If you’re in the process of buying or selling a home, or if you’re renewing your home insurance policy, you may be wondering: How long does a home inspection take?
It’s a great question—and an important one. The home inspection is a critical step in the insurance underwriting process and in many real estate transactions, and understanding the timeline can help you plan accordingly.
In this blog, we’ll cover how long home inspections take, what factors affect the inspection time, and how to ensure a smooth process from start to finish.
How Long Do Home Inspections Take on Average?
How long home inspections take depends on multiple factors, including the type of home inspection. Here is a breakdown of the standard time it takes to complete each type of home inspection:
- Roof Inspection usually takes 30 minutes
- Wind Mitigation usually takes 45 minutes
- Four Point usually takes 45 minutes
- Combination 4 Point and Wind Mitigation usually takes 60 minutes
- Full Home inspections are very detailed and often take anywhere from 3 to 4 hours
So, how long does a home inspection take? For most single-family homes, plan for about 45 minutes on average. If you are getting a full home inspection, you can expect it to take up to 4 hours.
What Affects How Long the Home Inspection Takes?
Several factors can impact how long the home inspection takes:
1. Size of the Home – Larger homes take longer to inspect due to the number of systems, rooms, and components.
2. Age of the Home – Older homes often have more issues or outdated systems that require extra attention.
3. Condition of the Property – A well-maintained home may be quicker to inspect than one with visible wear, damage, or deferred maintenance.
4. Additional Structures – Homes with pools, detached garages, or guest houses will take more time as each structure requires its own inspection.
What Happens During a Home Inspection?
Understanding what’s involved will help explain why home inspections take time.
Your licensed home inspector will evaluate major systems and structures based on the type of inspection. Here is a breakdown of what is covered during each inspection:
Roof Certification inspections cover:
- The overall condition of your roof system and covering types
- The roof’s age (date last replaced)
- Potential damage (e.g. cracking and peeling with shingles or flashing damage)
- Granule loss amount (if asphalt shingles)
- Estimated number of years of useful life remaining
- Satisfactory or unsatisfactory condition assessment
Wind Mitigation inspections cover:
- Age of the home
- Age of the roof
- Presence or absence of roof to wall connections
- Roof deck attachment type and spacing
- Roof shape or geometry
- Presence of absence of impact-resistant opening protection (doors, windows, skylights, etc.)
- Presence or absence of secondary water resistant barriers
Four Point inspections cover:
- Roofing
- Electrical
- Heating & Air Conditioning (HVAC)
- Plumbing
Full Home inspections are the most in-depth type of inspection, covering:
- Heating & Cooling Systems
- Interior Plumbing
- Electrical Systems
- Roof & Attic Areas
- Plumbing
- Visible Insulation
- Walls, Ceilings, & Floors
- Windows & Doors
- Foundation
- Basement Areas
- Exterior
Your certified inspector documents all key findings, takes many photos, and notes potential problems in a written report. Our inspectors also take time to answer questions during or after the process.
Should You Be Present for the Inspection?
It’s not required—but it’s highly recommended.
Being there allows you to:
- Ask the inspector questions in real time
- See any concerns firsthand
- Get context that may not fully translate in a written report
Either your insurance agent or one of our customer service representatives will schedule your inspection for a time that works for you. Your licensed home inspector will give you a call when they are headed your way. If you are getting a roof certification, four point, or wind mitigation, be prepared to set aside about 1 hour so you don’t feel rushed.
When Do You Get the Inspection Report?
The best home inspection companies in Florida will deliver your report within 24 hours of completion. At My Safe Home Inspection, you can expect your inspection report to be delivered to you within 24 hours, and we’ll even send it directly to your insurance agent if you’d like! The report will include:
- Photos of key areas and findings
- Notes on all systems, including those that need repair or further evaluation
- An overall assessment of the property’s condition
Your home insurance agent will use this report to find you the best home insurance policy based on the condition of your home. If you get a wind mitigation, you may even save money on your home insurance! Give us a call to learn more. In other situations, your real estate agent may use this report to negotiate repairs, credits, or other contract terms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can a home inspection take less than one hour?
A: Yes—single-family homes or newer properties can often be inspected in 1 hour or less.
Q: How long does the home inspection take if I’m getting more than one inspection?
A: You not only save money, but you also save time when you schedule more than one inspection. When you combine inspections like 4 point and wind mitigation inspections, you can save an average of 15% and our inspectors can complete both inspections in about one hour.
Q: What does my home inspector need from me before and during the inspection?
A: When you are scheduling your home inspection, you will be asked to provide any gate codes or lockbox codes so that our inspectors can access your property. During the inspection, our inspectors need access to your roof, attic, and rooms within your home.
Final Thoughts: How Long Does a Home Inspection Take?
To recap, if you’re asking, “How long does a home inspection take?” …the answer is usually 45 minutes, depending on several key factors.
Taking the time for a thorough home inspection can reveal potential issues before they become expensive surprises. It’s a small investment of time that can protect one of your biggest investments—your home. If you have any questions, we’re here to help!
Very quickly this web site will be famous amid all blog people,
due to it’s pleasant articles
Thank you for your kind words! Our goal is empower readers with the right information to make informed decisions. Cheers!