Because home inspectors are in a professional service business (i.e. must maintain a state license, pay for professional insurance, obtain regular continuing education and continually invest in their business), quality home inspection costs can range by location and by the individual provider. A standard home inspection in Tennessee will run about $350 to $500 for a 2,000-sq.-ft. home. The fee will typically increase based on the complexity (older homes, presence of detached structures if included, etc.) and size of the home. Like any other profession, most inspection fees are per hour and the inspection priced accordingly based on how long the inspection will take.
If there are known environmental issues in your area, your home inspector may recommend additional tests. For example, if your area tends to have high radon levels, you may need to order a radon test, which can cost approximately $150. Depending on the age or condition of the house, your home inspector may also recommend getting an asbestos test, lead test, and mold tests. These tests are not required, but if your home inspector recommends them it may be wise to pay attention to their advice. The idea here is to remove as many variables as possible. Imagine discovering you need professional asbestos abatement AFTER moving into your new home to the tune of $3,000 to $5,000. It would have been nice to ask the property seller to assume some of that cost!