Blog - Stonebriar Property Inspections

Buyer’s Home Inspection Services

July 28, 2018

We will inspect your home as if we were the ones making this major investment.

Buying a home is a major step and a big investment, so discovering any defects before you’ve signed on the dotted line is a top priority. Having a detailed understanding of a home’s condition before you commit to it gives you what you need to negotiate a fair price with confidence. It also provides you with peace of mind when making your final decision. Stonebriar Property Inspections offers Buyer’s Home Inspection Services. Continue Reading

Home Inspection 101: What to Expect When You’re Inspecting

July 25, 2018

It’s hard to believe that we’ve been performing Dallas home inspections for more than 10 years now! And we’ve learned from experience that a lot of people don’t know what to expect when a home inspector walks through the front door. What is your inspector required to do by law? What’s not required? What else do top-notch home inspectors do? How do they go above and beyond?

You want to hire the best, right? The inspector who will uncover everything possible? What should you expect? I’m bringing you up to speed on the basics, so the next time you need a home inspection, you’ll be in the know!

Selecting a Home Inspection Company: You’re Hiring a Person, Not a Company

June 6, 2018

Whether buying or selling, you want the best home inspector you can find to make sure your interests are protected. You’ll find there are many inspection firms to choose from in the Dallas area — some with multiple inspectors, others with just one or two, like my company, Stonebriar Property Inspections.

Does it matter if you go with a multi-inspector firm versus one, like mine, that’s run by an owner/inspector?

Yes, it does!

Whether Buying or Building, Home Inspections Matter

April 23, 2018

Did you know that the Dallas area is the top new home market in the country, with 33,234 homes started in 2017? 4th quarter construction starts were up 16.9% over 2016, and builders report stronger than expected sales at the end of 2017, indicating 2018 could be a banner year for new home construction as well. Continue Reading

A Hot Dallas Housing Market Means Home Inspections are Essential!

April 16, 2018

Our housing market is booming with big names like Toyota, Huawei, Samsung, Kubota, McKesson, and Hilti setting up shop in the area, bringing thousands of jobs and transplanting thousands of people to fill them. And this means lots of new houses are being built. In fact, the latest census data shows that the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington metropolitan statistical area issued more than 34,000 single-family housing permits last year — up about 17% from 2016.

This is one reason why reliable, thorough home inspections on newly-constructed houses have become more important than ever!

Why You Should Inspect Your Newly-Constructed Home More Than Once

April 9, 2018

If you’re building a new home in the Dallas metropolitan area, here’s something important to consider: Our housing market is on fire! The latest census data shows that the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington metropolitan statistical area issued more than 34,000 housing permits in 2017 — second in the nation only to Houston. This is also important to understand if you built a new home nearly a year ago because your one-year builder’s warranty is about to expire. Continue Reading

Increase Your Home’s Value by Transforming Your Garage

February 26, 2018

If you’re getting ready to sell your home, you’re probably developing a master project list based on a number of questions and decisions: What needs fixing? What needs freshening up? Where will you spend your money before putting your home on the market? And what return will you get on that investment? Continue Reading

Selling Your Home? 22 Ways to Prepare for a Home Inspection

February 12, 2018

Homeowners focus largely on cosmetic fixes when preparing to sell. They put fresh paint on the walls, remodel kitchens and baths, and spruce up the landscape. And these efforts pay off: The house looks and feels clean and modern, which captures the attention of buyers who don’t want to mess with those projects once they move in. Continue Reading

5 Good Reasons to Have Your Home Inspected Every Year

February 12, 2018

When you buy or sell a home, it’s a given that you will have a home inspection — but have you thought about having your current home inspected outside of the buying or selling process?

We’ve lived in our home for twelve years, and I can’t tell you how many times my experience as a Dallas home inspector has helped us keep minor issues from becoming major over that time.

How long have you lived in your home? What problems may be lurking? It’s time to schedule an inspection. Continue Reading

Seller’s Home Inspection Services

February 12, 2018

Seller’s Pre-Listing Home Inspection Services

We will inspect your home as if we were your potential buyer.

When you sell your home, you want the most value out of your investment. And while many sellers don’t have a pre-listing home inspection, there are many important reasons you should. A pre-listing home inspection provides a view of your home’s condition through the eyes of an unbiased third party. It gives you the information you need to make repairs and identify items that will likely be called out by your buyer’s inspector, avoiding surprises that could potentially slow the sale of your home. Continue Reading

Selecting a Home Inspector? Ask These 13 Questions.

