A professional home inspection is an important step in buying a new home since it helps ensure you know of any issues before you sign the papers. It helps you make an informed decision so you’re not blindsided by major problems after moving in.

When it’s done properly by a licensed and insured home inspector, the inspection can save you thousands of dollars in potential repairs. But if it’s your first time buying a home, you might be wondering what to expect on inspection day. Here’s everything you need to know.

The Inspection

When you schedule the home inspection, you need to let the sellers know the date and time so they can be away from the home during that time. The inspector will need access to the house, and they’ll typically arrive an hour or two before you do to complete their full inspection. During that time, they’ll walk throughout the entire home, inside and out, and observe all the major systems and components. They’ll do things like run the dishwasher, test the showers and bathtubs, check the electrical work, climb into the crawl space, and peek in the attic. 

Walkthrough With the Inspector

Once you arrive, the inspector will walk through the house with you and talk through their findings. They’ll point out any issues they found and make recommendations on anything that needs to be replaced or repaired. They’ll also help give you a good idea of what kind of maintenance the house will require so you know what to expect.

Payment is usually taken care of at the end of the inspection. The buyer is responsible for paying the inspector, and the cost isn’t included in closing costs. Most inspectors accept cash, check, or electronic payments. The inspection might cost anywhere from $200-500 depending on your location and the size of the home. Additional home features like barns, detached garages, and septic systems typically cost extra, and so do optional add-ons like termite inspections and mold testing. After payment is received, you’re all done for the day!

Final Inspection Report

The final inspection report will typically be issued within a few days, with a detailed report of all of the inspector’s findings and recommendations. You can use their recommendations to negotiate with the sellers. For example, maybe the inspector found that the air conditioning unit doesn’t work properly and a new one would cost $4,000. You could ask the sellers to replace the unit before you close on the house, or ask for a $4,000 concession on the sale price to account for the replacement. 

Contact Your Home Inspection Pros

Looking for a residential inspection in Utah? Your Home Inspection Pros is up to the task. Our inspector, Parrish Kunkel, takes it upon himself to go the extra mile for each and every customer. We inspect homes and commercial buildings in Salt Lake City, Utah, and the surrounding cities in Davis, Wasatch, Tooele, and Utah counties. Book your inspection today!