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What to Expect on your Home Inspection and Home Maintenance Guide
FAQs
Q. How do I choose a Home Inspector?
A. Call and ask the inspector about his or her credentials and experience. You as the homebuyer should feel comfortable that your inspector will provide you with the needed information required to make an informed decision regarding the purchase of the home. Nothing beats asking those personal questions prior to the hiring of the inspector.
Q. What qualifications or credentials should the home inspector offer?
A. Begin with the license. In the State of Texas, home inspectors are required to be licensed by the Texas Real Estate Commission in one of three categories: apprentice inspector, real estate inspector, and professional real estate inspector. Each category requires additional experience and educational requirements. Also look for the association memberships of the inspector. I am a licensed Professional Real Estate Inspector and a member of the Texas Association or Real Estate Inspectors, North Texas Texas Association of Real Estate Inspectors, American Society of Home Inspectors, and National Association of Certified Home Inspectors.
Q. What will the inspection cover?
A. A thorough inspection covers all visible items from the roof to the foundation.
Q. What if I have questions after the inspection?
A. My service does not end with the delivery of the inspection report. Should you, your real estate agent, the seller, or any repair person you have contracted with have a question I may be contacted. Within the normal bounds of a business day I will promptly return the call and answer any questions that might arise.
Q. I am buying a new home. Should I have it inspected before I close?
A. Inspecting a new home prior to closing is a good idea. The inspection might discover a problem that was overlooked during the final “walk through” with the builder. Bringing this to the builder’s attention prior to the exchange of money ensures the problem will be addressed.
Q. Can a house fail inspection?
A. No. The inspection of a home is merely an examination of the current condition. The physical condition of the home’s components are described and an indication is made as to what may need repair or replacement.
Q. Does the inspection report provide any warranty as to the condition or remaining life cycle?
A. Your report simply provides you with information as to the condition and working order of the item inspected at the time of inspection. No warranties or opinion as to remaining life cycle are provided or implied.
Q. How long will an inspection take?
A. Most inspections require approximately 3 hours. This time is dependent on the size, age, and condition of the home.
Q. Should I be present at the time of the inspection?
A. Although not required, it is strongly urged that you be present during the inspection. By attending the inspection you will be able to receive immediate information and will be able to ask questions of the inspector at the end of the inspection.
Q. Is it permissible for my Real Estate agent to be present at the time of the inspection?
A. Your agent is welcome to attend the inspection.
Q. What is the cost of an inspection?
A. Inspections are priced dependent upon the total square footage of the house. Moderate additional charges are added for pier and beam foundations, swimming pools, or other outside buildings. Contact Next Step Inspection Group for an accurate quote.
Didn’t see you question answered or require additional information? Contact Next Step Inspection Group owner/operator John Riddle — he’ll be happy to answer all your questions.