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The direct answer
In a typical U.S. home purchase, the buyer hires and pays the home inspector. The buyer selects the inspector, signs the inspection agreement, receives the report, and pays the fee directly. A contract or negotiated seller credit can change the economics, so the written deal still controls.
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau recommends an independent inspector who is accountable to the buyer and warns that payment by someone else—or payment delayed until closing—can create pressure to underemphasize problems. The inspection agreement controls when the fee is due and what is charged for added services.
Why the buyer usually hires the inspector
The inspection exists to help the buyer understand the home's visible condition before important contract deadlines. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau says buyers should seek an independent inspector accountable to them and attend the inspection if they can.
Paying the inspector does not make the report a warranty or transfer repair responsibility. ASHI's current Standard of Practice describes a home inspection as a visual examination of readily accessible home systems and components under that standard. Repair negotiations are a separate part of the purchase contract.
How an inspection differs from an appraisal
A home inspection evaluates the property's observable condition for the client who hired the inspector. A mortgage appraisal estimates value for the lender's collateral decision. The lender usually orders the appraisal, while the buyer selects the home inspector; the buyer commonly pays both fees unless the contract, loan program, or a negotiated credit changes the arrangement.
Common exceptions
Seller or builder inspections. A seller may order a pre-listing inspection, and a builder may pay for quality-control inspections. Those reports can be useful, but a buyer may still choose an independent inspection.
Seller credits or closing-cost concessions. The parties can negotiate a credit that indirectly offsets the buyer's expenses. The amount and eligibility depend on the contract, lender rules, and local practice. A credit does not necessarily change who retained the inspector.
Specialty inspections. Sewer, septic, chimney, structural, pest, pool, or environmental evaluations may be assigned differently from the general inspection. The purchase agreement should identify any required tests and deadlines.
New construction. A buyer may pay for phase, pre-drywall, or final inspections even when the builder has its own inspections. Municipal code inspections and an independent home inspection serve different purposes.
Read the agreement before payment
The inspection agreement should name the client, fee, property, scope, exclusions, report delivery, and dispute terms. It should also explain whether cancellation, reinspection, a return visit, or specialist work costs extra.
Inspection fees can vary with the home's size, age, location, travel, outbuildings, and add-on evaluations such as sewer, septic, pool, pest, or environmental testing. Confirm the amount, payment timing, and cancellation terms before the appointment.
The simplest rule is that the person seeking an independent opinion normally selects and pays that professional. If the transaction shifts the cost, keep the inspector's duty and report access clear in writing.
