FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
ABOUT
HOME INSPECTIONS
Q: Why do I need a home inspection?
A: If you are buying a home, a
home inspection helps protect you from the expense of
unexpected repairs after you move in by identifying items in
need of repair before you close. You can use the information
provided in your inspection report to re-negotiate the sales
contract, ask the seller to make repairs, identify
maintenance items so you know what to expect when you take
possession of the home, and give you peace of mind as you
enter into what is most likely one of the biggest
investments of your life. Learning as much as you can about
the condition the home before you buy is just good common
sense. Talk to your Realtor about your contract before you
sign, and make sure it includes a clause that the sale of
the home is contingent upon the results of a professional
home inspection. If you are a selling your home, or need to
learn about the condition of your home to address
maintenance, repair, or safety issues, a home inspection can
benefit you as well. See our
Home Inspections page for
more information about the different types of inspections
that we offer.
Q: I am buying a home that has just been built; do I still need a home inspection?
A:
Yes. Just because a house is new does not mean that it
is without problems. Homebuilders use subcontractors to
complete much of the work and often do not have the manpower
to check all of the work that they do. As a result, many
defects in new construction can go unnoticed by the builder.
Inspectors from local governments are only concerned with
enforcing building codes, and once they are satisfied that
the builder has met the minimum requirements their job is
done. Having an inspection done before
you close by an inspector that you hire is just as important
as if you were buying an older home.
Q: How should I choose a home inspector?
A: Whether you look for an inspector on your own or use referrals, it is important that you trust the inspector that you hire. Ask for his or her credentials and to explain what the inspection involves; engaging in conversation is the best way to get to know someone. You need to feel comfortable that your inspector is qualified to do the job, and that your interests are his number one priority.
Remember, he is working for you!
Q: What qualifications do I look for when choosing a home
inspector?
A: The Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) requires that all home inspectors be licensed. Our inspector holds a Professional Inspector License, the highest level obtainable. As of September 1, 2007, TREC also requires that all home inspectors provide proof of insurance when they receive or renew their license. Since inspectors must renew their license every two years, some may be without insurance as late as August of 2009. We have always carried professional and general liability insurance. You should also check that the inspector belongs to one or more inspector associations. These associations promote high standards and professionalism and are a valuable tool to inspectors. Our memberships include the Texas Association of Real Estate Inspectors (including the North Texas Chapter), the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors, MetroTex Association of Realtors and the Better Business Bureau.
Q: What will the inspection cover?
A: A
thorough home inspection covers every accessible part of the home from the roof to the foundation. We check for more than 1,000 items making our home inspection one of the best in the industry. Please see our
Home Inspection Service page for more information.
Q: Can I attend the inspection?
A: Yes. In fact we
strongly urge that the client or an approved representative be
present for at least the last portion of the inspection to
receive a verbal summary of our findings and have a
question-and-answer period with the inspector. It is in your
best interest to attend if possible, even if it means
rescheduling the inspection. The reason we do this is that it is
not possible for you to receive the same quality of service
without the verbal review on-site. It is far superior to address
your questions at the home where we can look at the items of
concern. Bring a pad, pencil and even a tape measure (we will be
happy to lend these items if you like); we find that many
clients enjoy the opportunity to measure for furniture, drapes,
etc.
Q: How long will it take to do the inspection?
A: The typical inspection will take approximately 4 hours. If you can’t be present for the entire inspection, we ask that you attend the last hour so we can present our findings and answer any questions that you may have.
Q: Can I ask questions during the inspection?
A: We ask that you refrain from asking questions until the end of the inspection. This ensures that the inspector can stay focused on the task at hand; even the best inspector can’t do his best while being interrupted. Your inspector is also better equipped to answer all of your questions after he has completed the inspection.
Q: What if I have more questions after the inspection is
completed?
A: Call us anytime and we will be happy to answer any other questions that you may have. If it is outside of our normal business hours or we are otherwise unavailable, then you can leave a message and we will return your call as soon as possible. We understand that questions come up, and that is why our inspection service does not end when we hand you the report.
Q: What if the inspection reveals problems with the home?
A: Since no home is perfect, a good home inspection will always reveal items that need to be reported to the client. Our inspection is very thorough; therefore most of the items noted will be small repairs or maintenance issues. Your home inspector will review the report with you and explain the significance of each item or category and bring to your attention any major repair or safety issues, as well as any items that are considered a plus. You and your Realtor can then use what you have learned about the condition of the home to take the next step in closing the deal. We cannot put a dollar value on a home, that is the job of an appraiser, and we cannot say whether you should buy the home or not because that is your decision to make. The best advice we can give you is to relax and take it one step at a time; almost any problem we find during the inspection can be repaired.
Q: How much will the inspection cost?
A: Inspections are priced based on the total square footage of
the home. Optional items and other variables can also affect the
price as each inspection is tailored to fit your specific needs.
You can expect to pay somewhere between $290 and $600 for most
home inspections in the Dallas / Fort Worth Metroplex.
Be aware however, that not all inspection companies cover the
same number of inspection points (see
our 1,000 point home inspection list).
Contact us today for a free consultation with an experienced home inspector that will tailor a home inspection quote based on your specific needs!