Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about home inspections in Utah County — answered.
What services are included with my inspection?
Each inspection includes a full-home infrared scan of accessible areas to help identify potential moisture intrusion, insulation irregularities, or other thermal anomalies where conditions permit. An elevation survey report is also provided to help identify measurable variations that may indicate possible settlement or structural movement.
How much does a home inspection cost in Utah County?
Inspection fees are calculated based on property size, type, and year built. To receive an accurate quote, please use the inspection quote request form — no phone call required.
Will the inspector tell me whether I should buy the home?
No. The inspection documents observed conditions at the time of inspection. The decision to purchase the property remains the responsibility of the client.
Do you provide repair cost estimates?
No. The inspection identifies observed conditions. Clients may obtain repair estimates from qualified contractors as needed.
Do you inspect behind walls or inside concealed areas?
No. Inspections are visual and non-invasive and are limited to readily accessible areas at the time of inspection. However, ALL homes are scanned with an infrared camera. Infrared allows for detection of thermal anomalies such as water leaks, missing insulation, locate overheating electrical components, and spotting air infiltration around windows and doors.
Will the inspector walk the roof?
Roof surfaces are evaluated in accordance with the InterNACHI® Standards of Practice. When conditions allow and it is safe to do so, the inspector will walk the roof to perform the evaluation. If roof conditions, height, pitch, weather, surface type, or other safety factors prevent walking the roof, the roof will be evaluated from alternative accessible methods where possible, and the limitation will be documented in the report.
Is the inspection a guarantee or warranty?
No. The inspection reflects conditions visible at the time of inspection and is performed in accordance with the InterNACHI® Standards of Practice.
How long does a home inspection take?
Inspection duration varies depending on the size, age, and condition of the property. Most single-family homes in Utah County take 2.5–4 hours.
When will I receive my report?
Reports are delivered the same day as the inspection. Reports will not be delivered if the inspection fee has not been received.
What is required to confirm an inspection appointment?
Inspection appointments are confirmed only after the inspection agreement is signed, and access to the property is arranged.
Do I need to attend the inspection?
Clients are welcome to arrive during the final 30 minutes of the inspection to review the inspector's findings and ask questions. Arriving for the full inspection is not necessary.
What is the difference between a home inspection and an appraisal?
A home inspection evaluates the physical condition of the property — its systems, structure, and components — and identifies defects or concerns. An appraisal determines the market value of the property for lending purposes. Inspectors assess condition; appraisers assess value. Both are typically required in a purchase transaction and serve different purposes.
Do I need a home inspection for new construction in Utah?
Yes. New construction homes in Utah County have defects at surprisingly high rates. Municipal building inspectors verify code compliance at specific construction phases but are not performing a comprehensive evaluation. Common findings in new builds include improper grading, HVAC installation issues, missing attic insulation, plumbing deficiencies, and electrical omissions. An independent inspection before closing gives you the opportunity to have the builder correct issues while they are still responsible.
What are common home inspection findings in Utah County?
Common findings include: improper grading and drainage near the foundation, HVAC issues, missing or damaged insulation in attics, evidence of past moisture intrusion, electrical panel and wiring concerns, plumbing deficiencies, and differential settlement indicators in the foundation. Older homes (pre-1980) frequently have outdated electrical panels, galvanized plumbing, and deferred maintenance items.
How do I prepare my home for an inspection?
Ensure all utilities are on (gas, electric, water) and clear access to the attic hatch, electrical panel, furnace, water heater, and crawlspace. Replace any burned-out light bulbs and clear the area under sinks. Make sure the inspector can access all doors, windows, and the exterior. The inspector evaluates the home as-found — repairs before the inspection are not required unless previously agreed to.
What is differential settlement in a foundation?
Differential settlement occurs when different parts of a foundation move or sink at different rates, causing the structure above to tilt or rack. It can cause sticking doors and windows, visible cracks in drywall and masonry, and in severe cases, structural damage. A foundation level survey measures settlement across the structure and documents any tilt or differential movement that a visual inspection alone cannot quantify. Checkpoint includes this survey with every inspection.
Can a home inspection affect negotiations or kill a deal?
A home inspection report documents conditions — it does not determine whether a deal proceeds. Buyers, sellers, and their agents decide how to respond to findings. Most findings are negotiated through repair requests or price adjustments. Deals rarely fall apart due to an inspection unless a buyer discovers conditions materially different from what was disclosed, or defects are severe enough to affect their decision to proceed.
What does an infrared camera detect during a home inspection?
An infrared camera detects surface temperature differences that indicate hidden conditions not visible to the naked eye. During a home inspection, thermal imaging identifies: moisture intrusion behind walls or ceilings, missing or damaged insulation, electrical hot spots from overloaded circuits or failing connections, HVAC duct leaks, and radiant heat anomalies from plumbing leaks. According to InterNACHI®, infrared imaging can identify issues that would otherwise go undetected until they cause costly damage.