How Long Does a Home Inspection Take?

Short answer: A typical home inspection takes 2.5 to 4 hours on-site. Add another 24 hours for the full digital report to arrive in your inbox. Need same-week availability? Check live openings here →

Inspection time by home size

Home size	Time on-site	Report delivery
Under 1,500 sq ft (condo/townhome)	2 – 2.5 hrs	Same evening
1,500 – 2,500 sq ft (typical Apple Valley)	2.5 – 3.5 hrs	Same evening / next morning
2,500 – 3,500 sq ft	3 – 4 hrs	Within 24 hrs
3,500+ sq ft (luxury / lakefront)	4 – 5+ hrs	Within 24 hrs

Why some inspections take longer

• Older home (pre-1970) — older systems, more documentation
• Crawlspace — physical access, often longer notes on water/insulation
• Multiple HVAC zones — separate systems to test
• Detached structures — sheds, pool houses, ADUs add 30+ min each
• Add-on services — radon setup is fast (10 min) but requires a return trip 48 hours later; thermal imaging adds 30-45 min
• Active issues — when we find something significant, we document thoroughly

How long is the inspection contingency in MN?

Most Minnesota purchase agreements include a 5–10 day inspection contingency. That's the window where you can:

• Schedule and complete the inspection
• Receive and review the report
• Negotiate repairs/credits with the seller
• Decide whether to proceed, walk away, or renegotiate

That timeline is tight. Schedule your inspection in the first 1-2 days of the contingency period — don't wait. We typically have same-week availability across Dakota County.

What happens during each portion of the inspection

Here's a typical timeline for a 2,200 sq ft Apple Valley split-level:

0:00 — Arrival & exterior walkthrough (30 min)

Inspector walks the exterior, assesses grading, drainage, siding, trim, exterior outlets and faucets, and roof drainage system from the ground. Sets up radon monitor if booked.

0:30 — Roof (20-45 min)

Inspector walks every safe roof — shingles, flashing, vents, chimneys, gutters. If the roof can't be safely walked (steep, wet, icy), evaluation continues from the eaves with binoculars and (where applicable) drone.

1:00 — Attic & insulation (15-25 min)

Climb into attic, evaluate insulation depth/type, check for moisture stains, examine framing, verify ventilation, look for wildlife/pest evidence.

1:25 — Interior systems (60-90 min)

Every room: outlets tested, fixtures checked, windows operated, doors checked. Bathrooms: water pressure, drains, fixtures, ventilation. Kitchen: appliances tested. HVAC: furnace and A/C run, registers tested, filter checked.

2:30 — Foundation & basement/crawlspace (30-45 min)

Foundation walls inspected, sump pump tested, water heater evaluated (age, T&P, flue), main electrical panel opened and inspected, plumbing supply runs traced.

3:15 — Walkthrough with you (15-30 min)

If you're attending (we encourage it), the inspector walks you through major findings on-site, answers questions, and shows you things in person.

3:45 — Inspector leaves; report writing begins

Photos sorted, findings categorized (safety, major, minor, monitor), repair estimates added where applicable. Most reports go out the same evening; all reports within 24 hours.

Related guides

• How much does a home inspection cost in MN?
• What does a home inspection include?
• What to do after a bad home inspection
• Ice dam damage in MN homes
• Radon levels in Dakota County
• Aluminum wiring in 1970s Twin Cities homes
• First-time home buyer inspection guide

How fast can I schedule one?

Same-week scheduling is standard across Apple Valley, Burnsville, Lakeville, Rosemount, Eagan, and surrounding cities. Many weeks we have next-day openings.

The instant estimate calculator shows the actual live calendar — see real dates and times available, pick one, and you're booked.