Provo Home Inspector

As BYU grew during the 1950s and 1960s, Provo needed more housing, and some existing homes were adapted to accommodate additional residents. That was particularly true in neighborhoods like East Central, where older houses sometimes gained basement apartments or separate living units. Today, buyers may come across homes with second kitchens, separate entrances or basement spaces that appear to have been converted into apartments.

When inspecting a Provo home with an additional living area, we pay close attention to visible safety features. That includes checking bedroom escape windows, smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, and accessible plumbing and electrical work. But there’s something else buyers need to know: just because a space has been converted into an apartment doesn’t necessarily mean the city has approved it for that use. A home inspection looks at the physical condition of the property, not its legal rental status. Before buying, check with Provo City about permits and rental licensing history so you know whether the additional living space is approved for its intended use.