One of the first things buyers want to know is what a home inspection is going to cost them. Here is a straightforward answer, including what affects the price and what you get for your money.
The Short Answer
A standard home inspection in Portland, Oregon and the surrounding metro area typically costs between $350 and $600 for most single-family homes. The range is wide because several factors affect the price.
What Affects the Cost?
Square footage is the biggest factor. Larger homes take more time to inspect thoroughly. Age of the home matters as well. Older homes often require more time and care. Attached structures like a detached garage, a workshop, or a large deck add time. The inspector’s experience and credentials affect price too. A Certified Master Inspector with 2,000+ completed inspections brings more knowledge to the table than someone who completed the minimum required training. The gap in price is usually small. The gap in what you learn can be significant.
What About Add-On Services?
In addition to the standard inspection, you may want to consider radon testing ($75 to $150), which tests for a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can build up in homes. A sewer scope ($100 to $175) sends a camera down your main sewer line and is especially valuable on homes over 30 years old or in neighborhoods with mature trees. Mold testing is also available if there are visible signs of moisture intrusion or if someone in your household has sensitivities.
Should You Choose the Cheapest Inspector?
We understand that home buying involves a lot of expenses. The inspection is one of the smaller ones, and choosing based on price alone often backfires. If a less thorough inspector misses a $15,000 crawlspace moisture problem or a failing electrical panel, the savings on the inspection fee were not worth it. What you are buying is knowledge and protection.
At Trusted Home Inspections, we use a thermal imaging camera on every single inspection at no extra charge. It helps us find hidden moisture and insulation issues that a standard visual inspection might miss. See our full pricing here.
Ready to schedule? Book your Portland area inspection today.