I n f o r m a t i o n
Common Questions:
Why is a home inspection a sound investment?
We find that our clients spend around 0.1% (one tenth of one percent) of the purchase price of their home on our home inspection services. Since a home inspection is the only real estate process designed to inform the buyers, we believe this very small investment gives unequivocal returns.
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Why choose Hands-In Home Inspection?
We want to provide best-in-class customer service by informing you
completely and meeting all of your needs. We believe our website
is the easiest to navigate, and the most beneficial to you, our
customer. Notice our 'no surprises' price list, our comprehensive
information page, and our willingness to provide evening and weekend
appointments (all to make the process seamless for you).
Please feel free to check out the competition at dexonline.com!
Look for us under 'Featured Results'.
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Why should a home inspection be performed?
Many potential buyers choose to have a home inspection done for
their own peace of mind. A quality home inspection is one of the
best ways to inform yourself regarding your home. A quality inspector
will thoroughly check your home for numerous items and report the
findings back to you. This allows you to make informed decisions
regarding your home.
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What are some common issues that are
reported when home inspections are performed?
The issues reported in home inspection results vary depending on
construction materials, age of the residence, location, etc. In
our inspector's opinion, some items we see most often include (but
are not limited to, and these are approximate percentages):
| *Evidence of Past Leaks |
80% of homes inspected |
| *Roof Issues |
60% of homes inspected |
| *Safety Issues(Trip Hazards, Missing Railings, Etc.) |
50% of homes inspected |
| *Missing Smoke Detectors |
30% of homes inspected |
| *Natural Gas Leaks Near Furnaces/Water Heaters |
25% of homes inspected |
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Are home inspections a requirement in
real estate transactions?
Most lenders do not require a home inspection when a loan or real
estate transaction is pending. Home inspections mainly benefit the
prospective buyer or home owner. Because the inspector should be
independent of any lending institutions or real estate agencies,
the prospective buyer or home owner will obtain an independent opinion
regarding the state of the home.
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Who should I consider to perform the
home inspection?
Unlike many other states that require state certification and/or
state licensing for home inspection, Utah does not require home
inspectors to obtain any type of state approval. This means that
the potential client should research the experience, education,
and reputation of the inspection companies that are in consideration
to perform their inspection.
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What is checked in a home inspection?
Every inspector will have their own methods and standards for completing
a home inspection. Make sure that as you consider an inspector you
are considering inspectors who will give you the report findings
that you desire. General important items involved in a home inspection
include: the exterior materials/condition, the roof, the structural
components, the plumbing system(s), the electrical system(s), the
heating/air conditioning system(s), the interior construction materials/condition
and various other items.
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How long does a home inspection take?
A typical home inspection should take between two and four hours,
depending on the size of the structure and the accessibility of
certain parts of the inspection.
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How much does a home inspection cost?
Costs of home inspections vary depending on the location of the
home being inspected. Nationally, costs may vary depending on real
estate prices in the area. In the state of Utah, most inspections
of small homes cost around $225-$275. Many companies will base their
pricing on the requirements of the inspection (such as square footage
or inspection options).
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Should I accompany the inspector during
the inspection?
Most clients choose to be present during the home inspection. This
allows the client to observe the same items as the inspector so
there is a shared frame of reference when the client discusses the
findings with the inspector. Accompanying the inspector during the
inspection is a good avenue for the client to familiarize themselves
with the home in question.
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Do home inspectors check for code compliance?
No. Home inspectors check for possible maintenance issues and potential
problems that may exist in a home. The focus of the inspection is
to relay information regarding the materials and condition of the
home.
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Is the inspection a warranty/guarantee
my home contains no problems?
No. Home inspection involves an individual inspector presenting
the client with an opinion regarding the materials and condition
of certain items involved in the inspection. Home inspectors are
not able to guarantee or warranty any item in the home. Home warranties
may be a possibility through other avenues in a real estate transaction.
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Are home inspections limited to potential
buyers of new homes?
No. Home inspections are a great idea for many types of people.
In the case of a potential buyer for a new home, the inspection
benefits the potential buyer by informing them regarding their home
before they buy. A home inspection may also benefit a potential
renter for a house, apartment, condo, or town home.
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How do I learn more about lead paint, radon, and mold?
The links below will take you to the EPA's website pages concerning these subjects. Remember that they will not apply to all homes.
Lead paint is usually only found in homes built prior to 1978.
http://www.epa.gov/lead
Radon levels vary from house to house, even in areas where radon occurs frequently.
http://www.epa.gov/radon/pubs/citguide.html
Moisture, mildew and mold issues vary greatly in form and how they affect people.
http://www.epa.gov/iaq/mold/moldguide.html
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Do any government agencies have any recommendations
on home inspections?
Yes, most government agencies that are involved in real estate transactions
will provide information on their websites about home inspections.
The two links below give information on why Freddie Mac and HUD
recommend hiring a professional home inspector.
http://www.freddiemac.com/corporate/buyown/english/purchasing/closing/inspection.html
http://www.hud.gov/offices/hsg/sfh/buying/buyhm.cfm
http://www.epa.gov/radon/images/hud_form_92564-cn.pdf
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Where can I go for further information
regarding home inspection?
http://realtytimes.com/rtnews/rtcpages/20010828_inspect.htm
http://www.inspectamerica.com/index.html
http://www.hgtv.com/hgtv/ah_real_estate_buying/article/0,1801,HGTV_3159_1395882,00.html
http://www.ashi.org
http://www.nahi.org
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