Q: Did I Really Need An Inspection?
A: Definitely. Even if the house proves to be in good condition, now you can complete your home purchase with peace of mind about the condition of the property and all its equipment and systems. You will also have learned a few things about your new home from my inspection report and will want to keep that information for future reference. I am in business for the long term and as a part of my inspection, feel free to call if you need more information on the items on the report. Above all, you can feel assured that you are making a well-informed decision about purchasing your new home and that you will be able to enjoy it.

Q: Finding A Home Inspector?
A: A good source is a friend or perhaps a business acquaintance that has been satisfied with and can recommend a home inspector they have used.

Real estate agents are also generally familiar with the service and should be able to provide you with a preferred inspectors list of names from which to choose from.

Whatever your referral source, be sure to ascertain the home inspector's professional qualifications, experience, and business ethics before you make your selection. You can do this by checking with the Texas Real Estate Commission and asking if a particular inspector has any complaints against them.

Avoid anyone who engages in any conflict of interest activities that might compromise their objectivity, such as using the inspection as a means to obtain home repair contracts.

Q: Inspection vs Appraisal?
A: Do I need a house inspection when my bank is having the house appraised?

Yes! A house appraisal is an independent evaluation of the current market value of a house or property. The purpose of an appraisal is to set the current value of a house so that a lender may determine how much it can loan to the buyer. The appraiser looks at similar properties in the area and the prices at which they were sold, to set the value of the house.

A home inspector conducts a thorough evaluation of the house's major systems and structural integrity. An appraiser is typically working for the bank, whereas a professional home inspector is working for you. The home inspector identifies items that need replacement or repair prior to closing, which can possibly save you thousands of dollars.

Q: Is A Home Inspection Required?
A: No, a home inspection is not required for the purchase or sale of real estate by most lending institutions. However, future mortgage lending requirements may require a home inspection to document the condition of the property prior to commitment. A home inspection is an impartial opinion regarding the condition of the property on the day of inspection. The home inspector is generally the ONLY person who is in your corner, representing your interests by using training, experience and observation skills to document the visual problems in the home. A home inspection may not be required, but can you afford not to know the facts before making the biggest purchase of a lifetime?

Q: Most Common Defects?
A: No house is perfect. Even the best built and best maintained homes have a few items in less than perfect condition. Below are some of the items most commonly found when inspecting a home:

Roofing - Problems with roofing material are the single most common defect we find. Usually it doesn't mean the roof needs to be replaced, simply that it is in need of maintenance or repair.

Heating and Air Conditioning Systems - Most heating and cooling equipment will need routine maintenance every year. Filter problems and duct problems are frequent. Many have other issues such as dirty coils, leaks, and lack of maintenance.

Ceiling stains - Caused by past or present leaks, ceiling stains are very common. It can be difficult to tell whether the stains are from leaks still present, or were caused by leaks which have since been repaired.

Electrical hazards - Most common in older homes but often found in newer homes as well. Electrical hazards come in many forms, from ungrounded outlets, to wiring done incorrectly by the homeowner.

Deteriorating wood - Caused by being wet for extended periods of time, most commonly found inside the house are around tubs, showers and toilets or outside of the house, roof eaves and trim, including decks and porches.

Water heater installations - Many water heaters are not installed in full compliance with local plumbing code.

Plumbing defects - Plumbing issues commonly found include dripping faucets; leaking fixtures, slow drains etc. Even in brand new homes, it is common to identify minor plumbing defects.

Q: Presenting Your Home?
A: There are many things you can do to make your home show better without spending a lot of money. Following are some things you can do to make sure would-be buyers are impressed when they arrive, also known as "curb appeal."

• Paint your front door, shutters, trim and any other outside features showing signs of wear;
• Wash windows inside and out, replace screens or glass as needed;
• Replace faded wallpaper and/or glue areas that have come loose;
• Repair worn woodwork;
• Repaint scarred or dirty walls in a neutral color;
• Steam clean carpeting or replace it, if necessary;
• Repair loose knobs, sticking doors and windows, warped cabinet draws, broken light switches and other minor flaws;
• Check and repair caulking in bathtubs and showers;
• Open draperies and curtains to let the light in during the showing;
• Keep fresh, clean towels in the bathroom;
• Use candles or air freshener to give rooms a pleasant scent
• Strategically light your home, even during daytime showings, to create a cozy mood and highlight positive attributes of each room.

Q: Questions After The Inspection?
A: Texas Professional Inspections is only a phone call away if you need more information about an item I noted on your report don't hesitate to call me and discuss all the aspects of your new home whenever you like. My service is a long-term investment.

Q: What Have Realtors Done?
A: What have Realtors done to help their clients? A LOT!!! All home inspectors in Texas fall under the jurisdiction of the Texas Real Estate Commission, (TREC). TREC (Realtors) has established the necessary minimum standards that all inspectors must meet in both their qualifications and their reporting of findings. The Professional Inspector in Texas has the highest qualifications, experience, education and knowledge out of all fifty states. In many cases the Professional Inspector has previously constructed homes or been in the homebuilding industry gaining a tremendous insight into the how's and why's things are supposed to be done.

Q: What If The Report Reveals Problems?
A: There will be some items in need of repair, even in new homes. No house, builder or homeowner is perfect. If the inspector finds problems, it doesn't necessarily mean you shouldn't buy the house, only that you will have the information you need to help you make a decision. The inspection report is not a pass or fail report on the house, it simply will let you know what to expect after you move in. After you receive the report, Texas Professional Inspections will be available to clarify any need of repair items for the buyer. A seller may be flexible with the purchase price or contract terms if major problems are found. If your budget is very tight or if you don't wish to become involved in future repair work, this information will be extremely important to you. Many problems are general maintenance issues and can easily be fixed or repaired after you move in as a part of homeowner's maintenance

Q: Who's Responsible For Repairs?
A: Because the buyer orders one or more home inspections, doesn't obligate the seller to make repairs or modifications as a result of those inspections. Typically, however, inspection reports are used to negotiate repairs of major problems, environmental and / or safety hazards that may be noted. The purchase contract should provide guidance for these negotiations.

Q: Why Every Home Buyer Should have An Inspection?
A: Your home is usually your biggest investment. A home inspection helps to assure your investment is a wise and happy one. Becoming aware of exactly what you are buying can help ease the anxiety associated with purchasing a home. An inspection by an experienced professional inspector will provide you with information on the overall condition of the house, bringing you peace of mind. Even if no problems are found, a home inspection gives you the chance to talk to a knowledgeable professional about your new home. You'll have the opportunity to ask questions you may have about the operation and maintenance of the house.

As a general rule, any purchase of a home or other building may be contingent upon an inspection and the buyer's satisfaction as to the condition of the property. Unless the buyer is very experienced and knowledgeable, he won't be able to identify defects, some of which are easily fixed but which can cause significant damage if left unattended. Additionally, most buyers do not want to crawl around under a house poking at the wood, checking the foundation, looking for leaky pipes, and picking spiders out of their hair. A good inspector will do a thorough check inside and outside and give you a detailed written report. If you want, meet the inspector at the property, watch what he does and ask questions. (Consider doing a pre-inspection tour yourself and take notes about things that you see. Then ask the inspector about those specific items.)