Why You NEED a Home Inspection When Buying

Why You NEED a Home Inspection When Buying

Before you buy a home, one of the things you should do is to have it checked out by a professional home inspector. Home inspections provide an opportunity for a buyer to identify any major issues with a home before closing. Your first clue that a home inspection is important is that it can be used as a contingency in your contract with the seller. This contingency provides that if a home inspection reveals significant defects, you can back out of your purchase offer, free of penalty, within a specific timeframe. The potential problems a home can have must be pretty serious if they could allow you to walk away from such a significant contract.

Inspectors vary in experience, ability, and thoroughness, but a good inspector should examine certain home components and then produce a report covering their findings. The typical inspection lasts two to three hours, and you should be present for the inspection to get a firsthand explanation of the inspector's findings and, if necessary, ask questions. Also, any problems the inspector uncovers will make more sense if you see them in person instead of relying solely on the snapshot photos in the report.

The inspector should note:

  • Whether each problem is a safety issue, major defect, or minor defect
  • Which items need replacement and which should be repaired or serviced
  • Items that are suitable for now but that should be closely monitored

An excellent inspector will even tell you about routine maintenance that should be performed, which can be a great help if you are a first-time homebuyer. While it is impossible to list everything an inspector could check for, the following home inspection checklist for buyers should give you a general idea of what to expect. The inspector will complete a full inspection of the outside of the structure. This will include climbing into any crawl spaces under the home and using a ladder to reach and inspect the roof and other items.

The inspector will check for damaged or missing siding, cracks, and whether the soil is in excessively close contact with the bottom of the house, which can invite wood-destroying insects. If the foundation is not visible, and it usually is not, the inspector will not be able to examine it directly. Still, they can check for secondary evidence of foundation issues, like cracks or settling.  Home inspectors also do not specifically check for termite damage, mold, asbestos, or water contamination. If you are concerned about these issues, ask your inspector for a heads up if they suspect any of these problems. The inspector will also complete a thorough inspection of the interior of the home. They will inspect everything from the ceiling to the cabinets under the sink.

 For more information on buying a home in Park City, the process or any details about a listing, contact our office now. 

Check out the Newest Listings in Park City Below

24 Properties
Page 1 of 2
$3,250,000
Neighborhood: Heber City
1
Beds
1F23/411/2
Baths
6,167
Sq.Ft.
1988
Year Built
1
Day on Site
12301742
MLS
Welcome to the home that Foz built. The estate was the creation of Jim and Norma Fosgate's dream, quiet, close to nature, and the most peaceful respite they could have imagined, all while being close...
Open 6/3
3356 Buckboard Dr Park City,  UT 84098
$3,345,000
Neighborhood: Ecker Hill
5
Beds
4F13/421/2
Baths
5,938
Sq.Ft.
2014
Year Built
1
Day on Site
12301744
MLS
This beautiful Pinebrook property offers gorgeous mountain and valley views in a serene setting. Surrounded by mature trees, this home feels like a true mountain retreat. A large kitchen opens up to...
$3,675,000
Neighborhood: Pinebrook
6
Beds
4F11/2
Baths
5,139
Sq.Ft.
2005
Year Built
1
Day on Site
12301745
MLS
The Pinebrook Mountain Retreat is a remarkable alpine getaway surrounded by majestic views and towering pine trees. It was constructed by Schofield Construction, Inc. in 2005, known for their...
$2,450,000
Neighborhood: Chateaux At Silver Lake
2
Beds
2F13/4
Baths
1,379
Sq.Ft.
1999
Year Built
1
Day on Site
12301743
MLS
This 2 bedroom Chateaux at Silver Lake condo is located in Silver Lake Village of Deer Valley Resort, offering easy access to world-class skiing, hiking, and biking trails. As you enter the condo,...
$400,000
Neighborhood: Utah Area
3
Beds
2
Baths
1,371
Sq.Ft.
2009
Year Built
1
Day on Site
12301747
MLS
Come escape to this private home on 10 acres! Use this as your primary residence, or as a second home. There is year-round access just off HWY 40. This is a newer home that offers plenty of space and...
$599,000
Neighborhood: Utah Area
5
Beds
3
Baths
3,000
Sq.Ft.
2001
Year Built
1
Day on Site
12301748
MLS
Stunning Ranch Style Home and 720 sq ft workshop with unobstructed views of Cedar Breaks! This home sits on a large lot, 1.08 acre, corner lot in Bridle Path Subdivision. Unique floor plan, Feature 5...
$14,000,000
Neighborhood: Quarry Mountain Ranch
5
Beds
4F23/431/2
Baths
7,765
Sq.Ft.
2007
Year Built
1
Day on Site
12301749
MLS
This mostly single-level modern mountain home sits inside one of Park City's most exclusive gated communities, Quarry Mountain Ranch, and offers frontline ski resort views. Situated on 2.45 flat...
Open 6/3
306 Marion St Salt Lake City,  UT 84116
$549,000
Neighborhood: Wasatch Front Ar 58
3
Beds
2F13/4
Baths
2,115
Sq.Ft.
1953
Year Built
1
Day on Site
12301750
MLS
What an amazing home and location! This updated three bedroom, three bath home is situated on a large corner lot, providing ample space and privacy. The open floor plan creates a seamless flow...
$675,000
Neighborhood: Pine Creek
3
Beds
1F13/4
Baths
1,264
Sq.Ft.
1996
Year Built
1
Day on Site
12301752
MLS
This main level 3 bedroom, 2 bath condo is move in ready! Many updates throughout include new bathrooms, paint, appliances, and more. The home features updated stainless steel appliances, built-ins,...
$1,725,000
Neighborhood: High Star Ranch
4
Beds
2F23/411/2
Baths
2,603
Sq.Ft.
2021
Year Built
1
Day on Site
12301754
MLS
This exceptional Summit Model at High Star Ranch is designed for easy main level living. Upon entering, you will be welcomed by a spacious and open floor plan boasting 14-foot ceilings and walls of...
$15,900,000
Neighborhood: Deer Crest Area
5
Beds
6F21/2
Baths
11,959
Sq.Ft.
2011
Year Built
1
Day on Site
12301755
MLS
Welcome to luxury mountain living in Deer Crest Estates! Nestled within the prestigious ski community, you will find an amazing 5-bedroom ski-in/ski-out house. As you step into this remarkable home,...
$925,000
Neighborhood: North Summit
5
Beds
23/4
Baths
2,336
Sq.Ft.
1979
Year Built
1
Day on Site
12301756
MLS
Beautifully updated, meticulously cared for one-owner home on a rarely available 8-acre property. Find solitude in this quiet, rural location in Hoytsville with quick access to world famous ski...

Post a Comment