How Long Does a Home Inspection Take in Pennsylvania? A Buyer’s Timeline
- aaronwest241
- Apr 10
- 2 min read
If you’re buying a home in Pennsylvania—especially here in the Greater Pittsburgh area—you’ve probably been told, “Schedule a home inspection ASAP.” But what does that actually look like?
As a Certified Professional Inspector® and owner of Keystone Castle Inspections, I often get asked:"How long does a home inspection take?"
The short answer: most inspections take 2 to 3 hours.But the real answer? It depends on your home—and your inspector.
Let’s break it down so you know exactly what to expect.
🔍 How Long Does a Home Inspection Usually Take?
For most single-family homes in Western PA, the average inspection runs:
🏠 1,000–1,500 sq ft: ~2 hours
🏠 1,500–2,500 sq ft: ~2.5–3 hours
🏠 2,500+ sq ft or older homes: 3+ hours, sometimes longer
Add 30–60 minutes if you're getting mold testing, wood-destroying insect inspections (WDI), or sewer scopes—especially common in Pittsburgh’s older homes.
🧱 What Affects the Timeline?
Several things can extend (or shorten) your inspection:
Age of the home – Older Pittsburgh homes (pre-1950s) often take longer due to more complex systems or additions.
Accessibility – Blocked attics, tight crawlspaces, or locked panels slow us down.
Add-on structures – Garages, sheds, porches, or in-law suites require extra inspection time.
Your involvement – Asking questions during the walkthrough? Totally welcome—but it does add time (and we’re happy to spend it with you).
🛠️ How to Prepare for Your Inspection
Whether you're a first-time buyer or a seasoned investor, here’s how to get the most out of your inspection:
Be present (if possible). You’ll get valuable insight into the property, right from the source.
Bring questions. We love curious clients—it helps you make confident decisions.
Give your inspector space early on. The walkthrough is your time, but the first part of the inspection is very focused work.
Review your report promptly. At Keystone Castle Inspections, we deliver most reports within 24 hours, complete with images and clear recommendations.
🔐 Why Choose Keystone Castle Inspections?
We don’t just check boxes—we protect castles. 🏰Here’s what makes us the go-to home inspection company in the Greater Pittsburgh Area:
Certified by InterNACHI® as a Certified Professional Inspector®
Locally owned and operated in Wexford, PA
Fast, thorough digital reports with high-res images
Optional services: radon testing, WDI reports, and more
Serving Allegheny, Butler, Westmoreland, Beaver, Washington, and Armstrong counties
📅 Ready to Schedule?
Your time is valuable—let’s make sure your inspection is too.
📞 Or call us at 412-204-6149 to speak directly with Aaron.
For more about our process, services, or to read client reviews, visit Keystone Castle Inspections.
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