| Home Inspection Services |
WE WILL BEAT ANY COMPETITOR'S PRICING! CLICK HERE CALL NOW FOR THE BEST IN QUALITY & PRICING YOUR HOUSTON REAL ESTATE INSPECTOR HERE ARE THE SERVICES WE PROVIDE
EACH REPORT CONTAINS DETAILED PHOTOS Optional System Inspections – Sheds, Out Buildings, Pools, Spas, Lawn Sprinklers, Septic Systems, Well Water, Outdoor Cooking or Gas Appliances Additional cost is incurred for these items. WHAT WE INSPECT EXISTING HOMES, RENTALS, INVESTMENT & COMMERCIAL PROPERTIES Existing Home – Structural Inspection This inspection covers the structure of the building in terms of materials used and type of construction. Foundation type, framing materials, and other significant sub-components are noted along with any idiosyncrasies. The inspector also checks for major or minor problems in the foundation, floor, wall, roof framing, drainage & grading. Existing Home – Electrical The electrical system is checked for sufficient capacity and safety, and evaluated in terms of its current condition and suitability for future use. Upgrades and repairs are recommended where appropriate. Existing Home – Heating and Air Conditioning The inspector assesses the capacity of the existing equipment, and by considering the age of the equipment and its intended capacity, approximates the life expectancy and recommends appropriate repairs an upgrades. Existing Home – Plumbing Piping and fixtures throughout the house are checked for function flow and life expectancies. They are screened for unsanitary conditions and potential repairs, spillage/overflow, leaks & water related damage. Laundry equipment, tile work, and domestic water heating equipment are also surveyed. Existing Home – Basement/Crawl Space/Slab Water seepage probabilities and structural problems are evaluated and remediation advice given if needed. The inspector also looks for possible problem areas that could cause structural problems, such as poor soil, surface drainage, proximity to tree roots and rotating stoops. Existing Home – Kitchen All appliances are operated and deficiencies noted. The inspector approximates the age of each piece and its life expectancy. The inspector may also, depending on the age and usefulness of the kitchen, suggested repairs ranging from addressing typical minor problems to a complete renovation, also GFCI and safety is addressed. Existing Home – Interior Walls, floors and ceiling surfaces are scanned for problematic conditions, visible evidence of water penetration, other visible damages, potentially dangerous or toxic materials, fire hazards, or security breaches. Ventilation and energy conservation aspects are checked and appropriate corrections are recommended. Existing Home – Exterior The roof (where safe and appropriate), roof runoff controls and landscape drainage are inspected and necessary improvements are recommended. Stoops, steps, walks and drives are checked for voids, surface problems and safety hazards. NEW CONSTRUCTION - PHASED INSPECTIONS New construction inspections are one of A-TEX Inspects special services. A-TEX Inspects offers phase inspections to make sure that your home is built properly from start to finish. Phase inspections are a three-step procedure: Phase One – Pre Slab Inspection We will come to the property before the foundation is poured to insure that everything from re bar to drainage to plumbing is in the proper place before concrete is poured to avoid the delays of re-pouring if something is out of place. This inspection will also ensure that re bar or post tension cables are properly spaced, site is properly prepped and pouring is consistent with current requirements. A narrative report is made available to the buyer and can be forwarded to the builder upon request. After the initial report, the inspector will return for a follow-up to guarantee that the needed corrections have been addressed and prepare an initial follow- up report. Phase Two – Pre Drywall Inspection We will return to the property before the drywall is hung and insulation put in, usually just after the code inspector has done his inspection. We will check the framing, structure, notching & boring. We ensure wiring, roof, and plumbing is in compliance with current standards. The home buyer receives a second narrative report on the items reviewed and can be forwarded to the builder upon request. The inspector will return on a 2nd follow-up to ensure the corrections have been made; we then prepare a follow-up report and submit it to the client. Phase Three – Final Inspection We will return for a final full home inspection using our comprehensive inspection guide, we evaluating all systems around the time of the final builder walk- through. The new homeowner will receive the completed inspection report for needed corrections and future reference; this will also aid them in their one-year warranty builder inspection. When the final corrections are made, we will perform the final follow-up inspection & report. ONE YEAR BUILDER WARRANTY INSPECTION We recommends that you contact us to return at your one-year mark of home ownership. We will return and perform a one-year inspection that is comprehensive and is similar to the Phase Three – Final Inspection. The advantage of this inspection allows the owner to have all issues that have occurred during the first year to be corrected. The key point here is that this inspection is performed and corrects needed are addresses to the builder before your one-year builder warranty expires. If we performed your phase inspections, we will also provide you with a free follow-up inspection after the one-year inspection is completed. This will allow us to ensure that the builder has addressed the home issues in a complete and timely manner. How to get the most from your home inspection? Tips to help us perform the most through inspection to allow you the most benefit from your inspection. 