FAQs
At Austin Inspection Services, we believe there are ten important common questions you should consider before you select your property home inspector. If you have additional questions beyond to the 10 listed below, or would like more information about any of these, please give us a call and we will gladly take the time to answer them for you.
1. What will a Texas property inspection cover?
The inspector should ensure that their inspection and the inspection report you receive will meet all applicable requirements from the state of Texas. It will also 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. You can download a sample inspection report from us to see what to expect from our home inspectors. If there are any areas you want to make sure are inspected, be sure to identify them upfront with your home inspector.
2. How long have you been practicing in the home/commercial inspection profession and how many inspections have you completed?
The inspector should be able to provide his or her history in the profession, show proof of licensing in Texas, and perhaps even give a few names as referrals. The inspector should also have a license number that you can look up at TREC – Texas Real Estate Commission. Newer inspectors can still be very qualified, and many work with a partner or have access to more experienced inspectors to assist them in the inspection.
3. Are you specifically experienced in residential inspection?
If you need a residential home inspected, hire a residential property inspector. Related experience in construction or engineering is helpful, but it is no substitute for training and experience in the unique discipline of residential home inspection. If the inspection is for a commercial property, then this should be asked about as well.
4. Do you offer to do repairs or improvements based on the inspection?
Some inspector associations and state regulations allow the inspector to perform repair work on problems that are uncovered from the inspection. Other associations and regulations strictly forbid this as a conflict of interest. It is good to know if your inspector will offer that service or a list of contacts for professional repair services.
5. How long will the home inspection take?
The average on-site inspection time for a single home inspector is 1 ½ to 3 hours depending on the condition and size of the property. Anything significantly less may not be enough time to perform a thorough inspection. Additional inspectors may be brought in for very large properties and buildings.
6. How much will a home inspection cost?
Costs can vary dramatically, depending on the level and type of inspection. The main factors are the property floor area, property geographical location and the inspector’s qualifications. A typical range might be $225–$500, but consider the value of the home inspection in terms of the long term investment being made. Inspection cost does not necessarily reflect quality.
7. What type of inspection report do you provide and how long will it take to receive the report?
Ask to see a sample report and determine whether or not you can understand the inspector’s reporting style and if the time parameters fulfill your needs. At Austin Inspection Services, our property inspectors provide their full report within 24 hours of the inspection. The report can also be downloaded again later if needed.
8. Will I be able to attend the inspection?
As the prospective buyer, you should always be allowed to follow along during the inspection process. This is a valuable educational opportunity, and an inspector’s refusal to allow this should raise red flags. Never pass up this opportunity to see your prospective home through the eyes of an expert inspector.
9. Do you maintain membership in a professional home inspector association?
There are many state and national associations for home inspectors in Texas. You should always request to see their membership ID, and perform whatever due diligence you deem appropriate.
10. Do you participate in continuing education programs to keep your expertise up to date?
One can never know it all, and the property inspector’s commitment to continuing education is a good measure of their professionalism and service to the home buyer. This is especially important in cases where the home is much older or includes unique elements requiring additional or updated training.
