[Buyers & Sellers Home Inspections]

Are you interested in selling / buying a home in the Houston area? ! Whether you are a First-Time home buyer in Houston or an Experienced Investment home buyer, you can surely benefit from the insight gained by having your property Inspected by a Professional Houston Home Inspector !

 

WHY IS IT SO IMPORTANT TO HAVE YOUR HOUSTON AREA HOME OR COMMERCIAL PROPERTY INSPECTED BY A PROFESSIONAL REAL ESTATE INSPECTOR?

Whether you’re a seller or buyer of an existing Houston, Texas home, you have tremendous benefits to gain from our professional Houston home inspection services.  We offer the a full range of Professional Home and commercial real estate inspection services and the best possible prices found in the Houston, Texas area.  Our customer satisfaction and home inspection reputation is second to none.  Visit our website Reviews page to gain a full appreciation of our excellent customer services, client reviews and great inspection pricing.  We are your preferred property inspector in the greater Houston, Texas area, providing a full range of home inspection services.

 

Our customer satisfaction and HOUSTON Home Inspection Reputation is a clear demonstration of our experience and expertise in the building inspection industry.  [Click Here] to gain a full appreciation of our customer service satisfaction and how we have help hundreds of families like yours find the right Houston area home.  We are your preferred property inspectors in Houston, Texas  providing a full range of home inspection services.  
 

HOUSTON HOME & COMMERCIAL SERVICES INCLUDE ALL OF THE FOLLOWING INSPECTION AREAS AND MORE!    LOOKING FOR A HOME INSPECTOR IN KATY INSTEAD? CLICK HERE!

  

STRUCTURAL

During the HOUSTON PROPERTY Inspection the foundation will be checked for visible signs of settlement and abnormal defects through a thorough visual inspection of the foundation, home’s structure, exterior slab face, interior and exterior windows, doors and framing.

| Identify the type of foundation and determine if the foundation is performing properly  

|   Inspect the foundation, related structural components and slab surface where possible  

|   Inspect the crawl space area of pier / block and beam construction to determine the general condition of the foundations structural components  

|   Inspect the area on pier / block and beam homes for proper crawl space ventilation  

|   Observe the site for conditions which may be adversely affecting the foundations performance, such as improper grading and drainage, plumbing leaks and or ponding

 

GRADING AND DRAINAGE SYSTEMS

Drainage Systems remove subsurface and surface water from property .   Improper grading and drainage of the property can result in foundation problems and possible structural water penetration .   Observing the grading and drainage situation of a home is critical in areas of expansive clay, such as Houston .   Approximately 80% of foundation problems are caused by poor drainage, the property should slope and have swales cut so that water drains away from the structure.

 

ROOFING

A HOUSTON HOME INSPECTION covers all accessible Roof Systems and Surfaces  .    Roof surfaces are observed from ground level or from a ladder (depending on conditions).    If abnormalities in the roof surface are noticed the inspector may walk on some roof surfaces to better evaluate its condition.

 

Roofing Structure & Attic

During the Home Inspection the Inspector will Inspect the roof structure and attic area, observing the following:  

 Inspect the condition of the roof structure and sheathing:  

|    Observing for evidence of moisture penetration  

|    Verify that there is proper bracing for the roof structure
in the attic area  

|    Observe for the presence of adequate attic space ventilation  

|    Identify that there is Fire stopping at the chimneys where necessary, in the attic breezeways between attached garages and between the units in townhouses and condominiums  

|    Inspect for separations at the rafters and ridge that may have been caused by foundation settlement  

|    Observe openings or gaps at the exterior of the roof structure that may allow small animal or insect infestation  

|    Inspect for eave vent screens blocked by insulation or torn allowing Insect Infestation  

|   Inspect the attic ladder to insure that it is properly secured and installed

|    Observe the presence and approximate depth of insulation

 

WALLS [INTERIOR & EXTERIOR]

During the Home Inspection all interior & exterior walls will be checked for deficiencies

 

Ceilings and Floors

Some of the common problems found when Inspecting Ceilings and Floors In Houston Homes are:

|   Evidence of water penetration on ceilings and floors will be checked with a moisture meter to determine if the leak is active  

|    Evidence of Insect Infestation 

 |    Not level or uneven flooring will be checked with a laser level to determine the severity of this condition  

|    The safety and proper operation of the attic access ladder  

|   Cracks in any of the sheet rock ceilings that may be indications of more than normal movement in the structure  

|    Proper structural support of the ceilings and floors  

|    Cracks in tiled floors
 

Interior and Exterior Doors

During the HOUSTON HOUSE INSPECTION all doors, interior and exterior, are inspected. Common problems often found during the Inspection are:  

|  Doors that do not shut or latch properly, This can be a sign of structural movement of the home  

|    Garage doors that are not fire rated , Wood rot at exterior doors / door trim

|    Reversed sliding glass doors  

|   Exterior veneer and condition of wood  

|    Deteriorated weather stripping  

|    No spring on garage door  

|    Screen door not installed on sliding glass doors
 

Windows

During the Houston Home Inspection all window will be inspected for the following:  

|   Broken glass panes  

|   Evidence of water penetration at the window or windowsill  

|   Windows that do not operate  

|   Degraded or missing weather stripping  

|   Broken window springs and latches  

|   Inspect insulated double pane glass windows for fogging or other evidence of broken seals  

|   Inspect burglar bars for functional egress in appropriate areas  

|   Window screens that are missing or torn

 

