Home inspections can be intimidating, but they don’t have to be.
To become more comfortable with the process, costs, and what you can expect, check out the following helpful resources:
- Glossary of Home Inspection Terms
- Dictionary of Architectural Terms
- Home Care Guide by Nick Gromicko
- Moving Checklist
- Home Inspection Learning Center
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a home inspection?
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. Homes are inspected for structural soundness, proper function, and code requirements for all visible, accessible areas of the property.
Why do I need a home inspector?
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.
What parts of my home will be inspected?
A licensed home inspector from our Dallas or Frisco office 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
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.
Will my home inspector tell me how much repairs will cost?
No. A home inspection and a repair estimate are unrelated. A licensed home inspector is there to help gain a better understanding of the overall condition of your home. For the cost of repairs, you will need further advice from the proper professional.
How do I schedule a home inspection?
You can schedule it yourself or have your real estate agent help set it up for you.
How long will it take?
A home inspection usually takes 2 to 4 hours depending on your home’s square footage.
Do I need to be there?
It is always a good idea to be there. If you’re there, your home inspector has the opportunity to go over the inspection with you when it’s complete and explain his findings.
What should a home inspection cost?
The cost will vary based on your home’s square footage, and the presence of certain items on your property – for example, a pool or spa. The average cost of a home inspection in the DFW area is $500 to $700.
What do I get out of the home inspection?
Your home inspector should provide an inspection report summarizing what was inspected, condition, defects identified, and recommendations for remediation. There are minimum guidelines established by the Texas Real Estate Commission, and depending on your home inspector, reports can vary. A good home inspector will go above and beyond the minimum requirements. Ask for a sample inspection report before you engage a home inspector and make sure the report will not be shared without your permission.
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.
Do defects need to be repaired before I close on my home?
That’s up to you and the seller. You can negotiate that the repairs be made before closing or use the information from your inspection to negotiate the final price of your home. Decisions you make should be included in your contract.
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.
If you’re searching for the best home inspector in the greater Dallas area, please contact Keith Boggs at (214) 923-7304 or [email protected].
Appointments available 7 days a week, including evenings and weekends.
SPI – Stonebriar Property Inspections is an elite home inspector in the Dallas, TX home inspectors directory on Inspectopia.com.