HOME INSPECTION SERVICES AUSTIN, TX

A home inspector goes through a comprehensive checklist. Nothing is hidden from them, and they look at literally everything. You should prepare for the inspection beforehand to avoid unnecessary blemishes on the report.

Here are some things to double-check before your home inspection:

• Keep receipts of any maintenance or routine services you’ve ever had on your premises will help. Organize them and have them ready to show to inspectors and buyers. For example, furnace serviced, chimney sweep, filters changed in HVAC, water heater serviced, etc.
• Clear out the clutter in spaces like the attic, garage, basement, and crawl spaces as our inspectors will need to get in there to check for moisture or perhaps damage. If they can’t access it, they’ll just mark it as “uninspectable,” which could prolong the inspection process.
• Check for clogs by running waterin every sink and bath. Clear any minor clogs before the inspection, as it can signify a plumbing issue in the report.
• Replace the filters in the HVAC system. Dirty air filters can compromise the air quality in your home and will raise a red flag for the inspector.
• Make sure the inspector can access the furnace, electrical panel, and water heater.
• Make sure all light bulbs are working and not burnt out. If your light bulbs don’t work, it could be a sign of electrical issues.
• Slope dirt away from the foundation on the exterior to avoid basement water issues, which many inspectors look for.
• Proactively address any bugs, especially carpenter ants or termites. In any case, any sign of an infestation is bad for your house.
• Put a cap on unused gas lines, chimneys, and flues to prevent debris and clogs. If the caps or lids are missing, toxic fumes could be released into the house.
• Trim trees or low-hanging branches that are too close to the roof. They can increase the possibility of roof damage and give rodents access to chimneys and other openings.
• Repair any cracked windows and broken screens.
• Lock up pets while the inspector is doing his/her job.

Buying a home is sometimes the largest single investment a homebuyer ever makes. Homebuyers should strive to learn as much as they can about the house before buying it to help minimize unpleasant surprises as well as unexpected difficulties. A home inspection may identify the need for major repairs, and maybe the need for maintenance to keep it in good shape or builder oversights.

In the most basic sense, a home inspector is a qualified professional who visually inspects the structure and components of your home and looks for any immediate or any potential problems.

They also provide a written report to you with a description of problem areas and may also highly recommend for further evaluation. If you like, you can also go over the home inspection report with your real estate agent (or broker) to decide how the results may affect the purchase of your future home.

Through the home inspection process, homebuyers can have a better understanding of their prospective house, which allows them to make informed decisions with confidence. If a homeowner is planning to sell their home, a home inspection can allow them to make repairs that will put their house in better selling condition.

During a home sale, there are two types of home inspections - a buyer’s inspection and a seller’s inspection (also known as a pre-listing inspection). A buyer’s inspection occurs after the buyer makes an offer on the home before closing the sale. After the inspection, the buyer is in a position to renegotiate their offer or request repairs if specific issues come up.

A seller’s home inspection takes place before the home is listed. Some sellers also choose to get their home inspected when they begin to prepare their house for sale to fix any potential issues beforehand and save time in the closing process.