Member of the Better Business Bureau
Frequently Asked Questions???
How long does it take to do an inspection?
The time varies from size and age. Some homes that are large and in good shape don't take very long. Some small old and very damaged homes take a long time.
Average times range from 2 to 4 hours. The longest time spent was on a 6,000 sq foot home, 100 years old with a basement, guest house and a pool. It took 9 hours.
Do I have to pay for the inspection right away?
It's always nice to get a check right away, but not always necessary. We can bill the Title Company at the time of closing. You can also pay by Credit Card, VISA and MC.
Do I have to have a Termite Inspection?
Some mortage lenders require a termite inspection. Any house that is more than 2 or 3 years old should have one done. Some areas of Texas have a lot of termites and they can establish a colony in only 1 to 2 years.
If the inspector finds things wrong, will the seller fix them?
That is what you will have to work out with your Realtor. Decide what you want fixed and tell your Realtor. They will work with the seller and usually work out a deal.
If I don't trust the Seller to fix things correctly, can you come back and check their work?
Yes. You can call for a re-inspection at any time for a reduced inspection fee.
Is it necessary to inspect brand new homes?
You bet it is! We have found many new homes with small as well as very large problems. At one time I found a bedroom that most of the electrical outlet in a bedroom did not work. Another had roof framing problems and the roof was sagging. These are just a small sample of new home problems.
Up To Code??? If you find things that are not up to code, does someone have to fix it?
Not necessarily. The code is designed for structural safety and safety for the occupants. If you buy a house that is not up to code, you have to understand that an older house was built according to the code standards of the time. Newer codes have been added for safety. For instance, some for electrical safety and some for fire safety, such as GFCI outlets in the bathrooms, kitchens and outdoor outlets. Smoke alarms that were not invented 50 years ago are now required in new construction. We encourage home owners to upgrade older homes for their own personal safety.
There will be no code enforcement officers showing up on your door step to check for code compliance. It is your own responsibility to install or upgrade these items if you wish, or the seller may do some repairs before the time of sale to upgrade your home (depending on your agreement with the seller before the time of sale).
Now on the other hand, brand new homes MUST comply and we will give the builder a lot of trouble if they don't comply!
Do you inspect pools, spas, sprinkler systems, wells or septic systems?
Yes. Call for prices.
Is your company licenced, insured and bonded?
Yes. We are covered by OREP insurance company for home inspections and Pest Control and Termite Inspections.
Member of Texas Association of Real Estate Inspectors