- What is a Home Inspection?
A home inspection is an objective visual examination of the physical structure and testing of systems and appliances of a home.
Having a home inspected is like giving it a physical check-up. If problems or symptoms are found the
inspector may recommend further evaluation. A home inspection is not a warranty or a check for compliance to local building codes.
It is a visual inspection of a home to determine problems or potential problems that exist or can be visually determined at the time of
the inspection. Home Inspections in the State of Texas are regulated by the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC). All Home
Inspectors must be licensed and perform a home inspection that complies with the TREC Standards of Practice. Only a Professional
Home Inspector can perform unsupervised Home Inspections. Be sure that your inspection is performed by a Professional, not
a Real Estate or Apprentice level inspector.
- How is an inspection done?
We have a very well defined proceedure guided by a 1,000 Point Checklist. This process allows us to meticulously inspect all areas of your
new home and property while the checklist helps to ensure that all appropriate items are inspected and tested. We also use our extensive
experience to identify areas of concern throughout the home.
- Why should I get a Home Inspection before I buy a home?
You will receive several benefits from your investment in a Home Inspection. Some key benefits include;
- Helping to determine whether there are any major flaws in the structural or mechanical elements;
- Identifying if any safety hazards exist;
- Making you familiar with your new home and any visible minor problems that you can address at your convenience.
Knowing this information before you close on the home can save you thousands of dollars in unexpected repairs and unnecessary emotional
stress. See the Buyers page for more information.
- Can I do the Home Inspection myself?
Even the most experienced handyman homeowner lacks the knowledge and expertise of a licensed Professional Home Inspector who
has inspected hundreds, perhaps thousands, of homes during their career. An inspector is familiar with the many elements of home
construction, their proper installation, and maintenance. They understand how the home's systems and components are intended to
function together, and how and why they fail. Above all, most buyers or sellers find it very difficult to remain completely objective and
unemotional about the house they really want, and this may affect their judgment. For the most accurate information, it is best to
obtain an impartial third-party opinion by an expert in the field of home inspection.
- Should I be present at the Home Inspection?
We strongly encourage you to be present for the inspection. This gives you the opportunity to gain a thorough understanding of the
true condition of the property you're considering.
- How long does the Home Inspection take?
Your Home Inspection should take between 2 to 4 hours to complete, depending on the size, age, amenities, and conditions of the
property. We will take enough time to perform a thorough Home Inspection and to conduct any research required to complete your report.
- When will I receive my inspection report?
You will receive a verbal report after the Home Inspection is complete. Your written report will typically be sent to you via e-mail
in PDF format within 24 to 48 hours. A signed hard copy will follow by US mail.
- How far in advance can I set up a Home Inspection?
Home Inspections can be scheduled up to three weeks in advance of your desired date. We understand that sometimes things like the
Home Inspection are left to the last minute so we will make our best efforts to accommodate your needs. Before you sign the purchase
agreement be sure that there is an inspection clause in the contract making your purchase obligation contingent upon the findings of a
Professional Home Inspector - even if the home is being sold "as is". This clause should specify the terms to which both the buyer and
seller are obligated.
- Where do you perform Home Inspections?
We perform Home Inspections in the Central Texas area. This includes: the Austin Metropolitan area – Avery Ranch, Bee Cave, Brushy Creek,
Buda, Burnet, Cedar Park, Cele, Del Valle, Dripping Springs, Elgin, Georgetown, Hudson Bend, Hutto, Jollyville, Jonah, Jonestown, Kyle,
Manor, Marble Falls, Cat Hollow, McNeil, Norman Crossing, Lago Vista, Lake Walter, Leander, Lost Creek, Oak Hill, Pflugerville,
Rices Crossing, Round Rock, Taylor, Teravista, Wells Branch and Westlake.
Please call us if you don't see your area listed but live in
Burnet County, Travis County or Williamson County. Some locations may require paid travel time.
- What does a Home Inspection cover?
Home Inspections in the State of Texas are regulated by the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC). Every home inspector
in the State of Texas is governed by these Standards of Practice. A complete description is presented
on the Inspection Overview page. We've also included the TREC
Standards of Practice for your reference.
- What is a SUPRA key and why is that important?
A SUPRA key is the device that opens the lock box that's typically attached to the front door and contains the house key. This gives
us the ability to inspect the home when nobody is home, or your realtor cannot be present. Although we'd like you to attend the
inspection, we realize that there are circumstances that make that impossible. Having SUPRA key access is a big benefit to you by
allowing us to inspect the home without relying on others. This is most important when you only have limited time to get the home
inspected.
- Why should I have my home inspected before I list it for sale?
Investing in a Pre-Listing Home Inspection will give you knowledge that will help you to properly price and sell your home. All too
often issues identified by the buyers home inspector can cause closing delays, result in you paying for last minute repairs, lowering
your selling price, or worse, causing the buyer to walk away. See the Sellers page for more information.
- Did I really need an inspection if the house proved to be in good condition?
Definitely! Now you can complete your home purchase with your eyes open as to the condition of the property and all its equipment and
systems. You will also have learned many things about your new home from your inspection report. You should keep that information for
future reference. The inspection will also give you information that can help you to prioritize future repairs or upgrades.
- Who will be doing my inspection?
John Bernard, licensed Professional Inspector, conducts all inspections.
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