Pests: While you won't fail because of ants or fruit flies, termite damage is a much more dangerous pest problem.Mold: This usually goes hand in hand with water damage, but can result in immediate failure.Related StoryWhat to Do If a House Fails the Inspection?If the home you had your heart set on fails the home inspection, there are a few options. Ask the Seller to Make RepairsMost commonly, the buyer will request that the seller make the necessary repairs before closing. The buyer can request that professionals be used and even suggest which professionals.Request a Price Decrease or CreditThe buyers can request that the sellers lower their asking price, pay the entirety of their closing costs, or offer a credit on the purchase. The goal is that the money saved in the price adjustment covers the cost of the repairs. Walk AwayIf the damages or inspection findings are too extensive, it might be better to simply walk away. There will always be another home on the market in better shape. 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