February 12, 2018

Buying a home is one of the most significant investments you’ll make, so having the property professionally inspected before committing is critical. If you need to hire a Dallas home inspector, ask these 13 questions to guide your selection. Continue Reading

How to Clean Windows Like a Pro in 3 Easy Steps

February 4, 2018

One of the most effective ways to make your home lighter, brighter, and happier is to clean its windows — inside and out.

And it is an essential task when you are getting ready to put your home on the market. You want to let the sun shine in! For those windows to gleam and sparkle with joy! Your potential buyers will notice if this is not what they experience when wandering from room to room.

Cleaning windows, however — especially both sides of the panes — requires time and energy. Sure, you can hire a professional window cleaner, but at a cost ranging from about $3 to $7 per window pane (plus extra charges for a variety of additional services), you’re looking to shell out at least a couple of hundred dollars. (Angie’s List estimates an average of $206 for window cleaning in the Dallas area.)

So will you DIY? If that’s what you choose, here’s what we’ve learned from the pros!

5 Ways to Get Rid Of Old Paint in the Dallas Area

January 17, 2018

Look into any home’s garage and you’re likely to see a collection of paint cans — some old, some not-so-old — but most of which are likely to sit unused for years. Why do we hang on to them? Because figuring out how and where to get rid of them safely — without harming others or the environment — can be confusing. Continue Reading

How Can Insulation Contribute To Home Repair Following A Hurricane?

December 30, 2017

From your friends at Stonebriar Home Inspections!

As we are all too aware, hurricane season is in full swing, and thousands of homeowners across the southern U.S. and Puerto Rico have been hit by mammoth hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria. Continue Reading

5 DIY Home Upgrades Anyone Can Do In A Day

December 22, 2017

Helpful information from Stonebriar Home Inspections!

Do-it-yourself home projects are sweeping the nation, and it’s easy to see why. DIY is typically budget-friendly and fulfilling to complete; simply find the right project to match your skill set and needs.

To get started, here are five inexpensive projects that can be tackled by any DIYer, each of which will have an impact on the entire home. Continue Reading

3 Steps To A Healthier, Happier Home

December 15, 2017

Brought to you by Stonebriar Home Inspections!

Today, people are more focused on health and wellness than ever before. You know this because you are constantly flooded with advice on what to eat, how (and how much) to exercise, and what to ask your doctors. Continue Reading

4 DIY Tips To Save Money And Get Your Home Ready For Winter

December 8, 2017

From your friends at Stonebriar Home Inspections!

Many people look forward to the cooler weather. The brisk autumn winds and colorful leaves signal that once again it’s time to take out the sweaters and scarves. There are the hot soups and pumpkin-flavored drinks to keep one warm as the weather gets cooler, but for the conscientious homeowner and dedicated DIYer, it’s time to start winterizing your home.

Sealing out pesky drafts around your home helps save energy while also making your home more comfortable. It also prevents water damage from rain, ice or snow and blocks out pests that might be trying to find a warm place to spend the winter.

As you’re deciding where to get started, here are four projects that will go a long way to save you money and make your home ready for whatever Mother Nature throws at it this winter. Continue Reading

The Sound Of Silence: How To Design A Quiet Home Office

December 1, 2017

The Article Courtesy of Stonebriar Home Inspections!

In today’s increasingly digital world, it’s no surprise that more employees are opting to work from home. While there may be a shift of physical locations — from the office building to the home — productivity is still paramount, making the need for quiet home workspaces more important than ever. Continue Reading

Tips To Stop Drafts, Save Money And Improve Your Home

November 24, 2017

Here are a few great fall/winter tips for helping to keep your home warm and also help on your energy bills from your friends at Stonebriar Property Inspections.

As you are aware, colder weather is here. Before those winds begin to howl, be sure your home is ready for the chill. Not only can draft-proofing your home help in colder weather, but even homeowners in warmer climates can draft-proof their homes to help save on energy and moderate their home’s indoor climate. Air leaks not only allow cold air in, but they also allow warmed air to escape. Continue Reading

10 Hot Home Tech Gifts for Every Budget!

November 20, 2017

‘Tis the holiday season, which means it’s prime time to find good deals on fancy new electronic gadgets that promise to make your home even more awesome! Does your home entertainment system need an upgrade? Are you looking to improve your house’s security system? What about some new technology in your kitchen appliance cabinet?

Whether you gift them for your kids, your partner, or yourself, home tech gifts are always well-received. And the perfect electronic gift begins with research. We’re giving you a head start with this list of 10 hot home tech gifts perfect for any budget.

Time to start shopping!