1. If the home is occupied, please inform your Realtor and the seller as to what time we will be at the home. Please plan on spending a minimum of 3 hours (depending on size of the property) at the home for the inspection. 2. If you do not have access to the home, please arrange for the owner, seller or Realtor to meet us to provide access. 3. All utilities should be turned on. This includes gas, water, and electric. If one of these systems is off, we cannot check the system and all related equipment. The inspector does not turn on or off main breakers, water or gas shut off values. 4. Pets should be restricted to a kennel or one small area. It is often good to give them a “Pets day out” during the inspection. Leashed animals can sometimes prevent us from inspecting certain areas. Loose animals can escape through access doors or windows. 5. On homes with zero lot lines, a signed permission slip from the neighbor will be needed so we gain access and inspect you adjoining property. 6. If the home has an attic access door, it should be able to be opened. Stored items in the attic should not be in a manner that they hinder or limit access to all areas of the attic, especially around the mechanical equipment and roof edges. 7. Main electrical service panels should be unobstructed. 8. Any decorative items on the hearth of the fireplace should be removed. 9. We will be unable to inspect any areas blocked or covered by storage items, decorations, or personal items. 10. All doors should be unlocked or keys for those doors made available to us during the inspection, we will be unable to inspect areas behind locked doors. 11. On pre-existing homes, please bring a copy of the disclosure statement. It is helpful to know how long sellers have lived at the home. If they had an inspection within the last 4 years, it is often disclosed on line 6 of the disclosure statement. Ask for a copy of the report. 12. Please ask for all invoices, warranties and related paperwork on repairs that have been performed on the home. Please provide this information during the inspection. QUESTIONS & ANSWERS What is a real estate inspection? 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. Arm 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 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’s 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 not performed good work. Why do I, as a current 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 them early will allow you to address them before listing your home, making for a faster and smoother sale. What will my inspection report contain? Your report will be very detailed in nature, it will consist of a written report of 30-35 pages depending on the property conditions, and digital photos showing details illustrations of areas or items of concern. When should I call Robert & A-TEX Inspects? 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. Can I do the 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 be there? 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 a Home Inspection include? 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 System 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 Pool, Spa & Hydro Therapy Systems, Lawn Sprinklers, Out-buildings, Sheds, Outdoor Cooking or Gas Appliances, Septic Systems & Water Wells How long will the Inspection process take? The time will vary depending on both the size and condition of the home. For most homes, 3 hours is fairly typical. But for larger homes, or homes in poor condition, it may take longer. Commercial inspections vary by the size and detail of the inspection. What is a phase inspection? Inspections conducted at various stages of the building process. 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 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. Why can't I do the Inspection myself? Chances are that even if you are very familiar with home construction, you still don't have the knowledge, training and experience of a professional Home Inspector. We are not only familiar with all the systems of a home, and how they work and need to be maintained, but we also know what to look for to tell us that they are getting ready to fail. But beyond the technical expertise and experience a professional inspector brings, it is important to remember that the inspector remains an impartial third party. If you are involved in buying or selling a house, it’s impossible for you to remain completely unemotional about the house, and this may cloud your judgment. The professional inspector will provide an objective outside reporting of the facts. What if the Inspection uncovers problems? Our report will tell you the condition of the house, including needed repairs. No house is going to be perfect. It is up to you to decide how any problems the inspection uncovers might affect your decision to purchase. If major problems are discovered, you may want to try negotiating with the seller to have them repaired before closing the deal. Or perhaps the seller will lower the price, or offer more favorable contract terms. In the end, the decision rests with you, but knowing about potential problems, before you buy, gives you the power to make the best decisions. Will you fix the problems you find during the Inspection? No. The code of ethics of The Texas Real Estate Commission prohibits any home inspectors from doing repair work on properties they inspect. This assures