How long should a home inspection take?

It all depends.

Scott,

I usually tell clients at least 3 hours and usually more. The other factor you did not mention is the client. We have all had the client that asks questions about every item and goes into long conversations over every detail. Some of the longest inspections I have done are because the client was high maintenance.

I love it when I am told how long I should take or I am compared to the "regular inspector". When I am asked how long will the inspection take my response is very often the same as yours, it will take as long as it takes me.

I want to laugh when I tell a client that a 2000 sf hoem averages, for me, about 3 - 4 hours, depending on the condition of the home, and they respond that they were told it would take no more than 2 hours.  I especially like the caller who is checking inspectors who was told by a competitor that he would be done in an hour, including writing up the report.  Makes my job of selling my service that much easier.

When I was in college, one of my professors commented that education is the only field where customers don't want their money's worth.  I guess he didn't know about home inspections.

LOL!! I think that most clients want their money's worth.  It's usually the seller or the realtor who is in a hurry.  I guess that's why some inspectors proudly advertise that they can give you a proper inspection in an hour or so, including printing up your report in the driveway.  Now, I wonder to whom THAT little marketing ploy is directed?????  Two hours is about the minimum for me.  It takes that long to truly inspect all that should be inspected, even with very few defects.  Three hours is closer to the norm.  Five or even more sometimes isn't out of the question, especially for an old 19th century home with lots of (ahem) upgrades.  It would be wonderful if we all were so efficient that we could do a proper job in an hour.  Now, I ain't braggin', I'm a pretty smart guy, and I know I can't do it right in that length of time, and I'd like to meet the guy who really can.  Does anybody know such a superhuman?

Good points Jimmy.Good points Jimmy.Good points Jimmy.Good points Jimmy.Good points Jimmy.Good points Jimmy.Good points Jimmy.Good points Jimmy.

I always tell them over the phone when they cal to book, that it'll take about 2 1/2 hours (under 2,000 sq. ft.). I have had the occasional agent start to look at their watch at about 1 1/2 hours, which always makes me want to be more thorough!

I usually ask the inspector because I usually attend the inspection, and I'm the Realtor.  I don't do this to annoy anyone, but rather to learn.  Most inspectors don't mind the company, and they are always very friendly and willing to talk as they go along.  I enjoy these.

I f someone asks, that's fine.  It's when they say that whomever said it would/should only take X amount of time.

When I get that strange look after explaining about how long the inspection will take, it's usually because they're upset about a previous "quickie" that only took an hour. 

Home Inspector Chicago

I tell my clients that it will take around 4 hours.  I usually average around 1 hour per 800 square feet.  This includes inspection, extensive explaining, and going over the contract.  I take more time at the office to write the reports.  However, if the house is vacant and the client isn't there, a normal 4 hour inspection will take about 2.

The time does vary depending on the condition of the home AND how inquisitive my clients are. I can inspect a 2500 square foot home in about three hours if the home is in typical condition meaning not an excessive amount of deferred maintenance issues. However that same home may take four plus hours if the home is in serious disrepair AND my client asks questions about every defect wanting detailed information as to how the defect affects the home. The idea is to make your client feel as though they are getting a fair job from you.

As far as the comments about how "their inspector" can do it in an hour, so what? You're not "their inspector" and chances are if they are looking for a quick inspection type inspector you won't have to deal with them very often anyway.

Bottom line is the inspection takes as long as it takes and like Scott said "Folks this ain't a race!" Now there are times you need to take control of the inspection but those occasions should be far and few in between. In the end it's our job to provide our client with a fair and honest inspection/report. Those who can't or don't appreciate this fact should not be considered when doing our job.

Was that with or without the client there for the entire discovery process asking the myriads of questions? One should qualify the original question.... LOL.... I add 1 1/2 hours IF the client desires to be there during the discovery process.

Blessings