How Long Should a Home Inspection Take?
As a full-time home inspector with over 24 years in the home inspection field, I get asked this question often: “How long does a home inspection take?” The short answer? For an average-sized home, a comprehensive home inspection should take between 3 and 4 hours. But the true answer isn’t that simple. It depends on a lot of factors—some obvious, some not.
If you’re purchasing a home and scheduling your NJ home inspection, this article is for you. I’ll break down what goes into the inspection, why it takes as long as it does, and what you should expect during the process. This isn’t some cookie-cutter answer—this is real-world info from someone who’s walked through thousands of homes, climbed into crawlspaces, and crawled through attics more times than I can count.
First Things First: What Is a Home Inspection?
A home inspection is a thorough, visual, non-invasive evaluation of the major systems and components of a house. That includes the roof, foundation, structure, electrical, plumbing, heating, cooling, insulation, ventilation, and everything in between. I inspect everything I can safely and reasonably access, and I document it all in a detailed written report with photos.
A proper inspection isn’t just a walkthrough or a checklist—it’s a deep dive into the home’s condition. It takes time to do it right. You can read more about what’s included in my process on my home inspection services page.
Average Time: 3 to 4 Hours for a Typical Home
For a standard single-family home between 1,500 and 2,500 square feet, the inspection typically takes between 3 and 4 hours. That’s when things go smoothly—no major surprises, and everything is accessible.
But not every house is average. Some home inspections take longer to perform. Some might go a little quicker, but rushing isn’t part of the process. Our job as home inspectors is to protect the buyer by thoroughly documenting the condition of the home. That type of attention to detail can’t be done in an hour or 90 minutes.
What Affects How Long the Inspection Takes?
Here’s a list of the most common things that can affect the length of the home inspection:
- Size of the Home
This one’s obvious. A 1,200 sq ft town home is a lot faster to inspect than a 5,000 sq ft colonial with four HVAC systems and three attics. The bigger the home, the more systems, outlets, windows, doors, and potential issues to inspect.
- Age of the Home
Older homes usually take longer. Why? Because they tend to have more issues. Different types of wiring, older plumbing materials, outdated heating systems, structural modifications, and sometimes decades of handyman “fixes” that need to be reviewed carefully.
- Condition of the Home
A well-maintained home in good condition can progress at a faster pace. But when I find one issue, I slow down and look for others. One roof leak can turn into a much longer attic investigation. One panel with double-tapped breakers might require me to trace several branch circuits.
- Access to Components
If I can’t access the attic, crawlspace, panel box, or mechanical systems because they’re blocked by storage or furniture, I have to either wait for access or document the limitation. Delays happen. If the seller hasn’t made the home accessible, it slows the inspection and may require a return trip to the home to inspect those items.
- Client Involvement
I encourage my clients to attend the home inspection, but the more questions and conversations we have during the process, the longer it can take, which is perfectly fine. I want the buyer to understand the home.
- Additional Services
If you’re getting radon testing, thermal imaging, termite inspection, mold testing, sewer scope, or other add-ons, those take extra time. I use thermal imaging on most of my inspections, and while it adds time, it often uncovers issues you wouldn’t otherwise see—like hidden moisture or missing insulation.
Fast Isn’t Better
Let’s be honest—some New Jersey home inspectors try to get in and out in 90 minutes. That’s not how I work. You only get one chance to inspect a home before you own it. I take the time needed to do it right and give you a report that helps you make an informed decision.
If an inspector is done in under 2 hours and hands you a short report with a bunch of boilerplate language, that’s a red flag. A quality home inspection takes time and care. Every home tells a story. My job is to read that story—and sometimes that takes a while.
What Should You Do During the Inspection?
You’re welcome (and encouraged) to attend the inspection. If you show up toward the end, I can give you a summary and walk you through the major systems, defects, and things to be aware of. You’ll get a full report with photos usually by the next morning.
If you’re there the whole time, just know I’ll be working. Feel free to ask questions but also give me space to focus. There’s a lot to observe, document, and test.
Final Report Time
The time I spend inspecting the home is only part of the job. I also take time after the inspection to review all my photos, notes, and observations before delivering a complete report. That report isn’t just for the moment—it’s a reference you can go back to later.
Expect a detailed, photo-rich report—usually 80 to 100+ pages—that breaks down the condition of every system in the home. I write reports that are clear, honest, and helpful, not loaded with fluff or canned statements. You can see a breakdown of inspection expectations in my New Jersey Home Inspection Resource Guide.
Summary: How Long Should You Plan For?
| Home Size | Estimated Time |
| Condo (under 1,000 sq ft) | 1.5 to 2.5 hours |
| Average home (1,500–2,500 sq ft) | 3 to 4 hours |
| Large home (3,000+ sq ft) | 4 to 6 hours (or more) |
| Add-on services | +30 min to 1 hour+ |
So if you’re buying a home, block off at least 3 to 4 hours for the inspection, maybe more if the house is large or complex. It’s a small-time investment for something as important as buying a home.
Final Thought
A good home inspection should never feel rushed. It’s one of the most important steps in the home buying process. Take your time, ask questions, and hire an inspector who is going to take their time with your future home.
If you’re looking for a thorough inspection and a detailed report that you can actually understand, I’m here to help. I inspect one home per day for a reason—so every client gets my full attention.
Have questions? Ready to schedule? Contact me here.
About the Author
John Martino is a certified New Jersey home inspector and the owner of LookSmart Home Inspections. With over 24years of experience and thousands of inspections completed, John provides thorough, honest, and easy-to-understand evaluations for homebuyers across New Jersey. He performs one inspection per day—so every client gets his full attention.