--For an inspection you can trust call Philip.

Home

A. A home inspection is a thorough examination of the current physical conditions of the home’s structure and it’s operating components. 

The residential Real Estate transaction inspection is to provide the prospective buyer with detailed information about the home's current condition. [ top ]

Q. Why get a home inspection?

A. The purchase of a home is the largest single investment most people will ever make. It is important to learn as much as possible about the condition of the property before you buy. A home inspection can minimize unpleasant surprises and difficulties after the purchase. A home inspection will give you a much clearer understanding of the property you are about to purchase. A home inspection provides an impartial, in-depth, evaluation of the physical condition of the property both mechanically and structurally. A well done inspection will aid the buyer in planning and budgeting for future home repairs by letting you know what kind of life expectancy might be had from the major components and systems. If you are planning to sell your home, you may wish to have an inspection prior to placing your home on the market. This preemptive measure can help you get the house in a better selling condition which can greatly facilitate a sale.  [ top ]

Q. What does a home inspection include?

A. The home inspection commonly includes examining major components of the property, such as: garage, driveway, patio, balcony, porch, service walks, retaining walls, roof, chimney, gutters, siding & trim, stairs, doors, windows, floors, walls, ceilings, electrical, heating-ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC), plumbing, attic, crawl space, foundation, and other visible elements. [ top ]

Q. Is a home inspection a guarantee or warranty that there is nothing wrong with the house? 

A. No, an inspection is just an inspection. It is information about the condition of the house as discovered by the inspector at the time of the inspection.  Remember that the inspector will not open walls or dig up sewer lines. You can't expect the inspector to be responsible for replacing a furnace which malfunctions a month after you buy the house just because the inspector reported that it was functioning properly at the time of inspection. Inspectors report on current conditions and expected events or life cycles of equipment and components. If, for some reason, the furnace does malfunction before the normal time period, the inspector is not liable. Similarly, equipment sometimes lasts much longer than expected and reported by the inspector. [ top ]

Q. My contract includes a home warranty policy. Isn't that protection enough? 

A. Not at all. Such home warranty policies will not cover all aspects of the home's systems and structures (roof, foundation, and so on). Furthermore, such policies often have numerous exclusions and preexisting condition clauses that will not protect you in all cases. That is not to say that such policies are a bad idea. On the contrary, they can be a real asset if something covered by the policy should unexpectedly fail. They are however, no substitute for a good home inspection. [ top ]

Q. Who makes the home inspection? 

A. The Texas Real Estate Commission regulates real estate inspectors in the State of Texas. There are minimum guidelines concerning what the inspector is required to inspect, and in some cases the manner in which the inspection must be carried out. In order to obtain a license from the State of Texas to make property inspections, the would be inspector must fulfill the educational and experience requirements mandated by the State and then pass one or more examinations. There are three levels of licensing granted by the State of Texas; Apprentice Inspector, Real Estate Inspector, and the highest level of licensing, the Professional Real Estate Inspector. [ top ]

Q. I am getting an FHA loan and there will be an appraisal. Isn't the appraisal inspection adequate?

A. An appraisal is an estimate of market value of the property and is used to set the maximum amount the lender will lend on the property. While the appraiser does look at the GENERAL condition of the house and is supposed to list those items needing repair when the house is financed with an FHA insured loan, the appraiser is not a home inspector. A Professional Real Estate inspector is better trained and more experienced at inspections and looks at more things and in greater depth.  [ top ]

Q. Will FHA help pay for the cost of the inspection if I am getting an FHA loan? 

A. Paying for the inspection will be your responsibility. However, the FHA believes inspections are a very good idea and therefore will allow most , if not all, of the cost of the inspection to be used to satisfy the FHA's cash investment requirements when buying the house.  [ top ]

Q. Do I need to be at the inspection? 

A. Pro-Tech inspectors believe it is very important for the home buyer to be present at the inspection. The inspection is a familiarization process, and there is an abundance of information conveyed throughout the inspection that the home owner will be interested in knowing. [ top ]

Q. What happens if the inspector finds problems? 

A. The inspector will provide an analysis of the problem and where possible, recommend a plan of action to improve the situation or alleviate the problem. This gives you an opportunity to make an informed decision once the inspection report is completed. [ top ]

Q. Do I need a Radon Test?

A. Testing or measurement is the only way to know if you and your family are at risk from Radon. The EPA and the Surgeon General recommend testing all homes below the third floor for Radon. [ top ]

Q. Can a house fail inspection? 

A. No. A professional home inspection is an examination of the current condition of your prospective home.  It is not an appraisal, which determines market value, or a municipal inspection, which verifies local code compliance.  A home inspector, therefore, will not pass or fail a house, but rather describe its physical condition and indicate what may need repair or replacement. [ top ]

Q. What will a home inspection do for me? 

A. For The Home Buyer… 
A pre-purchase inspection offers the consumer the knowledge to make a more informed purchase. An inspection may prevent you from being responsible for costly repairs. 

For The Home Owner/Seller… 
A pre-listing inspection can be used as a tool in selling your home. 
Inspection can be used as an instrument to quantify & prioritize repairs. 

For The Real Estate Agent/Broker… 
Inspection is a tool to assist in creating confidence in the buyer/seller. Increases your credibility and reputation by showing the home buyer that you understand the importance of this major investment. 
[ top ]

Schedule Your Inspection Today