Older, larger homes can take 4 or more hours. Some inspection reports might take an hour or two to complete, while others might take 4 hours or more. E very inspector quotes the inspection fee using different criteria or methods. While some charge a flat rate, others charge by the square foot of living area. S ome charge for all the option items, others charge for some of them, others will not inspect for certain items such as swimming pools or septic systems.
Most inspectors have a minimum charge for their services.
Some charge for mileage from their location to the inspection site. Some inspectors maintain web sites where a prospective client can submit information about the property and receive a quote by e-mail. A side from the time invested, the value of the inspection and report can be measured by its usefulness. If the inspection turns up little wrong with the house, you've bought some relatively inexpensive peace of mind.