How Much Does a Home Inspection Cost (and What to Expect)
- aaronwest241
- Oct 5
- 3 min read
Understanding the Real Cost of Peace of Mind for Pittsburgh Homebuyers
When you’re buying a home in the Pittsburgh area, the inspection is one of the smartest investments you can make. But how much does a home inspection actually cost—and what surprises can sneak up on your budget?
At Keystone Castle Inspections, we believe in transparency. Whether you’re purchasing your first home or your forever home, knowing what drives inspection pricing helps you make confident, informed decisions. And with our new Property Health Inspection bundle, homeowners can now cover every major system at a significant cost savings.
What Does a Home Inspection Cost in Pittsburgh?
Most full-service home inspections in Western Pennsylvania fall between $450 and $750, depending on:
Square footage and age of the home
Foundation type (crawlspace, basement, or slab)
Outbuildings or garages included in the inspection
Location and travel distance
Larger, older homes often take longer to inspect because of additional systems, complex layouts, or multiple heating and electrical components.
Keystone Castle’s pricing starts in that same range—but unlike many companies, our inspections include thermal imaging and drone roof evaluation at no extra cost.
Optional Add-Ons That Are Worth Every Penny
Some inspection add-ons might sound optional, but in Western PA’s climate and geology, they can be game-changers.
Add-On | What It Detects | Why It Matters |
Radioactive gas from soil | 40% of PA homes test above EPA limits | |
Hidden contamination | Peace of mind after water events | |
Blockages, root intrusion | Prevents $3K–$10K replacement surprises | |
Termite/carpenter ant activity | Required for many FHA/VA loans | |
Bacteria, metals, nitrates | Essential for private wells | |
Tank function & absorption field | Detects expensive system failures early |
Each service can be purchased individually, or—better yet—bundled together through our new Property Health Inspection package for maximum savings.
🏡 Introducing the Property Health Inspection
Comprehensive Coverage. Simplified Pricing.
Our Property Health Inspection was created for clients who want complete protection without juggling multiple appointments or invoices.
It includes:
Full Home Inspection
Radon test
Mold / IAQ sampling
Sewer Scope (Public Sewers) or Well & Septic Inspections (Private Well)
Water Quality Test (Meets FHA/VA standards)
WDI Inspection
By bundling these services, homeowners can save hundreds of dollars compared to scheduling each test separately—while ensuring every major system is assessed by the same certified inspector.
➡️ Think of it as a full physical for your property’s health.
⚠️ The Hidden Costs Homebuyers Often Forget
While inspection fees are straightforward, there are a few related costs many buyers overlook:
Repairs or negotiations following the inspection findings
Re-inspections after major repairs
Specialist evaluations (e.g., HVAC or foundation engineers)
Delays in closing due to undiscovered issues
Budgeting for these scenarios upfront ensures you’re not blindsided later in the process.
💡 How to Budget Smartly
A practical rule of thumb:
Set aside 1–2 percent of your home’s purchase price for home maintenance expenses annually and any immediate repairs.
That small percentage can prevent tens of thousands in unexpected costs later.
If you’re purchasing an older home or one with unique systems (wells, septic, or additions), consider choosing the Property Health Inspection to cover all bases in a single visit.
✅ Why Transparency Matters
Our mission is simple: make inspections easy to understand, easy to schedule, and easy to trust. Home inspection reports are delivered within 24 hours, complete with color photos, video links, and clear recommendations that you can share directly with contractors or your agent.
We treat every home like a castle—because to you, it is.
Call us today at 412-204-6149