frequently asked qUESTIONS

An inspection is a visual examination of the physical structure and systems of a building. If you are in the process of buying a house, townhouse, condominium, etc. you should have it properly inspected before the final purchase by an experienced and impartial professional inspector.

 An inspection includes a visual examination of the building. During a standard inspection, the inspector evaluates and reports the condition of the foundation, grading, roof, roof structure, interior/exterior walls, ceilings, floors, doors, windows, fireplace/chimney, electrical systems, heating equipment, cooling equipment (temperature permitting), plumbing system, water heating equipment and built-in kitchen appliances. Only those items that are visible and accessible by normal means are included in the report.

Inspectors licensed by the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) are required to comply with the TREC Standards of Practice when inspections are performed for a prospective buyer or prospective seller of one-to-four family residential property. The Standards of Practice are the minimum levels of inspection practice required of inspectors for the accessible parts, components, and systems typically found in improvements to real property, excluding detached structures, decks, docks and fences. The inspector may provide a higher level of inspection performance than required by the standards of practice and may inspect parts, components, and systems in addition to those described by the standards of practice.

 Your home purchase could be the largest single investments you will ever make. To minimize unpleasant surprises, you’ll want to learn as much as you can about the newly constructed or existing house before you buy it. An inspection may identify the need for immediate repairs or builder errors, as well the need for maintenance to better protect your home. After the inspection, you will know more about the house, which will allow you to make an informed decision.

As the seller of a home, an inspection can give you the opportunity to complete needed repairs that could possibly make your home more appealing to a potential buyer. 

If you already own a home, an inspection may identify problem areas enabling you to address them and possibly avoid future expensive repairs.

No. A professional inspection is simply an examination of the current condition of your house. It is not an appraisal, which determines market value, or a municipal code inspection, which verifies local code compliance. A professional inspector, therefore, will not pass or fail a house, but will describe its current condition and report those items that are deficient..

The best time to retain the inspector is immediately after the purchase contract has been signed. The TREC One-Four Family Residential Contract allows for the buyer to have a property inspected. A negotiated time period, referred to as the option period, is when the inspection takes place. Any request for repairs have to be agreed upon and signed by all parties in the form of an amendment to the contract ON or BEFORE the expiration of the option period. 

Perfect houses do not exist. If the inspector identifies problem areas, it doesn’t mean you should or shouldn’t buy the house, only that you will know in advance what to expect. A seller may be willing to make repairs based on deficiencies discovered by the inspector. If you are on a tight budget and the deficiencies are significant, or if you do not wish to become involved in future repair work, you may decide against this property. The decision is yours.

Should I Attend The Inspection?

It is highly recommended that you attend the inspection. Attending the inspection will allow you to become more familiar with the home you are purchasing. Also, you can observe the inspector and ask questions while learning about the condition of the home.