GITNUXREPORT 2025

Home Inspection Statistics

Home inspections reveal issues in 85% of surveyed homes.

Jannik Lindner

Jannik Linder

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: April 29, 2025

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Key Statistics

Statistic 1

72% of homebuyers report that inspection results impacted their negotiations significantly

Statistic 2

Approximately 85% of homebuyers find at least one issue during inspections

Statistic 3

The most common issues found in home inspections include electrical problems, HVAC issues, and roofing defects

Statistic 4

The top reason for home inspection failures is faulty wiring, accounting for 28% of issues

Statistic 5

22% of home inspectors report finding mold during inspections

Statistic 6

Foundation issues are present in 12% of inspected homes

Statistic 7

33% of home inspections reveal plumbing problems that need repair

Statistic 8

Home inspectors mention HVAC issues in approximately 39% of inspections

Statistic 9

The most frequent roofing issues found are missing shingles, leaks, and damaged flashing

Statistic 10

15% of inspected homes have issues related to inadequate insulation or ventilation

Statistic 11

48% of property inspectors report finding asbestos in older homes

Statistic 12

Common electrical issues include outdated wiring and overloaded circuits, found in 25% of inspections

Statistic 13

38% of inspectors find issues related to improper or missing permits

Statistic 14

65% of inspections reveal issues with drainage or grading that could lead to water intrusion

Statistic 15

50% of home inspections include assessment of the foundation's stability and cracks

Statistic 16

30% of homes inspected have issues related to pest infestations such as termites or carpenter ants

Statistic 17

The most common code violations found in inspections include missing handrails and improper electrical outlets

Statistic 18

9 out of 10 homes over 50 years old contain issues related to outdated plumbing or wiring

Statistic 19

Newer homes tend to have fewer defects, with only 35% showing issues during inspection

Statistic 20

The percentage of homes with visible mold increases with age, reaching up to 45% in homes over 40 years old

Statistic 21

65% of homes inspected have issues with window seals or broken glass

Statistic 22

55% of inspectors report finding issues related to improper ventilation in attics and crawl spaces

Statistic 23

The average home inspection report contains about 25 identified issues

Statistic 24

12% of homes inspected have significant foundation problems requiring repair

Statistic 25

60% of buyers get a home inspection conducted before purchasing

Statistic 26

90% of home inspectors are licensed or certified in their respective states

Statistic 27

Homes with visible signs of water damage are 1.5 times more likely to fail inspection

Statistic 28

75% of buyers negotiate repairs after home inspection results

Statistic 29

68% of homes inspected contain at least one defect that warrants further evaluation

Statistic 30

55% of homebuyers say they would walk away from a deal if major issues are found during inspection

Statistic 31

Approximately 1 in 4 inspections uncovers electrical wiring hazards

Statistic 32

45% of home inspectors recommend further specialized evaluations

Statistic 33

54% of buyers believe the inspection report influences their final decision more than price

Statistic 34

62% of inspections identify at least one safety issue

Statistic 35

The average age of homes inspected is around 30 years

Statistic 36

The resale value of homes improves by an average of 3% when a pre-listing inspection is performed

Statistic 37

68% of home buyers say they are more confident in their purchase after a professional inspection

Statistic 38

83% of home inspections will include a roof inspection as part of the process

Statistic 39

Approximately 70% of homebuyers prefer inspections that include energy efficiency assessments

Statistic 40

20% of homes have electrical panels that are outdated or overloaded

Statistic 41

75% of inspection companies offer additional services like pest, radon, and mold testing

Statistic 42

The demand for home inspectors is projected to grow by 10% over the next decade, faster than average job growth

Statistic 43

The average cost of a home inspection in the United States ranges between $300 and $500

Statistic 44

The average duration of a home inspection is about 2 to 3 hours

Statistic 45

The median home inspection cost increases in urban areas compared to rural areas

Statistic 46

40% of home inspectors conduct thermal imaging scans during inspections

Statistic 47

78% of home inspectors utilize digital reporting tools to deliver inspection reports

Statistic 48

70% of home inspections include a visual assessment of the exterior

Statistic 49

85% of home inspection companies have a standard checklist they follow during inspections

Statistic 50

80% of home inspectors also conduct radon testing as part of their inspection services

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Key Highlights

  • Approximately 85% of homebuyers find at least one issue during inspections
  • The average cost of a home inspection in the United States ranges between $300 and $500
  • 60% of buyers get a home inspection conducted before purchasing
  • 90% of home inspectors are licensed or certified in their respective states
  • The most common issues found in home inspections include electrical problems, HVAC issues, and roofing defects
  • Homes with visible signs of water damage are 1.5 times more likely to fail inspection
  • The top reason for home inspection failures is faulty wiring, accounting for 28% of issues
  • 75% of buyers negotiate repairs after home inspection results
  • The average duration of a home inspection is about 2 to 3 hours
  • 40% of home inspectors conduct thermal imaging scans during inspections
  • 68% of homes inspected contain at least one defect that warrants further evaluation
  • 22% of home inspectors report finding mold during inspections
  • 55% of homebuyers say they would walk away from a deal if major issues are found during inspection

Did you know that roughly 85% of homebuyers uncover at least one issue during inspections—and with the average cost ranging from $300 to $500, understanding what inspectors find can be the key to making a safe investment?

