A Home Inspection is Well Worth The Cost
The inspection is not designed to criticize every minor problem or defect
in the home. It is intended to report on major damage or serious problems
that require repair. Should serious problems be indicated, the inspector
will recommend that a structural engineer or other 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 repairs that are
recommended or necessary.
The seller may be willing to negotiate completion of repairs or a credit
for completion of repairs, or you may decide that the home will take too
much work and money. A professional inspection will help you make a
clear-headed decision. In addition to the overall inspection, you may wish
to have separate tests conducted for termites or the presence of radon gas.
In choosing a home inspector, consider one that has been certified as a
qualified and experienced member by a trade association.
We recommend buyers being present at the inspection. This is to your
advantage. 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 a lot of general information that will
help you once you move into your new home. Most important, you will see the
home through the eyes of an objective third party.
Questions to Ask a Home Inspector
Most people probably only think of one or two questions to ask a home
inspector: “How much is your fee?” and “When can you be there?” But these
only scratch the surface.
Here's a list of suggested questions you might ask:
- What types of licenses do you hold?
- What kind of training do you have?
- Do you belong to a professional inspectors' association?
- How long have you been licensed in Texas?
- Are you a full-time home inspector?
- How much do you charge?
- Do you also perform repairs? (If the answer is yes, that may
indicate a conflict of interest.)
- What will the inspection include? (Get specifics. It
should include the electrical, heating, and central air-conditioning
systems,; interior plumbing, visible insulation, roof, walls, ceiling,
floors, windows, doors, foundation, and visible structure of the house.)
- Do you inspect gas lines, swimming pools, spas, septic systems, and
wells? (You can identify other typical systems or items.) Do you
charge extra for these?
- Do you charge based on the size of the home? Multiple AC units?
Other items?
- How much would you charge if I ask for a reinspection after repairs
are completed?
- Will you supply a written report? (The inspector should.)
- Can I attend the inspection? The home inspection is an
opportunity for you to learn about your new home and ask
questions. If the inspector says no, find another inspector.)
- Do you go up on the roof to inspect it?
- How long will the inspection typically take? (Anything less than two
hours is not long enough for a thorough inspection.)
- Can I call you with questions that come up later?
- Can you give me names and phone numbers of three people for whom
you've inspected homes for recently?
The inspector may not inspect swimming pools, wells, septic tanks, and
other systems and items, and many inspectors will not conduct environmental
test or wood-destroying insect inspections. You will likely need to
arrange for these inspections separately.
You can find a blank copy of the standard inspector report form at
www.trec.state.tx.us to give you
an idea of what may or may not be covered in the inspection.
For distribution for Texas Realtors®. © 2004 by the
Texas Association of REALTORS®. All rights reserved
