You'll need to choose whether you need an architect, home inspector, or structural engineer, depending on what you need. Architects cost around $2,000–$9,500 and work to design the form and function of a home, including all structural elements. Structural engineers run around $300–$700 or more and work on a home's load-bearing and functional aspects. Home inspectors charge around $250–$400 and give homes a general inspection during real estate sales, after natural disasters, and sometimes during appraisals.