Frequently Asked Questions
Below is a list of frequently asked questions we get from our customers. Feel free to contact us with any questions you may still have, and a licensed home inspector in College Station get back to you as soon as possible.
1. What is a home inspection and how long does it take?
A home inspection is performed by a licensed home inspector and is designed to provide a thorough, detailed examination of a home, usually during the process of buying or selling a home. An inspection is also advisable before your home owners warranty expires. Homes are inspected for structural soundness, proper function of all major systems and code requirements for all visible, accessible areas of the property. The inspection usually takes 3 to 5 hours depending on your home’s square footage and the number of additional systems are requiring an inspection.
2. What is the purpose of a home inspection?
Home inspections performed by a professional home inspector give you a clear, comprehensive understanding of your property’s condition through the experience and training of an unbiased third party – your home inspector. If you are buying or selling a home, coming up on your one-year builder warranty, or simply question the condition of your current home, a home inspection can be a valuable investment.
3. How much does a home inspection cost?
The cost depends on the location, size, age and style of the home. I can usually provide an accurate quote within minutes once I have that information. If you don’t know this information, it’s okay to just give me the address. I can usually get what I need to know from the Internet. The average cost of a home inspection in the Brazos Valley area is $300 to $450. Some inspectors charge extra for out buildings, irrigation systems, wells etc. We do not have any hidden charges or add ons for most cases. We accept cash, check, credit and debit cards. Please note there is a 3% convenience fee per transaction with card.
4. What can I expect to get when I get a home inspection?
Your report will be as per the Texas Real Estate Commission required guidelines. We will examine all visible and accessible areas of your home and property. This normally includes major components including:
- Foundation, grading, drainage, and guttering
- Roof covering materials, roof structures, and attic spaces
- Walls, ceilings, and floors
- Doors, windows, and stairways
- Fireplaces and chimneys
- Porches, balconies, decks, and carports
- Electrical, heating, ventilation, and cooling systems
- Plumbing systems and fixtures and gas lines
- Major appliances, including garage door openers
- Driveways, walkways, and patios
I’ll report on any item I find that is a safety concern or could be a costly repair. In addition to your home inspection report. Note: The above is a general home inspection checklist and other factors may change the components involved in the inspection.
Here are two real sample reports from past clients – Sugar Land sample report and Sealy sample report.
5. Can I be there when you do the inspection?
It is strongly recommended that you come to the site during the inspection so that the inspector can explain his findings and share information with you about important maintenance items. If you’re there, your home inspector has the opportunity to go over the inspection with you and answer any additional questions.
6. I only want a roof inspection. Can you do this?
If you want only certain items inspected, of course! Please contact us for questions regarding custom inspections.
7. Do you inspect for termites?
Yes. If I find indications of a termite infestation or other wood-destroying insect activity, I can recommend a state licensed exterminator who can perform a full evaluation and remediation, if necessary.
8. Can you repair listed defects?
The code of ethics of both TREC and the International Association of Certified Home inspectors (INTERNACHI) prohibits home inspector from performing repairs to items we inspect for a full year from the date of the inspection. This is for the consumer’s protection and to avoid a conflict of interest.
9. I got an inspection from you and the deal fell through. Will you do another inspection at a discount?
I consider my clients my customers for life, and I value your business! Please contact me to discuss this further.
10. What is the difference between a buyer’s inspection, a seller’s inspection, and a realtor’s inspection?
Let’s keep this one simple. The difference is you, the client. I provide the same thorough and objective report regardless of who the client is. My clients deserve complete information whether they are buying or selling the home or property.
11. Who can read my inspection report?
Only you, and those you wish to share it with. I respect your privacy, and will not share the information in any way without your permission.
12. Must defective items be repaired?
The seller is not required to repair any defects or deficiencies noted in my report. However, such items can be negotiated, as can the sales price. This is a discussion you should have with your broker or Realtor. If you are selling the home, my Pre-Listing Seller’s Inspection will help you devise a to-do list that can make the home show better, and I can also recommend reputable contractors. If you’re buying the home, I can help you plan and budget for short-term and long-term repairs and upgrades.
13. What training and licensing do home inspectors need?
Licensed home inspectors must have the education and experience required by the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) and pass a state licensing exam to become a licensed home inspector. As a TREC licensed home inspector, they must comply with the regulations in the TREC Standard of Practice. All Texas Home inspectors must carry general and professional liability insurance.
14. Will my home inspector guarantee his findings are accurate?
An inspection is based on the visible and accessible areas of the property and reflects its condition as of the day of the inspection. It is not a warranty that future repairs won’t be needed – your home inspector doesn’t know what might happen the next day, week or year. You should, however, have confidence that major defects will not be overlooked, and a good inspector will address your concerns when it comes to any oversight.
15. Will a home inspection eliminate all risks in buying a home?
It can reduce your exposure to risk, but it’s not guaranteed to eliminate it all together. It will give you peace of mind that you’re not buying “a lemon.” Your home inspector is an ally in the home buying and selling process. This may be the biggest investment you make in your life, so engaging a licensed home inspector to perform a thorough inspection is worth the small cost.
Any more questions? Contact one of our College Station home inspector today at (936) 825-5425!