How to Keep Your Cool by Maintaining Your Air Conditioner

June 21, 2017

It’s summer in Dallas — which, as you know, means air conditioners are running and utility bills are rising. Did you know that 6% of your household energy goes to cooling your home? And homeowners spend $29 billion every year to run their A/C systems!

Air conditioners are major investments, but we obviously need them in the South — not just for comfort, but for safety when the temperatures skyrocket. And to keep them running at their peak efficiency, they require regular maintenance. Do you know what you need to do to take care of yours?

Your 7-Step DIY Sprinkler Tune-Up Checklist and When You Can Water in DFW

May 9, 2017

With temperatures already in the eighties in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, it’s a good time to make sure your sprinkler system is in tip-top shape. Doing so will save you water, which in turn saves you cash. (Did you know that minor water leaks account for more than 1 trillion gallons of wasted water each year?) And it may save you a lot of time and even more money if you prevent minor problems from escalating into costly major repairs.

Many DIY sprinkler tune-up guides exist. After reviewing several, we’ve laid out the seven steps you can take to do your own springtime sprinkler check up. We’ve also included links to the 2017 watering restrictions and schedules for many of DFW’s major cities. Continue Reading

Learn How to Save Water and Cash During Fix a Leak Week March 20 – 26

March 16, 2017

Did you know that minor water leaks account for more than 1 trillion gallons of wasted water each year? That’s the amount of water that 11 million homes use every year. Ten percent of homes have leaks that waste 90 gallons or more every day. Is yours one of them?

Six Steps to Keep Your Pipes from Bursting During a Freeze

January 30, 2017

Did you know a 1/8-inch crack in a pipe can release up to 250 gallons of water in a single day? That’s why it’s important to protect your plumbing when the temperature dips below freezing. Water in pipes expands as it turns into ice. Pipe bursts. And you are left with an expensive mess to clean up.

The worst part? You probably could have avoided that mess by taking a few simple precautions during the winter months.

10 Gifts Any First-Time Homeowner Wants to Receive

December 14, 2016

Our friends just bought their first home, so we’ve been trying to find the perfect holiday/housewarming gift for them. There are so many options, and we’ve done some research. Along the way, we’ve collected 10 gift ideas we think any first-time homeowner will appreciate. Continue Reading

The Top Five Decisions to Make Before Gutter Replacement

November 30, 2016

Some friends of ours recently replaced their gutters and downspouts. And while that sounds like a relatively simple project, they found there was more to consider than they expected. If you are planning for a gutter replacement anytime soon, here are the top five decisions you will need to make before you start the work. Continue Reading

What You Wish You Knew About Fire Extinguishers

October 11, 2016

It’s the National Fire Protection Association’s Fire Prevention Week, and their focus for the third year in a row is on smoke alarm safety. Smoke alarms are a great way to protect your family, pets, and home from unnecessary fire and smoke damage. We wrote about how to maintain them in last month’s blog post.

But another safety measure you can — and should — take is to strategically locate fire extinguishers in your home. You can’t always prevent a fire, but you may be able to put it out quickly with a working fire extinguisher and an understanding of how to use it. Continue Reading

Three Keys to Keeping Your Smoke Alarms Ready to Rescue

September 19, 2016

September is National Preparedness Month. Fire Prevention Week is just around the corner — October 9th through the 15th. And the National Fire Protection Association and U.S. Fire Administration want to educate you about the basic, but life-saving, smoke alarm. Continue Reading

Make Sure Your Home Inspection Isn’t Botched

July 1, 2016

We were watching Botched the other night – a TV show about a couple of plastic surgeons who fix procedures that other people have messed up. Usually, those who botch the surgeries are not ethical, licensed plastic surgeons. Often, they’re not even doctors. Yet people allow them to perform invasive procedures on their bodies at the risk of disfigurement or even death. Continue Reading

Prevent Costly Home Repairs with Proper Grading and Drainage

May 20, 2016

Standing water near your home’s foundation caused by improper grading or faulty gutters and downspouts can cause damage, including slab movement, retaining wall failures, and slope instabilities. It can also lead to serious foundation problems, requiring costly repairs to your home’s structural system.

10 Budget-Friendly Ways to Stage Your Home For a Fast Sale

April 11, 2016

If you’re thinking of putting your home on the market, you want to sell it at a fair price, as fast as possible, and with the least up-front investment of time and money.

And while you may need to make critical repairs or decide to update a few “That 70’s Show” elements, there are many time- and budget-friendly ways to make your home look its best as potential buyers consider making it their own.

It’s called staging. And it’s about making your home as appealing as possible to people you don’t know.

