PROFESSIONAL Home Inspections in Dallas/Fort Worth

Inspection Services 

Experience plus technology, this is why platinum home inspections continues to raise the bar in the home inspection industry by offering foundation elevations measurements and thermal imaging as part of our home inspections along with experience inspecting since 1999. 

STANDARD Home Inspections

The Standard Home Inspection includes a thorough visual investigation of the homes readily accessible systems.  The inspection is comprehensive and goes beyond the minimum standards for home inspectors required by the Texas Real Estate Commission. This includes the major systems of the home and components such as: foundations, grading and drainage, roofing, roof structure and attic, interior, exterior, electrical system, heating, ventilation and cooling systems, plumbing and more.  A Wood Destroying Insect Report is included with this standard home inspection at no additional fee. The home inspection report includes digital photos, illustrations and is available to the client the same day as the inspection.  I believe the inspection report is just as important as the inspection, if you can't understand the report after the inspection it won't be of much value to you.  Our reports are written and outlined in a format that is easy to read and identify the deficiencies found in the home. If there are any questions about the report after the inspection we will be available by phone or email to answer your questions.

Foundation elevation Measurements

Foundation elevation measurements takes the home inspection a step further by documenting the elevations of the slab foundation and providing an elevation survey as part of your home inspection. Basically, the elevation survey measures your foundation to see how flat it is. These measurements are an invaluable source of information.There are three basic causes for differential foundation movement in North Texas. Expansive soils which are across the DFW Metro area, plumbing leaks and large trees or shrubs that transpire valuable moisture from the supporting soil.
The TREC Standards of Practice are the minimum inspection requirements for Texas Home Inspectors. The structural systems section of these standards require the inspector to render a written opinion as to the performance of the foundation. This is typically done by identifying any visible stress indicators and providing the client with their opinion on the current condition of the foundation.  
Platinum Home Inspections goes a step further by taking elevations of the slab foundation and providing an elevation survey as part of your home inspection. Basically, the elevation survey measures your foundation to see how flat it is. These measurements are an invaluable source of information and when done in conjunction with a visual structural inspection can help the inspector in rendering an opinion on the current condition of the homes foundation. There are two examples below of elevation surveys included on property inspection reports. One shows a relatively level house with no signs of stress and the other has excessive slopes indicating foundation movement.

Thermal Imaging

Thermal imaging reveals surface temperature variations which can identify anomalies in the home. Thermal cameras can be used to identify areas of energy loss, missing insulation, air leaks in HVAC systems, water damage, over heating electrical components and much more. A thermal inspection will give you thousands of accurate temperature readings in every image, so you’ll get the whole picture. The enhanced home inspection will consist of a thorough infrared thermographic scan of the interior of the home, including each room within the building envelope, the electrical panel and the accessible HVAC ductwork. Check out more thermal imaging photos on the media tab.
Missing Insulation - Adding thermal imaging to your home inspection can identify areas of heat loss that are invisible to the naked eye. Locate areas with missing or damaged insulation quickly by detecting the temperature differences compared to surrounding areas.
Air Infiltration - Thermal imaging will detect air leaks around windows, doors and other openings within the home. This information can be used to improve energy efficiency and lead to savings on energy costs.
Building Diagnostics - Some moisture issues are not visible without the use of a thermal imaging. Small areas of moisture or water damage can be easy to spot with an infrared camera. Locate and repair hidden water damage before small problems become larger ones.
Electrical - A variety of problems can be discovered in electrical equipment such as loose electrical connections and overloaded circuits.
HVAC - Discover heating and cooling duct leaks and identify excessive heat issues with air conditioners and heaters to maximize energy efficiency.

Drone inspections

There are times when walking on a steep pitched roof or viewing a part of the house due to obstructions is not possible.  Now, with a small unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), or drone, this allow us to see areas that are normally inaccessible or not safe to access. Platinum home inspections can now uses drones with a high-resolution still cameras and a 4k video camera to view and capture these areas. When the weather conditions are safe and air space allows allows for the use of a drone the aircraft can be launched within minutes for inspections.