Things To Know Before Your Inspection:
What Is A Home Inspection?
A home inspection is essentially a snap shot in time. We are assessing the condition and performance of what is accessible and what we can see at the time of the inspection. Things change. Things can break when people move out - that is why it is encouraged you do a walk through before you close on the property. Things and conditions can change after an inspection - after all things changed before we got there, right? They didn't install that rotted trim on the chimney, did they? We do our best to find and deliver the information to you to help you make decisions with your purchase. Keep in mind the only "pass/fail" decision is yours, we do not determine if the house passes or fails. We are there do document want we see and convert that into useful information for you to use.
What Does The Inspector Do?
Our inspectors go through the property and note ("write up") damage, deficiencies and maintenance issues, generate and email out a report to you. We use photos and video to show you our findings to it make it easier to understand. It is important to know that there could be defects/deficiencies that were not visible at the time of the inspection. Some areas are restricted or not accessible. We make recommendations on what we see and based off our experience. For example, we may see concerns with the performance of the foundation and recommended you follow up with a structural engineer. Our Inspections are performed based on the SOP's of the Texas Real Estate Commission which has been created with consumer protection in mind. Although we are not code inspectors, it is strongly influenced by codes.
Why Should I Have An Inspection?
Buying a home is probably the biggest purchase most people make so you want to know as much as possible up front. Our inspectors will point out items that are deficient along with some maintenance issues, we don't want you get the moving box blues. We encourage you to use our report to negotiate repairs. Would you believe that some people forgo an inspection on home they buy (both new and pre-owned). Would you buy a 500k car and not have a mechanic look at it? I promise you I wouldn't.
Who Pays For The Inspection?
Well, it depends on who is wanting the inspection and paying for the report. If you are buying a home (Standard Inspection) then you would be our client and the one who pays for the inspection. If you are a homeowner and would like Pre-Sell inspection then you would be our client and the one who pays for the inspection. Our Inspectors are TREC licensed Inspectors with lots of experience and training and ready to help you.
When Should You Get An Inspection?
When you are buying a home your real estate agent will most likely try and help you obtain an "option period" (depends on the market) and that gives you the time to get your inspections done, negotiate repairs and still have time to decide if you would like to move forward or terminate your contract. If you are thinking about selling your home and you would like an inspection before you sell so that you don't get caught off guard with those unexpected repairs then just call us and we sill be happy to help you with that too.
Do I Have To Be There With The Inspector?
You don't have to but it can help you understand our findings. Sometimes our clients can't be there and that's okay. That's why we use a lot of pictures and video. And we are also available of questions before, during and after the inspection.