Before you make your final buying or selling decision, you should have the home inspected by a professional. An inspection can alert you to potential
problems with a property and allow you to make an informed decision. Ask these questions to prospective home inspectors:
What is a real estate inspection?
Let's face it not all home builders are created equally. Some builders create great homes, and unfortunately, some don't. A real estate inspection is a
visual examination of the systems and components of a structure. No destructive probing will be performed. The inspector will report on systems and
structures that are readily available. If the property owner is present, inaccessible systems can easily be made accessible to the inspector. The inspector
however will not enter any area or structure that they deem to be unsafe or that by doing so may cause property damage.
Why should I have a real estate inspection?
The purchase of real estate is quite possibly your largest investment. As with any investment, it is prudent to research all aspects of the transaction. A
professional real estate inspection is one focus of that research. The inspection and report will inform you to the properties current condition and well as
indications of future conditions. Armed with this knowledge, you will be able evaluate this transaction and determine requirements to maintain and protect
your investment for years to come.
Does a newly constructed home really need an Inspection?
Absolutely, a professional inspection of a new home is important. We can spot potential problems early, while they are still easy to correct. It is especially
valuable to arrange an inspection before the interior walls are finished. As building professionals, we may find problem areas where the builder has taken
shortcuts or performed poor work.
Why do I, as a current Houston home owner need an inspection?
If your home is new, 2 years old or less, it's recommended to have a trained inspector identify areas of concern before your builders warranty expires. If
your home is older, it's recommended to have a trained inspector identify issues and concerns with you property before they become expense nightmares.
Preventive maintenance can allow you to avoid costly repairs in the future. If you are selling your home, a listing inspection will point out any potential
problems that might be uncovered later by the buyer’s inspector. Finding these issues out early will allow you to address them before listing your home,
making for a faster and smoother sale.
Can I do the home inspection myself?
Even the most experienced homeowner will not have the in-depth knowledge required to safely check all the components of a real estate system. Typically
you will have extensive knowledge of a particular system, but the inspector is trained to provide you an in-depth and comprehensive report. He understands
the system approach and how these relate to each other to provide the highest level of quality and assurance.
Should I attend the home inspection?
Definitely! We strongly recommend that you plan on coming at the end of the inspection so that we can show you what we have discovered and review
what will be in the final report. We want you to fully understand your new home and its systems. It's a valuable learning experience for most people and will
help you get the most benefit from the inspection. You can ask questions directly and the inspector can explain maintenance tips for specific areas. Your
inspector will let you know the appropriate time when you schedule your inspection. If you can't be at the inspection, we can arrange a telephone
consultation to review the report with you.
What does your inspection cover?
The inspector should ensure that their inspection and inspection report will meet all applicable requirements in your state if applicable and will comply with a
well-recognized standard of practice and code of ethics. You should be able to request and see a copy of these items ahead of time and ask any questions
you may have. If there are any areas you want to make sure are inspected, be sure to identify them upfront.
Our standard inspection report covers all the major systems and structural elements of the house. Your inspection will cover the following: Structural
Systems(Foundation, Roof; Attic Structure, Grading; Drainage, Gutters; Down Spouts, Attic Insulation, Flooring, Walls, Ceiling, Stairs, Balconies, Railing,
Doors-Interior; Exterior, Porches, Decks; Carports, Plumbing Systems, Water Supply Systems; Fixtures, Drains, Waste; Vents, Water Heating Equipment,
Electrical Systems Service Entrance, Distribution Panels; Branch Circuits, Mechanical Systems - Heating, Ventilation; A/C Heating Equipment, Cooling
Equipment, Ducts, Vents; Fireplaces and Solid Fuel Systems, Smoke and Fire Alarm Systems, Appliances, Dish washer, Food Waste Disposal, Range
Hood, Ranges, Ovens; Cook Tops, Microwave Cooking Equipment, Trash Compactor; Other Major Build-in Appliances, Household Exhaust Fans, Garage
Door Systems, Door Bell; Chimes, and Whole Home Vacuum Systems, Optional Systems. See pricing page for additional price list for Pools, Spas; Hydro
Therapy Systems, Lawn Sprinklers, Out-buildings, Sheds, Outdoor Cooking or Gas Appliances, Septic Systems and Water Wells.
ATEX Inspects will perform a thorough and detailed evaluation of all aspects of the Houston real estate property you are purchasing, from the roof to the
foundation and all areas in between. Your home inspection includes the following: foundation conditions, structural integrity, plumbing and electrical
conditions, interior & exterior walls, doors, cabinets, home drainage, attic and roof structures, ventilation and insulation properties. Your home inspection
also includes all appliances, gas fixtures & lines, HVAC systems, but is not limited to these alone, we also inspect over 200 other individual items.
