Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How long does an inspection take?
A. Anywhere from 3 to 5 hours depending on the condition, age and size of the property.
Q. Should I be present for the home inspection?
A. Yes. This is a great opportunity for you to learn as much as possible about your future house. The best practice is for the home buyer to show up at the last hour of the inspection.
Q. What type of report do I receive?
A. The report, which is on the TREC (Texas Real Estate Commission) promulgated report form, outlines the primary systems of the home and the condition of these systems. Defects or observations are noted under each section. I offer my clients more than the minimum TREC requirements by providing professional opinions (when deemed necessary), digital photos for reference, and a home maintenance checklist. The report is usually 14-24 pages in length
Q. When will I receive the report?
A. In most cases I am able to turn the inspection report around on the same day of the inspection. The report is sent as a PDF via email.
Q. Should the inspection identify every possible defect or issue with the property?
A. No. It is virtually impossible to completely profile a property in 3 hours without performing any diagnostics. A home inspection is a limited visual inspection of some of the systems on the property. It is intended to be a general overview of the condition of some of the systems on the property and is not intended to be technically exhaustive, or completely comprehensive.
Q. Is an exhaustive and comprehensive home inspection available?
A. Yes. For an additional fee the inspector can offer a much more comprehensive inspection. Diagnostics can be performed and specialists can be call to the property to render more definitive and technically exhaustive opinions about systems on the property. For more information Click here.
Q. Does a home inspection address building code?
A. Although the report may include information related to building codes, the inspection is not intended to be a building code and regulation compliance inspection.
Q. What is not inspected?
A. Pools and spas, detached buildings, water softening equipment, septic systems, ejector pumps, refrigerators, clothes washers and dryers, alarm systems, gas lines, gas tanks, and any obstructed and inaccessible item.
Q. Do you test for mold and hazardous materials?
A. The inspection and report do not, and are not intended to address, asbestos, radon gas, lead paint, urea formaldehyde, toxic or flammable chemicals or substances, molds of any kind, water or airborne diseases, rodents and insects. The client is urged to contact a competent specialist if inspection of the above is desired.
Q. Do you walk on roofs and crawl under houses?
A. Yes! A home inspection is incomplete without looking at the house from top to bottom. However, occasionally there are conditions that are considered dangerous, such as roofs that are dangerously high or steep or crawlspace that is occupied by a rattlesnake. I have a deal with my wife that I won’t risk my life on a home inspection.
Q. Should my Realtor receive a copy of the inspection report?
A. It’s up to you. Your Realtor can assist you in determining if any items in the report are significant enough to warrant negotiations with the seller.
Q. Are you available to answer questions after I move in?
A. Yes, I can assist you any way I can in clarifying the information I present in the report even after you’ve moved in and settled down to enjoy your new home.