5 Steps to Optimize Your Home Buyer’s Option Period

March 7, 2016

The Good News

You’ve found what you think is your dream home and have decided to make an offer.

The Bad News

You really don’t know what you’re buying yet, because you haven’t had the home inspected. You also don’t want someone else to swoop in and steal the property out from under you. Continue Reading

The Pros and Cons of Buying an Older Home

February 9, 2016

Drive into the suburbs of any large city and you’ll find new housing developments under construction. Obviously, new construction is popular to many. But most people buy an existing home — one that someone else has lived in and wants to sell. Did you know that there are pros and cons of buying an older home? Continue Reading

The #1 Tool You Need to Maintain Your Home

January 4, 2016

It takes a lot of effort to maintain a home. The long list of recommended tasks can quickly overwhelm any homeowner. But the effort is worth it. Failing to properly maintain your home can lead to unnecessary costly repairs. It can also put your family’s safety at risk. Continue Reading

10 Ways You Should Prepare Your Home for Winter Now

December 6, 2015

Winter is coming. Is your home ready? Before the cold weather makes its presence known, here are 10 tasks you should check off your list to make sure your home is in good shape to withstand the elements and keep you safe and warm. Here are ten ways you should prepare your home for winter. Continue Reading

What Does A Home Inspection Cover & How Long Will It Take?

April 3, 2015

Home inspectors will report on many different areas.

Mechanical and structural components will be evaluated from top to bottom. These areas will include the roof cover/ roof structure, foundation/ drainage, exterior walls, windows, doors, chimney stack, patios, decks, driveways, walkway, attics, electrical panel boxes/ branch outlets, cooling systems, heating systems, bedrooms, bathrooms, locks, latches and much more. Continue Reading

Why Selecting the Right Home Inspector is Critical

April 3, 2015

Home inspections are important and can save you thousands of dollars in potential costly repairs, so selecting the right home inspector is critical.

Once you have a signed contract you need to identify a home inspector ASAP, as the option period clock starts ticking.

In the Dallas area, home inspectors face their own unique challenges that require knowledge specific to the North Texas region. A home inspector must be familiar with certain issues including: Continue Reading

Why You Need A Home Inspector When Purchasing A Home

April 3, 2015

What a qualified home inspector does for a home buyer and why you need one in your corner when purchasing a home

When purchasing a home there are so many things to be concerned about. Especially for first-time home buyers this experience can be a crash course in which you are force fed information at a brain numbing rate. And while dealing with all of this, you must keep a vigilant eye on your best interest. Continue Reading

How to Prepare for a Home Inspection in Dallas – Fort Worth

April 3, 2015

One of the final steps in the process of selling your home involves a home inspection.

Typically, if you have reached this stage you have already received an offer from a buyer and there are just a few details to iron out. Pay attention to the details, and the sale of the home will be closed without unnecessary delays.

Here are several things you can do to prepare for a home inspection in Dallas or Frisco: Continue Reading

Common Problems Even New Homeowners Can Inherit

April 3, 2015

Learn about the most common things home inspectors can miss that you can get stuck having to repair, even with new construction or homes built recently.

Is that new home really your dream palace or a complete nightmare and financial disaster? Just because a home looks modern or even was just built, doesn’t mean it’s in great shape. Here are some of the most common problems new homeowners encounter, even in newer homes, that you don’t want to inherit when purchasing a property: Continue Reading

Home Inspections: Not Just for Buying or Selling

April 3, 2015

Generally homeowners obtain home inspections only when buying or selling, but they can be valuable and save you money in more ways than one.

Find out how in this article…

When a home is changing hands is the most common time to have a home inspected. Once the new house is all yours, hopefully you took advantage of a 1 year Home Warranty which covers key components of your investment for the initial year you own the house. There are many levels of warranties offered, depending on what you would like to be included, and how much you want to spend. The basic 1 year warranty will help pay for the repair or replacement of the following: Continue Reading

Home Inspection Myths

April 3, 2015

In this article, Keith Boggs, a licensed home inspector in Dallas, TX, explains common home inspection myths and misconceptions.

Myth # 1: All home components are inspected.
Inspectors are limited visually. Home inspection is not a “CSI type” of inspection. Home inspectors do not dismantle major systems in order to inspect them. Home inspectors will remove panel covers and access covers but an inspector will not use destructive means in order to inspect an item. Home inspectors can not see through walls or under a slab (if we could we would be called Superman, not inspectors). Thousands of materials and components are used when building a home. While at the home the inspector will focus on the essentials and high risk areas. Continue Reading