that there will never be any conflict of interest by the inspector. Our purpose is to provide an unbiased, objective third party report on the condition of the home. _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ COMMERCIAL SECTION - QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Is a Commercial Inspection the same as a Home Inspection? A commercial inspection is much more inclusive than a home inspection: It includes any and all features of the property that can safely be tested or inspected, not just a predetermined list that excludes non-standard items such as roof- mounted HVAC equipment, elevators, industrial machinery, or even a water tower. The inspection is only limited by what is accessible, visible, and safe to test, as well as what you, the buyer want to have inspected or omitted. Why do I need a Commercial Inspection? You need a commercial inspection of property you are considering buying or leasing for the same reasons as a home inspection, plus some others that are unique to a commercial property such as: You are about to open a business with customers walking through your doors, or workers coming there every day to work, or whatever the nature of your business will be. You want your place of business to be a safe place to be, as well as know that everything "is working" the way it should. A leaking roof or bad air conditioner or power that "goes out" all the time can disrupt your business and cost you sales. You need to be able to concentrate on your business, not your building. You need the peace of mind that comes from knowing your building and it's systems have been carefully checked out and there will not be any "surprises" while you're trying to run a business. What does a Commercial Inspection include? In ALL cases, our Commercial Inspection includes the heating and air conditioning systems, plumbing and electrical systems, roof, foundation, attic and visible insulation, walls, doors, windows and all visible structures. It also includes whatever else you choose to have inspected or omitted that is safe and accessible to test. This can be industrial machinery, or whatever other special equipment is installed in the building you are considering. Do I need to be there during the Inspection? If there is machinery or equipment that is unique to your business and requires expertise to properly test and/or inspect, then you or someone experienced with the equipment should be there. If not, it is up to you whether you want to be there. We highly recommend that you be present. Its a valuable learning experience for most people and will help you get the most benefit from the inspection. By following the inspector you can ask questions directly and the inspector can explain maintenance tips for specific areas. We feel you’ll be able to best understand the finished report and get the most benefit from it by having been there during the inspection. How long will the Inspection take? It can be anything from 3 - 5 hours. The time will vary depending on both the size and what is to be inspected. What will your report tell me? Our professionally prepared, full report will list all the structural components of the building such as foundation, walls, floors, ceilings, roof, and basement(if any), as well as all the operational systems in the building, such as plumbing, heating, electrical, fire safety, and any specialized systems that are unique to this business or building. Our full report will go into detail on each structural and system component, describing it, and telling what condition it is in. If there are any problems, the report will make recommendations of what is needed to correct the problem. Our standard report is a FULL report. You can order a full report, or choose to omit parts of it... If, for example, you know you will be replacing the roof, there is no need to inspect the current roof. What if the Inspection uncovers problems? Our report will not only tell you the condition of the building and it's systems, it will lay out what the needed repairs and expenses will be. Our report will not simply be a list of meaningless complaints. We will tell you what MUST be fixed NOW, what SHOULD be fixed SOON, and what can be put off for later when your cash flow catches up. We will tell you what you have to do to open your doors for business in this building. It is up to you to decide how any problems the inspection uncovers might affect your decision to purchase or lease. If major problems are discovered, you may want to try negotiating with the seller to have them repaired before closing the deal. Or perhaps the seller will lower the price, or offer more favorable contract terms. In the end, the decision rests with you, but knowing about potential problems, before you buy, gives you the power to negotiate and make the best decisions. Will you fix the problems you find during the Inspection? No. A-TEX Inspects does not do repair work on properties we inspect. This assures that there will never be any conflict of interest by the inspector. Our purpose is to provide an unbiased, objective third party report on the condition of your commercial building. |
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| SUPRA Key Maintained for Scheduling Convenience |
| Member: Houston Association of Realtors |
TO AID IN THE INSPECTION PROCESS WE USE GAS
DETECTORS, MOISTURE METERS, INFRARED DETECTORS,
LEVELING DEVICES AND ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT ANALYZERS.
DETECTORS, MOISTURE METERS, INFRARED DETECTORS,
LEVELING DEVICES AND ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT ANALYZERS.
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