Home Inspection FAQ's

What is a home inspection?
A home inspection is an objective visual examination of the physical structure and systems of a home, from roof to foundation. A home inspection is the equivalent of a physical examination from your doctor. When problems or symptoms of problems are found, the inspector may recommend further evaluation or remedies.

What does a home inspection include?
A standard home inspection summarizes findings from a visual inspection of the condition of the subject home’s heating system, central air conditioning system (temperature permitting), interior plumbing and electrical systems; roof, attic, and visible insulation; walls, ceilings, floors, windows and doors; foundation, basement, and the visible structures of the home.

Why do I need a home inspection?
For Buyers and Sellers: A home inspection summarizes the condition of a property, points out the need for major repairs and identifies areas that may need attention in the near future. Buyers and sellers depend on an accurate home inspection to maximize their knowledge of the property in order to make intelligent decisions before executing an agreement for sale or purchase. A home inspection points out the positive aspects of a home, as well as the maintenance that will be necessary to keep it in good shape. After an inspection, both parties have a much clearer understanding of the value and needs of the property.
For homeowners: An inspection may be used to identify problems in the making and to learn about preventive measures, which might avoid costly future repairs. If you are planning to sell your home, an inspection prior to placing your home on the market provides a better understanding of conditions which may be discovered by the buyer's inspector, and provides you an opportunity to make repairs that will make your home more desirable to potential buyers. Learn more about why you need a home inspection.

What will it cost?
Do not let the cost deter you from having a home inspection or selecting an inspector you are comfortable with – knowledge and peace of mind gained from an inspection is well worth the time and expense. The cost of most home inspections in the Salt Lake area range roughly between $200 and $400 dollars.  The pricing is determined on several variables including square feet, age of home and number of units. The lowest-priced inspector is not necessarily a bargain. The inspector's qualifications, including experience, training, and professional affiliations, should be the most important consideration in your selection.

Can I do it myself?
Although most homeowners can do a thorough walk through and spot obvious defects, a professional home inspector has specialized instruments to test major components of the home, as well as a trained eye, to find the not so obvious defects of the home. This will allow the inspector to identify a larger amount of items that are of concern. Also, the inspector is not emotionally attached to the home and he or she is not under the large amount of stress that is associated from the purchase of a home. Being an objective third party to the transaction, the inspector will provide a more accurate observation of the property.

Can a house fail a home inspection?
No. A professional home inspection is an examination of the current condition of your home. It is not an appraisal, which determines market value, or a municipal inspection, which verifies compliance to local codes and standards. A home inspector will not pass or fail a house. A home inspection describes the physical condition of a property and indicates what may need repair or replacement.

What happens if a house has problems?
Our report will tell you the condition of the house, and point out any areas where repairs may be needed. As home ages, systems will have a tendency to perform at less than optimal levels. Always remember, no house is going to be perfect. It is up to you to decide how any problems the inspection uncovers might affect your decision to purchase. If major problems are discovered, you may want to try negotiating with the seller to have them repaired before closing the deal. Or perhaps the seller will lower the price, or offer more favorable contract terms. In the end, the decision rests with you, but knowing about potential problems, before you buy, gives you the power to negotiate and make the best decisions.

Do home inspectors check for code compliance?
Building codes are constantly being revised. Houses built thirty years ago would not necessarily pass present-day building codes. This does not mean that older homes are necessarily unsafe. The purpose of a home inspection is to determine the condition and safety of a home, as it is at the present time, not whether it meets past or present codes.

Does a home inspection constitute a warranty or guarantee?
A home inspection is a professional opinion and not a warranty or a guarantee. If additional assurances are desired, the buyer may purchase a home warranty from a home warranty company. Your real estate agent will be able to provide information regarding home warranties.

Should I call an inspector on each house I'm interested in?
No, you should call an inspector after you've signed the earnest money agreement but before you sign the final papers. Be sure to include a legally clear clause in the earnest money agreement making the sale contingent on a home inspection satisfactory to you as the buyer. Since negotiations between buyers and sellers are often hectic, with tight deadlines, you might want to speak to, and decide on a home inspector in advance of making your purchase offer.

Should I be present during the inspection?
The inspection process is to help you familiarize yourself with any problems with your home. A quality home inspection should include a personalized walk-through with the inspector as well as a written report.