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Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Home Inspection?
What Does a Home Inspection Include?
When Do I Consult with an Inspector?
Do Buildings "Pass" or "Fail" Inspections?
What if the Report Reveals Major Problems?
If There are No Major Problems, Why do I Need an Inspection?
Why Do I Need a Home Inspection?
Can I Inspect the Building Myself?
Can my Contractor Friend or Relative Inspect the Building?
What Will a Home Inspection Cost?
Should I Attend the Inspection?
How Do I Find a Qualified Inspector?
What Is ASHI?
What is a Home Inspection? (Back to top)
An inspection is a visual examination of the structure and systems of a building. If you are considering buying a home, condominium or manufactured home, you should have it thoroughly inspected before the final purchase by an experienced and impartial professional inspector.
What Does a Home Inspection Include? (Back to top)
Complete Home Inspections in Dallas Texas, include a visual examination of the building from the foundation to the roof. The inspector evaluates and reports the condition of the structure, roof, foundation, drainage, plumbing, heating system, central air-conditioning system, visible insulation, walls, windows, and doors. Only those items that are visible and accessible by ordinary means are included in the report.
When Do I Consult with an Inspector? (Back to top)
The best time to consult the inspector is right after you’ve made an offer on your new home. The Texas real estate contract usually allows for an option period during which you can inspect the building. Ask your REALTOR® to include this inspection clause in the contract, making your purchase obligation contingent upon the findings of professional Home Inspections in Dallas TX.
Do Buildings "Pass" of "Fail" Inspections? (Back to top)
No. A professional inspection is simply an examination of the current condition of your prospective real estate purchase. It is not an appraisal or a municipal code inspection. An inspector, therefore, will not pass or fail a building, but will simply inform you of its condition and indicate which items will be in need of minor or major repairs or replacement.
What if the Report Reveals Major Problems? (Back to top)
If the inspector finds major problems in a building, it does not necessarily mean you shouldn’t buy it, only that you will know in advance what type of repairs to expect. A seller may be willing to make repairs because of significant problems discovered by the inspector. Sellers (except for homebuilders) in the State of Texas are required by law to disclose any known defects to future prospective buyers.
If There are No Major Problems, Why do I Need an Inspection? (Back to top)
You can now make your purchase with peace of mind about the condition of the property and its equipment and systems. You will have learned many things about your property from the inspection report, and will want to keep that information for your future reference. Most important of all, you can rest assured that you are making a well-informed purchase decision and that you will be able to enjoy or occupy your new home or building the way you anticipated.
Why Do I Need a Home Inspection? (Back to top)
The purchase of a home is likely to be, for most of us, the largest single investments we will ever make. You should know exactly what to expect --- both indoors and out -- in terms of needed and future repairs and maintenance. Recent exterior or interior paint may be obscuring serious structural problems. Stains on the ceiling may indicate a past roof leakage problem or may be simply the result of a single event. The inspector interprets these and other evidence, then presents a professional judgment as to the condition of the property so you can avoid unexpected surprises later. Of course, good Home Inspections in Dallas, will also point out the positive aspects of a building, as well as the type of maintenance needed to keep it in good shape. After the inspection, you will have a much clearer understanding of the property you are about to purchase, and be able to make your decision confidently.
As a seller, if you have owned your building for a period of time, an inspection can make you aware of potential problems in the sale of your building and can recommend preventive measures which might avoid future costly repairs.
Can I Inspect the Building Myself? (Back to top)
Even the most experienced building or homeowner lacks the knowledge and expertise of a professional inspector who has inspected thousands of homes and buildings in their career. An inspector is equally familiar with the critical elements of construction and with the proper installation, maintenance and inter-relationships of these elements. Above all, most buyers find it difficult to remain completely objective and unemotional about the building they really want or the one in which they live, and this may lead to a poor assessment.
Can my Contractor Friend or Relative Inspect the Building? (Back to top)
The art of inspecting a building requires many skills that cannot be acquired in the construction trades. Much like a traffic patrolman is not qualified to act as a homicide detective, a contractor is not trained in the art of building inspections. In the State of Texas only licensed Home Inspectors or Professional Engineers are qualified to inspect buildings for a fee.
What Will a Home Inspection Cost? (Back to top)
The inspection fee for a typical single-family house or condominium in the Metroplex varies from firm to firm, as does the cost of housing. The inspection fees charged by different inspection services may vary depending upon the size of the building, particular features of the building, age, type of structure, etc. However, the cost should not be a factor in the decision whether or not to have a physical inspection. You might save many times the cost of Home Inspections in Dallas TX, if you are able to have the seller perform repairs based on significant problems revealed by the inspector. Consult your professional REALTOR® for guidance.
Should I Attend the Inspection? (Back to top)
Yes. By meeting with the inspector at the conclusion of his inspection, you will learn about the new building and get some tips on general maintenance information that will be of great help to you after you’ve moved in.
How Do I Find a Qualified Inspector? (Back to top)
There are several ways of choosing an inspector for your new property. The best way is to visit the ASHI Web Site. Personal contacts, either from prior Home Inspections or from a friend, relative, or business associate who has had a recent inspection is another, though less scientific, method. Another alternative is to ask your REALTOR® who he or she would recommend. Most inspection services promote their business with brochures through the real estate offices. Many claim that their reports meet or follow ASHI Standards of Practice. Do not be fooled; look for the ASHI emblem on these brochures. Only inspectors who meet ASHI’s rigorous professional and educational requirements may qualify or advertise themselves as members.
In 1976, a group of visionary home inspectors established the American Society of Home Inspectors, a not-for-profit membership organization. Their goal was to build consumer awareness of home inspection and to enhance professionalism by developing high Standards of Practice and a Code of Ethics.
Today, ASHI is the largest and most respected professional association for home inspectors in North America, with more than 5500 members. ASHI's Standards of Practice, covering all of a home's major systems, are specifically noted in state and federal legislation and recognized by consumers as the definitive standard for professional home inspection.
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For More Information Contact:
Aaron's Home Inspections
Aaron D. Miller, CEI, CMI, CRI, RCI
Residential Construction Consultant
7401 Vineyard Trail
Garland, TX 75044-2144
USA
Phone: 214-616-0112
Fax: 972-675-6371
info@aaronsinspections.com
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