Lots of buyers don’t realize that a) while home inspections are a good idea, they are optional; and b) the homebuyer is on the hook for the cost of the inspection. The average price of an inspection is about $300, depending on the size of the house and where you live. It may seem steep, but what you’re really buying is peace of mind. After all, you’re considering purchasing something that’s going to cost you thousands of dollars, and your inspector could uncover a major flaw that can’t be seen with the naked eye (like a crack in the foundation, evidence of flooding or previously undiscovered mold and mildew). You may even decide to walk away from a property that could cost you thousands of dollars in repairs beyond the purchase price.
