Frequently Asked Questions about Home Inspections

The following is a small sampling of some of the most common questions we get asked about home inspections in San Antonio. We’ve compiled this list to help provide home buyers and home owners a quick reference on items pertaining to the home inspection process and what it entails. While many of the topics covered in this FAQ apply to how home inspections are performed throughout the country, some items do pertain specifically to home inspectors in San Antonio and the State of Texas, as we are regulated directly by the Texas Real Estate Commission and their Standards of Practice.

This list is not exhaustive, but it can be difficult to navigate because of size: try using the “Cntrl+F” command for Windows users or similar “find” feature in your phone’s browser in order to quickly find the pages relevant to your question. If you can’t find the answer to your question in one of the links below, please don’t hesitate to call us at 210.276.1614 or email us at Info@EnsureInspections.com.

 

• Do You Have a Home Inspection Checklist?
• What Tools Does a Home Inspector Use?
• How Do You Pass a Home Inspection?
• Are Home Inspections Tax Deductible?
• Who Usually Attends a Home Inspection?
• Do Sellers Get a Copy of the Inspection Report?
• Is the Home Inspection Part of the Closing Costs?
• Can a Home Inspector Condemn a House?
• Does a Home Inspector Check for Mold?
• Do Home Inspectors Check for Lead Paint?
• Do Home Inspectors Check for Asbestos?
• Does a Home Inspector Check for “Chinese Drywall”?
• Does a Home Inspector Check for Rats/Vermin/Pests?
• Does a Home Inspector Check for Termites?
• Do Home Inspectors Check Appliances?
• Does a Home Inspector Look at Water Softeners?
• Does a Home Inspector Look at Solar Panels?
• Does a Home Inspector Look at Security Systems, Audio Systems or Low Voltage Wiring?
• Are You a Mobile Home Inspector?
• What Are the Home Inspection Requirements of a VA Loan?
• Do You Perform “4-Point” Inspections?
• Do You Need a License to be a Home Inspector in Texas?

 

When Should I Schedule the Home Inspection?

As soon as possible! Ideally, you will have your home inspector line-out so that as soon as you come under contract on your home, your inspector can be there the next day. Option periods are typically 7 days, but its not uncommon for 5 or even 3 day option periods depending on circumstances. You will need every extra day in order to come up with a punch-list and get estimates on repairs.

How Long Does The Typical House Inspection Last?

Typically about 3 hours for a home that is 2000 square feet and less than 20 years old. Factors such as size, age, overall condition, and additional services performed can dramatically increase this time.

Do Home Inspectors Move Things in Occupied Homes?

No. Home inspectors are not required to move things in order to inspect, and we don’t because if we do move something and it breaks, we get blamed for it and the seller will be really mad. So we inspect things how they are.

Do I Need to be Present For The House Inspection?

Not at all. As long as your inspector has access to the areas that need to be inspected, either by Supra-Ekey, combination lockbox, or occupant granting access, you don’t need to be there. We do recommend you attend the end of the inspection to review the inspector’s findings when possible.

How Do I Pay?

In person, you may pay with cash, check, or credit/debit card. If you can’t be present for the inspection, let us know and we’ll send you an invoice that you can pay via credit or debit card online. No checks of any sort are accepted.

Do I Need to Sign Anything?

As soon as you book your inspection, we’ll email you a copy of our pre-inspection agreement. This agreement can be digitally signed and sent back to us.

When Do I Get The Inspection Report?

You’ll receive the inspection report before 9 a.m. the following morning in most instances. You are always free to contact your inspector if you would like a brief rundown of our findings before recieving the report.

What Do I Do if the Home Inspection Reveals the House Has Problems?

First, all houses have problems. Brand new houses have problems. Old houses typically have a lot of problems. If the home inspection reveals problems, then you and your agent should decide what you want to ask the seller to correct or provide credits towards repair. In some cases, the house has too many problems or a few really big problems, and in that case you walk away from the house and find another. Life goes on.

Can a Home Inspector Perform Repairs on a Home they have Inspected?

No. Technically, someone from the same company can perform repairs or any other work on a property that has been inspected, but if a home inspector performs a real estate inspection on a property, then they cannot legally perform any type of repairs on the structure for at least 12 months.