How to Invoice as a Home Inspector
A step-by-step guide to inspection invoices: pricing the base inspection and add-on tests, choosing who to bill, setting the payment timing and invoicing a re-inspection.
In the US, the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook (page last modified October 29, 2026) says "Some inspectors—especially those who are self-employed—work evenings and weekends." It adds: "This is particularly true of home inspectors, who typically inspect homes during the day and write reports in the evening." With a split day like that, send the invoice from the property instead of from your desk that night.
This guide goes through an inspection invoice in order: the price, who you bill, the line for each test, the due date, the payment and any re-inspection. Check your state's rules on licensing, inspection agreements and reports. Sales tax on inspection fees is another question: check your state's rules and ask an accountant.
Worked example (sample figures): a buyer books an inspection of a 2,600 sq ft house at $475.00, with a radon test at $160.00 and a wood-destroying insect inspection at $95.00. $475.00 + $160.00 + $95.00 = $730.00. Two weeks later the seller's repairs are done and the buyer books a re-inspection at $150.00, which goes on a new invoice of its own.
Step-by-step invoicing guide
- 1
Price the inspection and each add-on
Set the base price from the home's size, age or type, and price each add-on test on its own. Billed's invoice software page says you can "save the products and services you sell so you can pull them into an invoice instead of retyping them".
- 2
Bill the person who signed your agreement
Address the invoice to the client named on your inspection agreement, and put the property address on it.
- 3
Give each test its own line
List the base inspection and each add-on test separately, each with its price. Billed's mobile app page says "Add line items, your logo, and tax, then send by email or share a link before you leave the site."
- 4
Set when payment is due
Put the payment timing from your agreement on the invoice. Billed's invoice software page says "Set a due date on each invoice so your client knows when to pay."
- 5
Send the invoice from the property
Billed's mobile app page says "Billed for iOS and Android syncs with the web dashboard in real time, so you can invoice the moment a job is done."
- 6
Take card, PayPal, cash or check
Billed's invoice software page says "Connect Stripe and each invoice gets a pay button for card payments, or connect PayPal to add a PayPal option." It also says "When a client pays by check or cash, record it as an offline payment so all your income is in one place." Billed's invoice software page says "After a client pays, you can send them a payment receipt."
- 7
Invoice a re-inspection separately
A re-inspection after repairs is a new visit, so give it its own invoice with its own date and price. Billed's help center says "You can set a schedule of payment reminders before and after the invoice's due date." and "You can send up to three reminders."
Tips for home inspector invoicing
- Put the property address and the inspection date on every invoice.
- Use the same test names on your booking page, agreement and invoice.
- Send the invoice before you leave the property.
- Keep add-on tests apart from the base inspection, so each price is visible.
- Price re-inspections on your booking page, so the second invoice isn't a surprise.
Common invoicing mistakes to avoid
- Billing the real estate agent when the buyer signed the inspection agreement.
- Combining the base inspection and add-on tests into one line.
- Forgetting an add-on test the client ordered at the property.
- Adding a re-inspection to the original invoice instead of billing it as a new visit.
- Leaving the property address off, so the client can't match the invoice to the house.
How this works in Billed
Saved Inspections and Tests
Billed's invoice software page says you can "save the products and services you sell so you can pull them into an invoice instead of retyping them".
Invoices From the Property
Billed's mobile app page says "Billed for iOS and Android syncs with the web dashboard in real time, so you can invoice the moment a job is done." Billed's mobile app page says "Add line items, your logo, and tax, then send by email or share a link before you leave the site."
Due Dates on Every Invoice
Billed's invoice software page says "Set a due date on each invoice so your client knows when to pay."
Card, PayPal, Cash and Check
Billed's invoice software page says "Connect Stripe and each invoice gets a pay button for card payments, or connect PayPal to add a PayPal option." It also says "When a client pays by check or cash, record it as an offline payment so all your income is in one place."
Payment Reminders
Billed's help center says "You can set a schedule of payment reminders before and after the invoice's due date." and "You can send up to three reminders."
Frequently asked questions
Start Invoicing With Billed
Set up your account and send your first invoice with Billed.
At a glance
| Charge | How it goes on the invoice |
|---|---|
| Base inspection | One line, priced by the home's size, age or type |
| Add-on test | Its own line for each test |
| Re-inspection | A new invoice with its own date |
| Payment at the property | Card or PayPal on the invoice, or cash or check that you then record |
When this isn't for you
This guide covers invoicing your own inspection clients. If you inspect for a multi-inspector firm, the firm invoices the client.