Buyer Confidence

  • 72% of homebuyers report that inspection results impacted their negotiations significantly

Buyer Confidence Interpretation

With over two-thirds of homebuyers saying inspection results sway their negotiations, it's clear that a thorough home inspection isn't just a formality—it's the ultimate bargaining chip in the real estate game.

Common Issues and Structural Concerns

  • Approximately 85% of homebuyers find at least one issue during inspections
  • The most common issues found in home inspections include electrical problems, HVAC issues, and roofing defects
  • The top reason for home inspection failures is faulty wiring, accounting for 28% of issues
  • 22% of home inspectors report finding mold during inspections
  • Foundation issues are present in 12% of inspected homes
  • 33% of home inspections reveal plumbing problems that need repair
  • Home inspectors mention HVAC issues in approximately 39% of inspections
  • The most frequent roofing issues found are missing shingles, leaks, and damaged flashing
  • 15% of inspected homes have issues related to inadequate insulation or ventilation
  • 48% of property inspectors report finding asbestos in older homes
  • Common electrical issues include outdated wiring and overloaded circuits, found in 25% of inspections
  • 38% of inspectors find issues related to improper or missing permits
  • 65% of inspections reveal issues with drainage or grading that could lead to water intrusion
  • 50% of home inspections include assessment of the foundation's stability and cracks
  • 30% of homes inspected have issues related to pest infestations such as termites or carpenter ants
  • The most common code violations found in inspections include missing handrails and improper electrical outlets
  • 9 out of 10 homes over 50 years old contain issues related to outdated plumbing or wiring
  • Newer homes tend to have fewer defects, with only 35% showing issues during inspection
  • The percentage of homes with visible mold increases with age, reaching up to 45% in homes over 40 years old
  • 65% of homes inspected have issues with window seals or broken glass
  • 55% of inspectors report finding issues related to improper ventilation in attics and crawl spaces
  • The average home inspection report contains about 25 identified issues
  • 12% of homes inspected have significant foundation problems requiring repair

Common Issues and Structural Concerns Interpretation

Given that 85% of homebuyers encounter issues during inspections—ranging from mold in older homes to faulty wiring and roofing defects—it's clear that while a home may look perfect on the surface, beneath lies a web of vulnerabilities that demand vigilance, a good inspector, and perhaps a good dose of humility from buyers.

Home Inspection Prevalence and Buyer Confidence

  • 60% of buyers get a home inspection conducted before purchasing
  • 90% of home inspectors are licensed or certified in their respective states
  • Homes with visible signs of water damage are 1.5 times more likely to fail inspection
  • 75% of buyers negotiate repairs after home inspection results
  • 68% of homes inspected contain at least one defect that warrants further evaluation
  • 55% of homebuyers say they would walk away from a deal if major issues are found during inspection
  • Approximately 1 in 4 inspections uncovers electrical wiring hazards
  • 45% of home inspectors recommend further specialized evaluations
  • 54% of buyers believe the inspection report influences their final decision more than price
  • 62% of inspections identify at least one safety issue
  • The average age of homes inspected is around 30 years
  • The resale value of homes improves by an average of 3% when a pre-listing inspection is performed
  • 68% of home buyers say they are more confident in their purchase after a professional inspection
  • 83% of home inspections will include a roof inspection as part of the process
  • Approximately 70% of homebuyers prefer inspections that include energy efficiency assessments
  • 20% of homes have electrical panels that are outdated or overloaded
  • 75% of inspection companies offer additional services like pest, radon, and mold testing
  • The demand for home inspectors is projected to grow by 10% over the next decade, faster than average job growth

Home Inspection Prevalence and Buyer Confidence Interpretation

While over half of homebuyers wisely insist on inspections—driving up inspector licensing standards and uncovering issues that often lead to negotiations or walkaways—the persistent presence of hidden hazards like electrical faults and water damage reminds us that a thorough home inspection is both a buyer's safeguard and a crucial step toward smarter, safer homeownership.

Inspection Costs and Duration

  • The average cost of a home inspection in the United States ranges between $300 and $500
  • The average duration of a home inspection is about 2 to 3 hours
  • The median home inspection cost increases in urban areas compared to rural areas

Inspection Costs and Duration Interpretation

While spending $300 to $500 for a thorough 2 to 3-hour home inspection might seem like a small investment, the rising median costs in urban areas serve as a reminder that in city living, even checking for foundation flaws can come with a hefty price tag.

Inspection Techniques and Reporting Practices

  • 40% of home inspectors conduct thermal imaging scans during inspections
  • 78% of home inspectors utilize digital reporting tools to deliver inspection reports
  • 70% of home inspections include a visual assessment of the exterior
  • 85% of home inspection companies have a standard checklist they follow during inspections
  • 80% of home inspectors also conduct radon testing as part of their inspection services

Inspection Techniques and Reporting Practices Interpretation

While a majority of home inspectors embrace digital tools, standardized checklists, and radon testing to ensure thorough evaluations, only 40% harness the power of thermal imaging—reminding us that even in a digital age, some critical insights still rely on a keen eye and a bit of thermal intuition.

Sources & References