A home inspection is an impartial third-party visual evaluation of the physical structure and systems of a home, from the rooftop down to the foundation.  The standard home inspection report will include an evaluation of the condition of the home’s foundation, grading and drainage, roof and chimney, interior and exterior walls, ceilings and floors, plumbing system, heating and cooling systems, electrical system, attic and crawl spaces, appliances, windows and doors, fireplace and much more.  Having a home inspected is like giving it a physical check-up.  If problems or symptoms are found, the inspector will refer you to an appropriate specialist or tradesperson for further evaluation.

Absolutely, it is very important.  Many people feel that the municipality inspections or a walk-through with the builder is an adequate way to inspect a new home.  When in fact, not all municipalities in Texas require new construction inspections, and when they do, the municipal inspectors spend about 15 minutes or less going through the home at any given time.  As well, they are only looking for a few specific items or issues.  A licensed professional home inspector will spend an average of 2 to 4 hours depending on the size of the home and will be looking at very specific items from top to bottom according to the TREC Standards.  Builders and Superintendents also may be reluctant to find problems with the homes that they build simply because they are built very quickly and they can only be in so many places at one time.  They are heavily dependent on their subcontractors, who are always in a hurry to finish so they can move on to the next job.

The best source to find a good reputable home inspector is from a friend, family member, or a business associate, who has been satisfied with and can recommend, a home inspector they have used.  Real Estate agents are also generally familiar with the inspection service and should be able to provide you with a list of recommended names from which to choose.   By all means, make sure that they are licensed by the State.

A home inspector is typically called right after the contract or purchase agreement has been signed, and is often available within a few days.  However, before you sign, be sure that there is an inspection clause in the contract, making your purchase obligation contingent upon the findings of a professional home inspection.  This clause should specify the terms to which both the buyer and seller are obligated.

No, it is not necessary for you to be present during the actual inspection, but it is recommended that you plan to be there at the end so that the inspector can go over the findings directly with you.  This allows the inspector one-on-one time with the home so that he can focus on his job and not have any distractions that may keep him from providing his best efforts.

Generally, the person who is requesting to have the home inspection performed will pay under most conditions. (This is typically the buyer).  I accept cash, personal checks and credit cards.

No.  A professional home inspection is a visual examination of the current condition of your prospective home.  It is not an appraisal, which determines market value, or a municipality inspection, which verities local code compliance.  A home inspector, therefore, will not pass or fail a house, but rather describe in detail its physical condition and indicate what may need repair or replacement.

There is no perfect house.  If the home inspector finds problems or issues, it does not necessarily mean you shouldn’t buy the house, only that you will know in advance what to expect.  A seller may be flexible with the purchase price or contract terms if major problems are found.  If your budget is very tight, or if you do not wish to become involved in future repair work, this information will be extremely important to you.

That depends on the type of cracks and the width of the cracks.  Minor cracking in the brick mortar and sheetrock is usually typical and caused by the movement of the home due to the soil.  However, cracks might also mean that foundation repairs are needed.  It is always a good idea to have any cracking examined by a professional.