What Does a Home Inspector Actually Check? A Room-by-Room Guide for Utah County Buyers

You're under contract on a home in Provo or Orem, your inspector is scheduled, and now you're wondering: what exactly are they going to look at? It's a fair question. A home inspection covers a lot of ground in a few hours, and knowing what's on the list helps you follow along, ask better questions, and understand the report when it lands in your inbox.

This guide breaks down what a certified home inspector checks, room by room and system by system, so you know what to expect before, during, and after your inspection day.

Starting Outside: Roof, Foundation, and Exterior

Before stepping inside, a thorough inspector walks the full exterior. This includes:

• Roof condition shingles, flashing, gutters, fascia, and any visible signs of wear or damage
• Foundation visible cracks, settlement patterns, and drainage grading around the home. At Checkpoint Inspection Services, every inspection includes a foundation level survey at no extra charge, a tool that measures differential settlement across the structure.
• Siding and exterior cladding wood rot, stucco cracking, gaps at penetrations, and paint condition
• Driveway, walkways, and steps trip hazards, drainage issues, and structural concerns
• Windows and doors proper sealing, operation, and visible seal failure in double-pane glass

Roof and Attic: What's Happening Above the Ceiling

The attic tells a story most buyers never see. Inspectors check:

• Insulation levels and distribution
• Ventilation (ridge vents, soffit vents, and any power venting)
• Signs of moisture intrusion, staining, or active leaks
• Visible rafters and sheathing for structural integrity

Infrared scanning adds another layer here. At Checkpoint, an infrared camera scan is included standard with every inspection. The camera detects temperature differentials that can indicate hidden moisture, missing insulation, or active leaks behind surfaces a standard visual inspection can't reach.

Main Living Areas: Walls, Ceilings, Floors, and Windows

Every room gets a careful look. Inspectors are checking for:

• Cracks in walls or ceilings that suggest movement or settlement
• Staining or discoloration that may indicate past water intrusion
• Floor condition and levelness
• Window operation, latching, and visible seal failure
• Door operation and alignment (doors that stick can indicate structural movement)

Kitchen and Bathrooms: Plumbing, Fixtures, and Ventilation

Kitchens and bathrooms are where plumbing failures most often show up. The inspection covers:

• All visible supply and drain plumbing for leaks and corrosion
• Faucets, toilets, and shower/tub functionality
• Under-sink cabinets for signs of past leaks
• Exhaust fan operation and proper venting to the exterior
• Tile, grout, and caulk condition around tubs and showers

Electrical System: Panel, Wiring, and Outlets

Electrical issues are among the most commonly cited inspection findings. Inspectors check:

• Main panel condition, breaker labeling, and visible wiring inside the panel
• GFCI protection in kitchens, bathrooms, garages, and exterior outlets
• Outlets and switches throughout the home
• Visible wiring condition (double-tapped breakers, aluminum wiring, knob-and-tube, etc.)

HVAC and Water Heater: Heating, Cooling, and Hot Water

These systems represent some of the largest repair or replacement costs in a home. The inspection includes:

• Furnace and air handler condition, filter status, and operation
• Air conditioning (when outdoor temps allow testing)
• Ductwork visible condition and connections
• Water heater age, condition, pressure relief valve, and proper installation
• Gas connections for leaks (where applicable)

Garage, Basement, and Crawlspace

These spaces often reveal maintenance history and hidden issues:

• Garage door operation and safety reversal function
• Fire separation between garage and living space
• Basement walls for cracks, efflorescence (mineral deposits from water), and moisture staining
• Crawlspace moisture, insulation, and vapor barrier condition (where accessible)

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a home inspector check every single thing in the house?

A home inspection follows InterNACHI® Standards of Practice, which define what's included and what's outside scope. Inspectors evaluate visible and accessible systems and components. Things behind walls, under concrete, or requiring specialized equipment (like sewer scopes or radon tests) are separate services not provided by Checkpoint Inspection Services.

How long does a home inspection take in Utah County?

Most residential inspections take 2.5 to 3.5 hours depending on the size and age of the home. You're welcome to attend the final 30 minutes of the inspection to review to discoveries by the inspector.

When do I get the inspection report?

Checkpoint delivers photo-rich reports the same day as the inspection. You'll have everything you need to review findings and make decisions before your inspection contingency deadline.

Ready to Schedule Your Inspection?

If you’re buying a home in Provo, Orem, Lehi, American Fork, or anywhere across Utah County, Checkpoint Inspection Services performs every inspection personally. Every inspection includes an infrared scan and a foundation level survey, both standard at no extra charge. Same-day reports. Click the link below to book NOW!