Home Inspections in Texas
Why do I Need a Home Inspection?
The purchase of a home is probably one of the single largest investments you will ever make. You should be
as informed and educated as you possibly can when considering a home purchase. And a home inspection
can provide that education. Also, the FHA and the VA, as well as many other mortgage lenders, recommend
that a home inspection be performed.
A home inspection lets you know the condition of the property as well as identifies the need for any repairs
before you buy, so that you can make an informed purchasing decision. A home inspection also informs the
buyer of the positive aspects of the home, as well as any maintenance that may be recommended to keep
the house in good shape and to keep all major systems operating smoothly. After the inspection, you will
have a much better understanding of the property you intend to purchase.
A home inspection is also valuable for homeowners for identifying any potential problems that may need
tending to, as well as for learning preventive maintenance measures to help avoid any costly future repairs.
If you intend to put your house on the market, a home inspection could identify items that would be called
out on a buyer’s inspection, which allows you to be proactive in making repairs, thereby putting you house in
a more sellable position.
Buyers Benefits of a Home Inspection
Reveals the need for repairs or replacements to the home components before you buy.
Provides you with invaluable details about your new home including location of shut off valves, where utilities
are located, and general house operation.
Limits the number of surprises you may discover when you move into your new home.
Reduces the number of contingencies in a sale agreement, which makes closing easier
Sellers Benefits of a Home Inspection
Gives you the opportunity to become aware of, and repair property conditions so they don't affect the buyers
offer.
Makes your home more attractive to buyers because they will know you are a committed seller.
Reduces the number of contingencies in a sale agreement, which makes closing easier.
Eliminates last minute repair hassles that could delay closing.
What to Look for in Your Home Inspector
Does the company provide extended call center hours so that inspections can be scheduled immediately?
Does the company have the experience of over one million home inspections?
Are the company's Inspectors the most highly trained and accessible in the industry?
Does your company have an extensive client list that demonstrates extensive experience?
Does your company carry Professional Error’s and Omissions Insurance?
Do inspections exceed the Standards of Practice of the National Association of Home Inspectors or state
regulations, where applicable?
Does your company provide unlimited access for technical questions and follow-up after the inspection?
Is your company's inspection report created on-site in a computer-generated format?
Does your company's inspection report incorporate photographs for clarity?
Does your company's finished report include a customized homeowners manual?
What Does a Home Inspection Entail?
There are four basic steps to the home inspection. First, the inspector arrives at the property, makes general
introductions and both explains what is going to take place and asks about any special questions or
requests. Next, while the inspection agreement is being reviewed, the inspector will make a quick circuit of
the property to size up the scope of the inspection. Then, there will be an in-depth walk-through inspection
with the client. This involves inspecting all visible areas and reviewing all accessible items and areas,
including the heating system, central air conditioning system, interior plumbing and electrical systems, the
roof, attic space and all visible insulation, the walls, ceilings, floors, doors, windows, basement or crawlspace
area, and the foundation and all visible structural components. Any questions or items of special interest
regarding a particular system or structural component are usually addressed at this time. Finally, a check of
the entire property is made to verify that the condition of the property is the same as when the inspection
started. After this last circuit, the inspector will complete the hard copy of the inspection report. All
deficiencies and maintenance recommendations will be noted and a recap of deficiencies will be entered onto
the summary sheet for the client.
Do I Need to Attend the Inspection?
It is not necessary that you attend the inspection. However, U.S. Inspect strongly recommends that you or a
representative for you attends the inspection so that you are properly informed of the investment that you
are considering making. Given appropriate access, our inspector can perform the inspection and generate an
inspection report, which can be delivered to you. Again, it is strongly recommended that you attend because
you will be able to follow the inspector around and visually learn about the condition of your house, how the
various systems operate and how to properly maintain them. You will also have a better understanding of the
contents of the report if you are able to see it from the home inspector's perspective and can ask him/her
questions as they arise.
What Does a Home Inspection Cost?
Prices for home inspections vary greatly depending on the home's square footage, sales price, age, and
number of rooms. The price also varies by market across the country. The table below is an approximate
guide:
Northeast (Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island)
Price Range: $265 - $870; Average Price: $356
Southeast (Atlanta, Florida)
Price Range: $250 - $950; Average Price: $325
Mid-Atlantic (Delaware, Maryland, North Carolina, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia)
Price Range: $265 - $800; Average Price: $360
Midwest (Kentucky, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Missouri, Texas)
Price Range: $200 - $900; Average Price: $280
Southwest (Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada)
Price Range: $215 - $750; Average Price: $260
Northwest (Washington)
Price Range: $280 - $750; Average Price: $320
Is the Inspector Licensed or Certified
Not all states require home inspectors to be licensed. However, in those states that do require licensing, our
inspectors are licensed. All of our employee-inspectors are ASHI Members or Candidates, or are in the
testing process of getting ASHI membership. Many of our inspectors are also trained and licensed to perform
radon and termite inspections in their operating areas
Why do I Need a Home Inspection?