What will my home inspection report contain?
Your report will be very detailed in nature, consisting of a written report of 30-35 pages depending on the property conditions, and digital photos showing
details illustrations of areas or items in need of repair.
What is a new home phase inspection?
Inspections conducted at various stages of the building process. This inspection is typically performed at the pre-pour concrete phase, plumbing and
electrical rough in or the open-frame phase, sheet rocking and fixtures phase and final completion phase.
Should I consider Houston home inspectors who offer on-site reports?
Be aware of inspectors who offer on site reports. How much preparation and attention is being put into instant reports. Often photos will show more that
what was revealed at a first glance. Inspectors offering on-site reports often deliver quantity versus quality.
When should I call Robert & A-TEX Inspects for my Houston home inspection?
Call for an inspection prior to signing any binding or obligating real estate documents, or before you begin your building or listing phase of your real estate
transaction. You should also contact us prior to the end of your Houston home builder's one year warranty.
How long have you been practicing in the home inspection profession?
The inspector should be able to provide his or her history in the profession and perhaps even a few names as referrals. Newer inspectors can be very
qualified, and many work with a partner or have access to more experienced inspectors to assist them in the inspection.
Robert Welch, PRI has been performing home inspection services and assisting home buyers and sellers in the greater Houston, Texas are with their home
inspection needs for several years.
Will your inspection meet recognized standards?
Ask whether the inspection and the inspection report will meet all state requirements and comply with a well-recognized standard of practice and code of
ethics. Our inspection services meet all the Texas Real Estate Commission and Texas requirement for professional real estate inspection services.
How do you keep your expertise up to date?
Inspectors’ commitment to continuing education is a good measure of their professionalism and service. Advanced knowledge is especially important in
cases in which a home is older or includes unique elements requiring additional or updated training. One can never know it all, and the inspector's
commitment to continuing education is a good measure of his or her professionalism and service to the consumer. This is especially important in cases
where the home is much older or includes unique elements requiring additional or updated training.
At ATEX Inspects, we maintain at least three times the state required continuing education requirements for licensed professional real estate inspectors.
We have performed inspection services for clients purchasing homes new homes up to homes that were built in the 1900's.
Do you focus on residential inspection?
Make sure the inspector has training and experience in the unique discipline of home inspection, which is very different from inspecting commercial
buildings or a construction site. If your customers are buying a unique property, such as a historic home, they may want to ask whether the inspector has
experience with that type of property in particular.
Although we perform commercial real estate inspection services, 90 percent of our inspection business is obtained through residential home inspection
services.
Will you offer to do repairs or improvements on items discovered during your home inspection? Can you refer me to someone who can
perform the necessary repairs?
In the state of Texas, it is forbidden and against the law to offer to provide repair work on problems uncovered during the inspection.
ATEX Inspects and Robert Welch, PRI does not offer to make any necessary repairs that are discovered during the home inspection process. We also do
not refer home inspection clients to general contractors, licensed tradesmen or craftsmen to make necessary repairs. We consider such actions as a
conflict of interest against our clients. We represent your interest and only your interest.
How long will the inspection take?
On average, an inspector working alone inspects a typical single-family house in two to three hours; anything significantly less may not be thorough. If your
customers are purchasing an especially large property, they may want to ask whether additional inspectors will be brought in.
Our inspection services take 2-3 hours and another 1-2 hours to completely and accurately document and complete the detailed inspection report. That's a
total of 3-5 hours spent per home inspection, larger and older homes require even more time.
What’s the cost for the home inspection?
Costs can vary dramatically, depending on your region, the size and age of the house, and the scope of services. Our home inspection fees average
$250-$300 per home, but customers with large homes can expect to a little pay more. Customers should be wary of deals that seem too good to be true.
Pricing does vary by region and size of the home, most inspectors charge more for older homes or homes with numerous issues or faults.
At ATEX Inspects, we do not charge more for older homes are homes in need of significant repairs. We do continue to remain competitive with our pricing
schedules in order to offer our clients the best possible inspection services available in the Houston real estate market while delivering the highest degree
of standards in inspection services.
What type of inspection report do you provide and how long will it take to receive the report?
Ask to see samples to determine whether you will understand the inspector's reporting style.
ATEX Inspects uses the latest home inspection equipment and software to evaluate and conduct our inspection services. We also provides our client's
home inspection report the night the home inspection is performed. No other Houston real estate inspector offers this degree of inspection service to their
home inspection clients.
Contact Robert, Your Houston Home Inspector today to begin your real estate inspection process:
By Email At: robert@atexinspects.com
By Phone At: 281-216-1171
Ten Important Questions to Ask Your Home Inspector |
| Ask Questions - Find The Right Houston Home Inspector |