If you are purchasing a house, NEW or RESALE, you should get a thorough, professional, home inspection.  This is not required by law, but is your best protection against some hidden major defect that can cost thousands of dollars to repair. When the sales closes, you own any problems that are discovered later so do not fail to get an inspection. Protect yourself! The inspection should include the following:

• • Appliances (home inspector)
  • Plumbing (licensed plumber)
  • Electrical (by a licensed electrician)
  • Air conditioning and heating HVAC (by a licensed HVAC service company)
  • Roof and Attic (by a reputable roofing company)
  • Foundation (by a reputable foundation repair company or structural engineer)
  • General Structural appearance like cracks in slab, missing or weep hole, cracks in foundation or walls (interior or exterior)
  • Termites or other Wood Destroying Insects (by a licensed WDI inspector)
  • Lot Drainage

 

Choose the right company. Use Home Adviser or Angie’s List or Trade Association Web Site to help evaluate the companies. Foundation repair companies and roofers do not require a license in Texas so be careful.

The inspection cannot find every flaw but is intended to report on major damage or serious problems that require repair, do not meet code, or might represent a safety issue. Should serious problems be indicated, the inspector will recommend that a professional inspect it as well. Your home cannot “pass or fail” an inspection, and your inspector will not tell you whether he/she thinks the home is worth the money you are offering. The inspector’s job is to make you aware of defects and recommend repairs of any issues that are discovered.

The lender may not loan money for a home that requires major repairs. The seller may be willing to negotiate completion of repairs or a seller contribution instead of repairs, or you may decide that the home will take too much work and money. A professional inspection will help you make a better decision.

In choosing a home inspector, consider one that has been certified as a qualified and experienced member by a trade association and licensed by TREC. I recommend that both you be present at the inspection. This is to your advantage. Take advantage of the opportunity. Don’t interfere with the inspector but discuss the inspection, with the inspector, after it is completed.

Discuss the inspection with the inspector so that you will be able to clearly understand the inspection report, and know exactly which areas need attention. Plus, you can get answers to many questions, tips for maintenance, and an idea of the cost of making any repairs. Most inspectors will have the report already on their laptop with photos of problem areas and recommendations for further investigation or repair.

Do your own inspection of the neighborhood and surrounding area, including using Google Maps, to check for surrounding businesses or environmental storage or disposal sites. Location, location, location.