Frequently Asked Questions:
Information About Inspections
What is a home inspection?
A home inspection is a thorough evaluation of the physical condition of a residential property, typically performed during the process of buying or selling a home. The purpose of a home inspection is to identify any issues or defects that may exist in the property, such as structural problems, safety hazards, or other deficiencies.
During a home inspection, a qualified inspector will thoroughly examine the property and look for signs of damage, or other issues that could impact the value or safety of the home. This includes a visual inspection of the roof, foundation, plumbing, electrical systems, HVAC, and other key components of the home.
Once the inspection is complete, the inspector will provide a detailed report of their findings, highlighting any areas of concern and providing recommendations for repairs or further investigation. This report can be a valuable tool for both buyers and sellers, helping to ensure that all parties are aware of any potential issues with the property and allowing for negotiations to take place based on the condition of the home.
What happens if the inspection report finds lots of problems?
A home inspection is designed to give you the condition of the home before you buy it. You can and should use the inspection report information when negotiating the contract on the house. The report will be separated by level of importance. The more serious the issue, the quicker it should be addressed. This is why you should get your inspection done during your option period to give you enough time to negotiate. You should hire a qualified realtor that you trust to guide you through the negotiation process.
Can I be at the home inspection?
We encourage our clients to be present during the home inspection. This is a great opportunity for you to ask questions and gain a better understanding of the condition of the home. It's also a chance for the inspector to show you any issues or concerns that they discover during the inspection. We do recommend that you allow the inspector to complete their inspection without interruption. This allows the inspector to focus on their work and thoroughly examine the home.
Once we have completed our initial inspection, we will be happy to take you on a tour of the home and point out any issues or concerns that they found. If you are unable to attend the inspection, don't worry. We will provide you with a detailed report of our findings and are always available to answer any questions you may have.
Does my newly built home need an inspection?
The age of the home doesn’t change the need for an inspection. New builds should be inspected by an impartial third party that keeps the builder accountable for quality work. Even seemingly perfect homes can have hidden construction errors, such as faulty outlets, missing insulation, improperly installed HVAC equipment, incomplete work, gas leaks, slow-draining plumbing, and kitchen appliances that are not fully installed.
By having a professional home inspector conduct an inspection of your newly built home, you can identify any potential problems and have them addressed before they become more serious issues. It's always better to be proactive and ensure that your new home is in the best possible condition from the start.
Do you walk the roof? Enter crawlspace?
Absolutely! We understand that these areas are often neglected and can harbor issues that may not be apparent from the outside. That's why we make sure to inspect them whenever it is safe and feasible to do so. Our inspectors use specialized equipment, such as tall ladders with stabilizers and roofing shoes, that help walk the roof safely. For the crawlspace, we carry coveralls, respirators, cooling towels in the summer, and other personal protective equipment to ensure safety and comfort.
We believe that thoroughly inspecting all areas of the home is crucial to providing a comprehensive report for our clients. If you have any concerns about the accessibility of certain areas, please don't hesitate to let us know. We will do our best to accommodate your needs and provide you with the most thorough inspection possible.
"I was told I do not need a home inspection, why do I need one?"
The purchase of a home is typically the largest investment that most people make in their lifetime and it's important to take every step possible to protect your investment and minimize your risk. Some individuals may tell you that a home inspection is unnecessary, but we strongly recommend an inspection. At the end of the day, it's your money that's at risk, and you have the most to gain or lose from the purchase. Our job as home inspectors is to help identify potential issues and provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision. While it may be tempting to try to save a few hundred dollars by skipping the home inspection, it's never a good idea to risk a hundred thousand plus dollar investment over a few hundred dollars.
What is the role of a home inspector?
We inspect homes and get to use fun tools! It takes a lot of knowledge and experience to become a good inspector. A good inspector doesn't just follow the minimum standard required by the state. A good inspector should always try to go the extra mile, when possible, for the client. In general, a home inspector looks for defects that are required by the state and then beyond by offering any valuable information that the inspector is qualified to offer. A good home inspector is defined by their tools, knowledge, experience, attitude, patience, and work ethic.
A home inspector in Texas is licensed under the TREC or Texas Real Estate Commission. Texas regulations hold inspectors to high standards. Under current requirements, an inspector must complete a national and state exam, attend 194 education hours, pass a background check, carry a min of 100,000 of E&O insurance, etc. A inspector also has the ability to join state and national organizations for additional education, camaraderie, insurance, and general helpfulness.