Home Inspection FAQ

A professional home inspection is a visual inspection of the structure and components of a home. The home inspector will look for items that are deficient or not functioning, items that are unsafe or are not within the guidelines of the “Standards of Practice” established by the Texas Real Estate Commission. If a deficiency is found with the property, the inspector will include a description of the problem in the report and may recommend further evaluation by a professional in that specific area of expertise, (such as a structural engineer, electrician, etc.) . It is important to remember that a Home Inspection is basically visual in nature and non-invasive with no intrusive drilling or digging.

Once you have chosen Excel and scheduled your inspection, there are three more steps in the process:

* The Home Inspection – Inspectors meet you at the property and the actual evaluation takes place.

* The Report & Summary – given at the end of the Inspection, where the condition of the house is summarized for you and any significant defects are brought to your attention.

* Resource After The Inspection – Our inspectors are available to you after the inspection to clarify and answer any questions you may have about the inspection and report, which is part of our inspection fee. Our inspectors can be an invaluable resource for you long after you have moved in to provide you with referrals, advice, tips on home repairs, etc. Our inspectors will not charge you for phone consultations, it is part of our EXCELLANT service. If you want a repeat property visit however, an additional fee could be involved.

A quality home inspection, performed by our licensed professionals, is designed to provide you with the information you need to make a more informed decision about your potential purchase. Excel Inspection provides you the knowledge to make your purchase with confidence.

Anyone else is just looking around. ®

 

 

The scope of the inspection covers those items that are specifically requested by the sales contract property condition addendum, but is not limited to those items:

Inspection of Structural Systems:

House Foundation, Grading and Drainage

Roof Covering, Structure & Attic

Walls, Ceilings and Floors

Doors & Windows

Fireplace/Chimney

Porches, Decks and Carports

 

Inspection of Electrical Systems:

Service Entrance and Panels

Branch Circuits-Connected Devices and Fixtures

Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC Systems)

Heating Equipment

Cooling Equipment

Ducts and Vents

 

Inspection of Plumbing System:

Water Supply System & Fixtures

Drains, Wastes, Vents

Water Heating Equipment

Hydro-Therapy Equipment

 

Inspection of Appliances:

Dishwasher

Food Waste Disposer

Range Hood

Ranges/Ovens/Cook tops

Microwave Cooking Equipment

Trash Compactor

Bathroom Exhaust Fans and/or Heaters

Whole House Vacuum Systems

Garage Door Operators

Door Bell & Chime

Dryer Vents

Other Built-In Appliances

 

Inspection of Optional Systems:

Lawn Sprinkler

Swimming Pools & Equipment

Outbuildings

Outdoor Cooking Equipment

Gas Lines

Fire Protection Equipment (smoke detectors)

 

For a more comprehensive list of our Standards of Practice (or SOPs), you can go to the website of TREC: http://info.sos.state.tx.us/pls/pub/readtac$ext.ViewTAC?tac_view=5&ti=22&pt=23&ch=535&sch=R&rl=Y

Product, equipment & appliance safety recalls are not part of a normal home inspection. More specific recall information can be obtained at www.cpsc.gov/index.html .

 

 

We do not inspect septic systems, termites and other wood-destroying insects, environmental hazards, fountains, security systems or solar equipment, cosmetic items, cabinets, fences, floor coverings, water softeners, driveways and sidewalks and the self-cleaning functions of the oven.

* A home inspection is not a home warranty, implied warranty or protection against future failures. Mechanical components such as HVAC Systems can and will break down, just as roofs will need replacement. A home inspection tells you the condition of the home at the time of the inspection report only. A real estate home warranty policy can be purchased for additional reassurance.

* A home inspection is not an appraisal that determines the value and square footage of a home. A home inspector should not tell you what to pay for the property or whether to buy it or not, only what repairs might be needed. We give you the information to make that decision.

* A home inspection is not a code inspection, which verifies local building code compliance, although the TREC Inspector must be well versed in current codes. They will follow a “Standards of Practice” established by the “Texas Real Estate Commission” (TREC). Home inspectors will report findings when it comes to safety concerns that may be in the current code such as no GFCI outlets at sinks. An inspector thinks "Safety" first .. not "Code" when performing a home inspection, although some items may fall into both categories.

 

 

An inspection can last from 1-3 hours, depending on size, age & condition of the house. Our team consists of 2 home inspectors and our computer/IT person all working at the same time (a termite inspector might also be present if requested). We work for you, so we always recommend that the buyer be present so that we can answer any questions and you can see how we do our inspection. As a professional, we respect your time so our promptness and reliability is our reputation. We present the report findings and answer your questions with patience and thoroughness. We also show you digital pictures taken throughout the inspection and point out the defects in a precise, detailed manner.  We also request that you be present at the time appointed.

Being able to walk through the house and meet with the Inspector is the best option. However there are circumstances where a buyer cannot be physically present for the inspection.

If you can’t personally be present at the inspection:

* Have your Realtor, a friend or relative join the inspector at the home. Convey to them any specific questions or concerns you have so they can relay this information to the Inspector and have them take notes for you.

*Once you have received and read your report, call your inspector if you have any questions or concerns regarding the report.

 

 

 

 

 

All homes have problems, even new homes. The only question is how serious are these problems? Our inspectors understand the difference between major and minor problems and will communicate that difference.

It is up to you to decide how any defects the inspection uncovered affects your decision to purchase. If major problems are discovered, you may want to try negotiating with the seller to have them repaired before closing. The report can also be used to negotiate on the contract price. Your inspector can discuss the findings with you and help put them in the proper perspective. Your realtor can also give you insight. Ultimately, the decision rests with you. Knowing about potential problems before you buy gives you the power to make an informed and competent decision.

The right inspector, right away. ®

Computerized reports with photos will be emailed or faxed to you on the same day, generally within several hours. Once you have had an opportunity to read the report, if you have any questions just call our office and we can discuss any concerns.

Our inspection price is based on age and square footage. Separate systems such as sprinkler, zoned HVAC, swimming pools, sprinklers, spas and hot tubs will be priced additionally. If a home is on a multi-level or pier and beam type foundation, there can also be additional cost. Just call our office and we will be glad to give you a free estimate based upon those items.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Once you have scheduled the inspection, we have your time locked in.  All arrangements should be made to provide us with access or a CBS code for our Supra key.  The listing agent/owner/tenants should be notified to make sure that the time is agreeable to all parties.  Any locks or obstructions need to be removed to provide access to all attics, electrical panels, water heaters, HVAC systems, etc.

WHAT IF I NEED TO CANCEL?

If for any reason you need to cancel or reschedule, please call our office immediately.  We require a 24 hour advance notice. That gives us an opportunity to replace your inspection with other clients on stand-by.  If less than notice is given, a fee can be incurred.  If less than 2 hours notice, the fee will be equal to the cost of the inspection.  If the inspection is rescheduled, then the fee may be waived. This will be evaluated on a per case basis. Our time is valuable too, but more importantly so is each client.  Options periods are short and inspections slots are limited.