Home Inspection FAQ

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 have been established by the State of Texas and the Texas Real Estate Commission for licensed inspectors. 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.

To view the current Standards of Practice please click here

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

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

Why Do I Need An Inspection?
Your home purchase could be the largest single investment 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 as 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 much 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 costly future repairs.

Can I Do The Inspection Myself?
Although you may be very handy, most home buyers and home owners lack the knowledge and expertise of a professional inspector. Professional inspectors have extensive training regarding what is acceptable and what needs to be further evaluated in the property. A professional inspector is familiar with the critical elements of construction and with the proper installation, maintenance, and inter-relations of these elements. Above all, most buyers find it difficult to remain completely objective and unemotional about the home they are considering, and this may lead to a poor assessment.

What Will An Inspection Cost?
The inspection fee for a typical single family house varies geographically, as does the cost of housing. Likewise, within a geographic area the inspection feed charges by different inspection services may vary depending upon a number of factors such as size of the house, age of the home, particular features of the house (slab foundation/crawl space foundation, etc.) and possible optional systems inspected (pool, water wells, septic system, etc.).

Cost should not be the biggest factor in determining whether to have your home inspected. Although the fee paid may be considerable, other comparisons should be made to ensure you are obtaining the most comprehensive inspection for your dollar. You might save many times the cost of the inspection if you are able to have the seller perform repairs based on significant problems revealed by the inspector.

Can A House Fail An Inspection?
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 building 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.

When Do I Call An Inspector?
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 property inspected. A negotiated time period, referred to as the option, 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.

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.

What If The Inspection Report Reveals a Problem?
​Perfect house 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 this particular property, The decision is yours.

If The Inspection Report is Favorable, Did I Really Need An Inspection?
Absolutely! Now you can complete your purchase with confidence about the condition of the property. You may have learned a few things about your home from the inspection report, and will want to keep that information for future use. Above all, you can rest assured that you are making a well-informed purchase decision.

Questions about CSST? CSST Safety

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