Fire Places and Chimneys

The following are common problems found in the fireplace and chimney area:  

|  Gaps in the bricks of the firebox  

|   No fire stopping in the attic  

| Chimney cap missing or ineffective  

|   Damper not operating properly  

|   Gas leaks  

|   "C" clamp missing  

|    Full of soot  

|   If needs to be cleaned

 

PORCHES | DECKS | STEPS | BALCONIES | CARPORTS

Attached porches, decks, carports, steps, and balconies are included in a Houston Home Inspection, the Houston Inspector will observe for the following:    

| The general structural integrity of the structure is inspected  

|   Items include;  visible footings,  joists, decking,  railings and attachments points  

|   Metal carports are Inspected for excessive rust or deterioration of the building materials  

|   The roofs and roof coverings are inspected also for any signs of water penetration or damage  

|   The Inspector will also look for any signs of Insect Infestation (termites) or wood decay  

|   The Inspector will observe for the presence of any earth to wood contact which can promote wood rot and Insect Infestation

 

 

ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS & SERVICES

During the Houston Home Inspection of the Electrical Service Entrance and panel box, items inspected are:


| Observe Service Entrance cables for integrity of insulation  

|   Drip loop  

|   Separation of Conductors at weather heads and the proper clearance of overhanging power lines


Electrical Branch Circuits

The following are common problems found during a Houston, TX Home Inspection of Branch Circuits and connected fixtures and devices:    

| Improperly spliced or terminated wires  

|    Aluminum wiring and improper terminations  

|    The presence of G.F.C.I. (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters) Breakers where necessary  

|    Electrical outlet face plates missing or damaged  

|    Polarity problems  

|   Fixtures that do not operate  

|    Loose outlets

 

HEATING | VENTILATION | AIR CONDITIONING [HVAC]  

All HVAC Ducts & Vents are Inspected for functionality  visually observed defects and system issues. We also use a Industrial grade Infrared Thermometer to measure the temperatures output at the registers and measure the differentials against the return air temperature to determine whether or not the system is cooling and heating properly.


 

PLUMBING SYSTEMS - WATER SUPPLY SYSTEM & FIXTURES

During the Houston Home Inspection the plumbing systems will be Inspected for the following items:    

| Inspect for the type and condition of all accessible and visible water supply and waste-water and vent pipes  

|    Inspect and operate all fixtures and faucets where the flow end of the faucet is not connected to an appliance  

|    Observe for the presence of back-flow devices  

|    Anti-siphon devices or air gaps  

| Observe water supply by viewing functional flow in two fixtures operating simultaneously to check water pressure levels  

|   Observe functional drainage at accessible plumbing fixtures  

|   Inspect installation of hot and cold faucets  

|   Inspect mechanical drain stops if installed on sinks, laboratories and tubs  

| Inspect commodes for cracks in the ceramic material  

|    Proper and secure mounting on the floor  

|    Evidence of leaks and operation of the tank components  

|    Inspect all supply and drain pipes for evidence of leaks  

|    Observe existence of visible vent pipe system to the exterior of the structure and for proper routing and termination of the vent system  

|    Inspect the shower pan for leaks  

|    Operate and Inspect exterior faucets for the presence of back flow prevention and operation
 

Well Water System & Water Testing

If equipped, the Home’s Water Well System is Inspected at an additional charge for system conditions and functionality. Water Testing is performed for an additional fee.  A water sample is collected during the well inspection, delivered to the local county agency for proper well water testing.  The results are generally delivered to the client within 36 hours.

