Q&A

do I need a home inspection?

Yes, Yes and Yes.  A home inspection reduces the risk of unexpected and costly surprises, and helps you feel completely comfortable with your home purchase decision. Your new home will be one of the largest single investment you will ever make, so knowing as much as you can about the condition of the property and systems will help you make an informed decision before purchasing the property. 

Should I attend the home inspection?

Yes, It is very helpful to be there so the inspector can review the inspection report and answer any questions you may have. This is also an excellent way to learn about the property. When not possible the report can be emailed and reviews over the phone.

What is inspected?

The Texas Real Estate Inspection (TREC) has set standards of practice to define the minimum levels of inspection required for substantially completed residential improvements to real property up to four dwelling units. A real estate inspection is a limited visual survey and basic operation of the systems and components of a building using normal controls and does not require the use of specialized tools or procedures. The primary purpose of a pre-purchase real estate inspection is to provide the consumer with as much information as possible as specified by minimum TREC standards, so that the consumer can make an informed decision on purchasing the property. The major systems and components included in the home inspection include the foundation, grading & drainage, roofing, attic, walls & ceilings, evidence of water intrusion, electrical systems, heating & cooling, plumbing systems, water heaters, major appliances.  

Do you inspect for Termites?

Yes, I am licensed by the Texas Department of Agriculture Structural Pest Control Services and provided a computer generated Wood Destroying Insect Report along with the home inspection. This is a separate inspection and report from the TREC home inspection, not all home inspectors provide this service or are licensed to perform a Wood Destroying Insect Report.

How much does an inspection cost?

Our home inspection fees are based on the square footage of the home, along with the age of the house, the type of  foundation and additional or optional systems, such as sprinklers and swimming pools.

Does a new home need to be inspected?

Yes, we even perform quality inspections for custom home builders in Southlake, Westlake and the Dallas area. There When newly construction homes are inspected by the city their scope is to ensure compliance with established construction standards of the city codes. An independent home inspector who is acting on the buyer’s behalf evaluates the structural and electrical systems and operates the mechanical and plumbing systems in your home.

As a seller should I have my home inspected?

Knowing the condition of your home before you have a buyer is an advantage in a competitive selling market. The buyer will more than likely have their own home inspection, so any unpleasant surprises may move them onto the next house and you will start the process all over again. Based on your pre-sale inspection report you can repair, disclose, or adjust your listing price as necessary before your buyer has an inspection.

What should I NOT expect from a home inspection?

The TREC Standards of Practice (Sections 535.227-535.233 of the Rules) are the minimum standards for inspections by TREC-licensed inspectors. An inspection addresses only those components and conditions that are present, visible, and accessible at the time of the inspection. While there may be other parts, components or systems present, only those items specifically noted as being inspected were inspected. The inspector is not required to move furnishings or stored items. The inspection report may address issues that are code-based or may refer to a particular code; however, this is NOT a code compliance inspection and does NOT verify compliance with manufacturer’s installation instructions. The inspection does NOT imply insurability or warrantability of the structure or its components. Although some safety issues may be addressed in this report, this inspection is NOT a safety/code inspection, and the inspector is NOT required to identify all potential hazards.
The primary purpose of a pre-purchase real estate inspection is to provide the consumer with as much information as possible as specified by minimum TREC standards. The inspection is a limited visual survey and basic operation of the systems and components of a building using normal controls and not requiring the use of specialized tools or procedures. This inspection is not intended to be technically exhaustive nor is it intended to reveal all existing or potential defects that may be discovered only by invasive methods. The information in this report can reduce, but not eliminate the risks associated with the purchase a home. Should you desire a more detailed inspection of any area, please refer to licensed and or qualified specialists or tradesman. Each consumer should also realize that no visual inspection, no matter how thorough or detailed, can or will reveal all defects, existing or potential. The consumer should also anticipate that additional items may be found during any repair process.
This inspection is not a warranty and should not be considered as a warranty or guarantee of the adequacy, performance or useful life of any item, component or system or that all defects will be found.  For protection from future failure you may want to consider a home warranty. A home inspection is not an appraisal that determines the value of a home. Nor will a home inspector tell you if you should buy the property or what to pay for the property. 

What is a Home Warranty?

A home warranty is a service contract that covers the repair or replacement of many of the most frequently occurring breakdowns of home system components and appliances. Home warranties have deductibles (service call fee) when you have a problem, so be sure and qualify coverage of your problem with the warranty company before they send a technician or repairman. If you do not, you may find out that your problem is not covered and you still must pay the deductible or trip service fee. If you know your air conditioner or another major component is old, it may be wise to buy a warranty before you purchase. Look closely at what is NOT covered in warranty company policies as you compare prices.

Do home inspectors carry insurance?

An inspector must maintain professional liability insurance coverage, or any other insurance that provides coverage for violations of Subchapter G of Chapter 1102, during the period the license is active. This firm is licensed and regulated by the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC). TREC administers two recovery funds, which may be used to satisfy judgments against inspectors and real estate licensees involving violation of the law. Complaints or inquiries should be directed to: Texas Real Estate Commission P.O. Box 12188 Austin, TX 78711-2188 (512) 465-3960

Inspection Agreements

Prior to a home inspection the home inspector will have the client review and sign the pre inspection agreement. This legal document is a visual inspection agreement along with important limitations, departures and disclaimers about the home inspection. You can view our pre Inspection Agreement.