You want to know as much as possible about the property you’re buying—it’s a big investment. Hiring a home inspector is a great way to learn more about the condition of your potential home.
What’s a Home Inspection?
It’s a visual examination of a house’s structure and systems by a trained inspector.
What Does a Home Inspection Cover?
The inspector usually looks at the foundation, roof, attic, walls, ceilings, windows, doors, and any attached decks or porches. He will also inspect the electrical, heating, air conditioning, and plumbing systems.
Keep in mind that the inspector examines only what is visible and accessible. He’s not moving appliances or climbing onto a steeply pitched roof. He will report cracks in a wall but won’t be able to examine a slab foundation underneath wall-to-wall carpet or hardwood floors. Your inspector may find an issue that you would like inspected by a specialist, such as a structural engineer or plumber.
Does the Inspector Repair Defects?
No. The inspector’s job is to report the condition of various parts of a home. For example, the inspector may report that the water meter still runs when nothing in the house is using water, which could indicate a leak. However, you need to call a plumber to investigate the problem.
Does Anyone Regulate Home Inspectors?
Yes. Home inspectors are licensed by the Texas Real Estate Commission. Inspectors are required to use a common form and follow certain standards of practice.
A Texas REALTOR® can help with the timing of your inspection and next steps, once you get the results.
If you are a Real Estate Agent, and you represent the buyer, you have violated your fiduciary responsibility to your client if you don’t use the word “permit”.
Parking permit, drivers permit, should permit, will permit. What is your reference referring to?
Please elaborate on the context in which you are utilizing “permit”..
Thank you!
Your home inspector should inspect every nook and cranny. They’ll check every door and window, and even the roof. The home inspector will also run your water to check for potential plumbing issues. A home inspection will typically last two to three hours or more — depending on the size of the home. This post is definitely satisfying. Keep posting quality articles for your followers!
What about fence encroachment? Is veryfying the fence line listed on MLS is an actual part of the property a part of the inspection process?
Tim, that is the job of a surveyor and well outside the scope of a home inspection.
If piping is encased with foam insulation, is home inspector allowed to open foam covering to see type of piping system?
standards of practice a real estate inspection: is a limited visual survey and basic performance evaluation of the systems and components of a building using normal controls that provides information regarding the general condition of a residence at the time of inspection; is not intended to be a comprehensive investigation or exploratory probe to determine the cause or effect of deficiencies noted by the inspector; Accessible–In the reasonable judgment of the inspector, capable of being approached, entered, or viewed without: hazard to the inspector; having to climb over obstacles, moving furnishings or large, heavy, or fragile objects; using specialized equipment… Read more »
Purchased home in 2018 & inspector listed on report that plumbing system was PEX. Now selling home & new inspector find plumbing system is Kitec which was recalled in 2008 & our home was built in 2007. We wouldn’t have bought home if had know correct plumbing system without having original owner fix the problem. What can I do this is an expensive mistake & could cost us sell of our home.
Kitec is pex, just a particular name brand. Inspector is not required to disclose or determine recalled or discontinued materials
I have a question and hoping you can help. We purchased a home in Hays County, inspection was two weeks ago. Since that time I noticed front door exterior jam has water damage as well as the entryway floor, the metal threshold is missing screw and large piece broken off of it. I suspect this is where the water is come in, from roof on front porch and under threshold. I brought it to my inspectors attention and they told me they do not deal with cosmetic or normal wear and tear since that would be a slippery slop. Is… Read more »
Just learned that inspector did not inspect electrical system in house after new renters told me the oven won’t turn on and the microwave only works intermittently. What should I do?