Home Inspection Checklist: Here’s What To Look For

When you are a new homebuyer in Texas, you will have many questions when buying a home↗. Since it will be your first time going through the process, there will be many new experiences. One of the essential parts of this process is the home inspection. You, and your lender, will want to ensure you’re investing your hard-earned dollars into a property that is in excellent condition. If it’s not, they need to know that you’re willing to put the work into to get it there. Here’s what you can expect during your home inspection.

What is a home inspection?

When you purchase a new home, you will be required to have your home inspected by a third-party who can check the condition of the house for your lender. The inspector should detail the major components of your home, both on the exterior and the interior. Still, they will not be able to check anything they can not easily see. An inspector won’t be able to get inside your walls or check pipes, but they can typically give you a good idea of the home’s condition. The sale of your new home will depend on whether or not the house passes inspection, or if there are fixable issues and how they’ll be resolved.

When you’re buying the home, you will be responsible for the cost of the inspection, which can cost between $300 to $700. You may not notice issues during an open house or from photos online. The inspector will do a deep dive and check the structure of the home, the walls, the electrical, the plumbing, and the HVAC system. It would be best if you considered saving some extra money if you needed to call in a specialist for asbestos or mold. Once the inspection is complete, you can decide whether you’d like to proceed with the sale.

How do you find an excellent inspector?

Finding an inspector can be simple, but finding a great one will likely require some research.

In Texas, there are many inexperienced inspectors because the American Society of Home Inspectors only requires 250 inspections in order to become certified. It’s best if you find a professional who has at least 1,500 under their belt.

Note that liability insurance is not a requirement for inspectors in Texas, but it’s highly recommended that you find one that has it, to protect both them and you.

While an inspection is not a guarantee that your home is in tip-top shape, some Texas inspectors will offer a 90-day warranty on their services. This is a sign of a professional company with integrity.

You may be able to get a recommendation from family or friends for an inspector they’ve used in the past if they’ve had a great experience. Your realtor may be able to recommend someone if they have a qualified inspector they’ve used in the past. Just ensure they have all your desired qualities before hiring them.

What does a Texas home inspection include?

In Texas, your inspection will not guarantee every hazard. You should make sure that you can be present for the review, and pay close attention to what your inspector is doing. If you have any questions, a professional will be happy to provide you with the best possible answer.

The inspector will take a look at the exterior of the home. They will check for

Any cracks in the siding or stucco, if the surface is weathered, or if it’s been repaired
Structural integrity and quality of walkways, patios, sidewalks, driveways, and decks
Warping around doors, windows, storm doors, and screens on windows and doors
Light fixtures on the exterior of the home
Condition of any existing chimney

When the inspector moves to the interior of the home, they will check

The plumbing system: fixtures, toilets, spigots, jet tubs, and showerheads
The air conditioning system is vital to ensure it’s in working order
Electrical outlets should be in working order and have proper grounding
All smoke detectors, ceilings, walls, stairs, railings, and flooring

If the inspector can get to the attic and the crawl space quickly and easily, they will check for proper ventilation, structure, and safety. If the home is vacant before the sale, the owner should make sure the utilities are on for demonstration. All appliances will be checked to ensure they’re in working order. Still, the inspector cannot confirm whether or not they were installed according to the manufacturer’s guidelines.

After your inspection

Once your inspection is completed, you can decide whether or not you want to proceed with the sale.

If there is significant damage, you may decide that you’d instead go back to the drawing board and search for a different home.

If there is substantial damage, you may negotiate a better price to cover the costs of repairs.

If the damage is cosmetic and something you planned on changing anyway, you may want to continue the purchase without negotiation. If the inspection comes back clean, you are ready to purchase your new home! No inspection will be perfect, so you should expect there to be some minor issues at the very least.

Buying a new Texas home is an exciting endeavor, especially for the first time, and relocating can be stressful, so check out these handy tips for relocation↗ if you plan on moving in 2020. Choosing a professional and reputable inspector will ensure your new home is adequately checked before you make your most significant investment. Finding an inspector with a high level of experience, liability insurance, and who is there to provide an excellent customer experience for their clients are great qualities to look for.

Sources:

Author Bio:

Kurtis Forster↗ is a real estate agent for Team Forster in London, Ontario. He brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise about buying and selling real estate.

Brennan

Published: July 01, 2020

Updated: July 13, 2021

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