 

Septic System

If you are looking for a Home Inspector in Houston, TX that also inspects Septic Systems (Individual Private Sewage System) then you’ve came to the right place.     If equipped, the home’s Septic System is Inspected for an additional charge   

|   Inspect the condition of the accessible or visible components of the system  

|    Inspect and operate all plumbing fixtures to observe functional flow  

|    Observe proximity,  if known, to water wells,  water supply lines and systems  

|    Inspect the overall operation of the system  

|    Inspect for visible access to tanks

 

Drains | Waste | Vents

During the Home Inspection in Houston, the followings items will be Inspected:  

|  A performance test of all drains by running all faucets for a period of time to insure that they are functioning correctly and that there are no leaks  

|   Check all drain connections for leaks where possible and if no access is provided to Inspect where necessary, it will be noted  

|    Determine that drain vent stacks are properly sealed at the roof terminations where accessible for Inspection

 

Water Heating Systems [Water Heaters]

During the Home Inspection process the Houston Inspector will Inspect the electric or gas water heaters in the home. The following items will be noted:  

|  Inspect the tank and fittings for leaks and corrosion  

|    Observe the temperature and pressure relief valve piping for gravity drainage, size of drain pipe (no smaller than the outlet fitting), material, and termination  

|   These conditions are recognized hazards, Inspect for broken or missing parts, covers or controls  

|    Observe the condition of burner, flame and burner compartment if it is a gas water heater  

|    For an electric water heater Inspect the operation of the heating elements and the condition of the electrical wiring  

|    Observe and report materials used for the gas branch line and the connection to the appliance  

|   Inspect presence, location and accessibility of gas shut-off valve and for leaks at the valve  

|    Inspect the type of vent pipe and its condition, draft, proximity to combustibles and its termination point  

|   Observing for adequate combustion and draft air  

|   Observe for the presence of a water-tight safety pan and drain line  

|   Ensuring there is no debris or rust in the safety pan that could clog the drain line,  which could cause the safety pan to overfill into the surrounding area  

|   Ensure that the water heater is in a safe location and has been installed correctly  

|    Inspect garage units or units which are located in rooms that open into the garage for protection from physical damage to the unit, and ignition sources are a minimum clearance of 18 inches above the garage floor,  the absence of which is a recognized hazard

 

Hydro-Therapy Equipment - If applicable, we run the Jacuzzi Tub through a cycle to test the flow through each individual jet to determine if the system is working properly. We also test the GFCI electrical receptacle to insure that it is working properly and will keep the user from any chance of electrical shock.
 

 

APPLIANCES

During the Houston home inspection the following kitchen appliances are inspected to insure that they are installed properly and are in good working condition.

Dishwasher | Food Waste Disposal | Range Hood Exhaust Fan | Ranges | Ovens and Cook Tops | Microwave Cooking Equipment | Trash Compactor | Bathroom Exhaust Fans and Heaters | Garage Door OpenerS | Dryer Vents | Other Built-In Appliances



We are your Preferred Home Inspectors in Houston, performing Professional Home Inspections Services in Houston, TX for more than a DECADE!


If you are concerned or in need assistance with any of the above issues - now is the time to contact Robert at ATEX Inspects LLC, your professional Baytown Home Inspector at 281-216-1171 or visit or by email at:  Robert@atexinspects.com


 

ASK THESE QUESTIONS WHEN COMPARING HOME INSPECTORS & COMMERCIAL INSPECTORS FOR YOUR PROPERTY INSPECTION : 

1.  How long have you been licensed?
2.  Have you performed thousands of home inspections and commercial properties in the area?
3.  
Do you offer free infrared scanning (thermal imaging) with all of your inspections?
4.  Have you raised your home inspection prices in the last ten years?
5.  Do you carry 10 times the State of Texas required levels of liability insurance?
6.  Do you have extensive construction experience?

If the answer to any of these questions is NO, I don't know, I'd rather not say or frankly I can't remember:


YOUR TALKING TO THE WRONG INSPECTOR!

Click Here To See our HOME INSPECTION SERVICES page for a complete and detailed list of all of our real estate inspection services.

Thank you for spending time with us today and see you at your home.

Sincerely,

Robert


CALL US TODAY TO SCHEDULE YOUR PROPERTY INSPECTION !!  - 281-216-1171
 

 

 

WHEN SHOULD YOU GET A HOME INSPECTED?

Read this comment from a prominent Realtor:

Each and every time you are purchasing a home or condo, have it inspected by a professional home inspector.  Even if you are purchasing new construction, even if it is coming with a warranty, have it inspected.  Knowing what problems you may face upfront and having the seller contributed to fixing
them will save you a load of grief, frustration and money later on.

You may wonder why a new house may need inspecting.  More than 20 years ago I purchased a brand new home in a brand new subdivision.  That was a great house and we had no problems.  Our neighbors on the other hand also purchased their home at the same time and it was also new construction.  Three to four years later, their home developed the most horrible stink throughout.  They lived with it and burned scented candles and sprayed various sprays to try and mask the smell but it was so bad that I simply could not go inside without holding my nose.  Eventually their family members and friends told them that something was dreadfully wrong.  After 4 years, crucial pipe connecting the kitchen garbage disposal to the sewer line was missing.  It had never been installed.  For 4 years, all their kitchen scraps were landing in their crawl space and rotting.  Get my point?  Get an inspection and make your purchase and sale agreement contingent upon it.