The purchase of a home is probably one of the single largest investments you will ever make. You should be
as informed and educated as you possibly can when considering a home purchase. And a home inspection
can provide that education. Also, the FHA and the VA, as well as many other mortgage lenders, recommend
that a home inspection be performed.
A home inspection lets you know the condition of the property as well as identifies the need for any repairs
before you buy, so that you can make an informed purchasing decision. A home inspection also informs the
buyer of the positive aspects of the home, as well as any maintenance that may be recommended to keep
the house in good shape and to keep all major systems operating smoothly. After the inspection, you will
have a much better understanding of the property you intend to purchase.
A home inspection is also valuable for homeowners for identifying any potential problems that may need
tending to, as well as for learning preventive maintenance measures to help avoid any costly future repairs.
If you intend to put your house on the market, a home inspection could identify items that would be called
out on a buyer’s inspection, which allows you to be proactive in making repairs, thereby putting you house in
a more sellable position.
Buyers Benefits of a Home Inspection
Reveals the need for repairs or replacements to the home components before you buy.
Provides you with invaluable details about your new home including location of shut off valves, where utilities
are located, and general house operation.
Limits the number of surprises you may discover when you move into your new home.
Reduces the number of contingencies in a sale agreement, which makes closing easier
Sellers Benefits of a Home Inspection
Gives you the opportunity to become aware of, and repair property conditions so they don't affect the buyers
offer.
Makes your home more attractive to buyers because they will know you are a committed seller.
Reduces the number of contingencies in a sale agreement, which makes closing easier.
Eliminates last minute repair hassles that could delay closing.
What to Look for in Your Home Inspector
Does the company provide extended call center hours so that inspections can be scheduled immediately?
Does the company have the experience of over one million home inspections?
Are the company's Inspectors the most highly trained and accessible in the industry?
Does your company have an extensive client list that demonstrates extensive experience?
Does your company carry Professional Error’s and Omissions Insurance?
Do inspections exceed the Standards of Practice of the National Association of Home Inspectors or state
regulations, where applicable?
Does your company provide unlimited access for technical questions and follow-up after the inspection?
Is your company's inspection report created on-site in a computer-generated format?
Does your company's inspection report incorporate photographs for clarity?
Does your company's finished report include a customized homeowners manual?
What Does a Home Inspection Entail?
There are four basic steps to the home inspection. First, the inspector arrives at the property, makes general
introductions and both explains what is going to take place and asks about any special questions or
requests. Next, while the inspection agreement is being reviewed, the inspector will make a quick circuit of
the property to size up the scope of the inspection. Then, there will be an in-depth walk-through inspection
with the client. This involves inspecting all visible areas and reviewing all accessible items and areas,
including the heating system, central air conditioning system, interior plumbing and electrical systems, the
roof, attic space and all visible insulation, the walls, ceilings, floors, doors, windows, basement or crawlspace
area, and the foundation and all visible structural components. Any questions or items of special interest
regarding a particular system or structural component are usually addressed at this time. Finally, a check of
the entire property is made to verify that the condition of the property is the same as when the inspection
started. After this last circuit, the inspector will complete the hard copy of the inspection report. All
deficiencies and maintenance recommendations will be noted and a recap of deficiencies will be entered onto
the summary sheet for the client.
Do I Need to Attend the Inspection?
It is not necessary that you attend the inspection. However, U.S. Inspect strongly recommends that you or a
representative for you attends the inspection so that you are properly informed of the investment that you
are considering making. Given appropriate access, our inspector can perform the inspection and generate an
inspection report, which can be delivered to you. Again, it is strongly recommended that you attend because
you will be able to follow the inspector around and visually learn about the condition of your house, how the
various systems operate and how to properly maintain them. You will also have a better understanding of the
contents of the report if you are able to see it from the home inspector's perspective and can ask him/her
questions as they arise.
What Does a Home Inspection Cost?
Prices for home inspections vary greatly depending on the home's square footage, sales price, age, and
number of rooms. The price also varies by market across the country. The table below is an approximate
guide:
Northeast (Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island)
Price Range: $265 - $870; Average Price: $356
Southeast (Atlanta, Florida)
Price Range: $250 - $950; Average Price: $325
Mid-Atlantic (Delaware, Maryland, North Carolina, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia)
Price Range: $265 - $800; Average Price: $360
Midwest (Kentucky, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Missouri, Texas)
Price Range: $200 - $900; Average Price: $280
Southwest (Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada)
Price Range: $215 - $750; Average Price: $260
Northwest (Washington)
Price Range: $280 - $750; Average Price: $320
Is the Inspector Licensed or Certified
Not all states require home inspectors to be licensed. However, in those states that do require licensing, our
inspectors are licensed. All of our employee-inspectors are ASHI Members or Candidates, or are in the
testing process of getting ASHI membership. Many of our inspectors are also trained and licensed to perform
radon and termite inspections in their operating areas
| "Helping hundreds of people find the home of their dreams." Contact me today! |
Emilie Romero,
Broker
Broker
