The excitement builds as you house hunt, looking for the perfect home. When you finally find it, you want to rush right in and buy it before someone else locates your perfect find. But, buying a home is one of the biggest financial transactions you will probably make in your life. Thus, it must be done properly. That perfect home may not be so perfect once you move in and start finding problems, such as a leaky roof, an air conditioning unit that gives out after 10 minutes of running, or a flood problem you didn’t notice because it hasn’t rained for weeks.

A home buyer must complete many things during the process of the home, and it can be stressful. You have the stress of getting the tons of documents the underwriter requests. You have the stress of waiting for underwriting to see if the loan will go through. You have to schedule a survey, an appraisal, get insurance on the home and, only then, if everything goes well, must attend the closing.

During all of this it is easy to forget that the seller may not be completely up front with you. This is where a good home inspection Round Rock comes in. An experienced home inspector that is licensed checks for several things, including the roof, appliances, HVAC unit, the structure of the home, the foundation and the property.

While a roof may look okay from the ground, a patch could be temporary and could leak, causing mold and other damage. The home inspector inspects the roof and inside the home for signs of previous leaks and shoddy repairs. The inspector will also inspect other trouble spots, such as flooding problems, cracks in the foundation and signs that the home has settled too much. If a home settles too much, it will cause cracks on the walls. The soil under the foundation could be washed out if the property regularly floods, which could cause the home to move.

A home inspection should be one of the first things you do after you sign the initial contract and put the good faith money down on the property. Ensure that the contract says that pricing and/or follow-through on the contract is subject to a home inspection report. Once you receive the report from the home inspector Round Rock, you will be armed with the information needed to negotiate the price of the home.

If the repairs are not extensive, you can negotiate the price of the home down for the cost of the repairs, or you can request that the seller fix the problems. If the seller agrees to repair the problems, call the experienced and licensed inspectors at Complete Home Inspections for a re-inspection to ensure the seller completed repairs in a satisfactory manner.

If the home inspection Round Rock report shows extensive damage, you will be able to back out of the contract or severely negotiate the price of the home down. Though, if the home inspector Round Rock finds extensive structural damage, flooding problems or other problems with the property that are very expensive to repair, you may want to move on to the next home. As a reminder, always have an attorney review the contract and make sure that wording is included that action on the contract is contingent upon the results of the home inspection.

Before choosing just any Austin home inspector, check the inspector’s credentials. An Austin home inspector must be certified to provide a certified home inspection. But, being certified doesn’t necessarily mean experienced. Complete Home Inspections has certified and experienced home inspectors.

The State of Texas requires inspectors must inspect and certify homes in compliance with the Standards of Practice. Complete Home Inspection Austin Tx ensures that your inspection is done up to these standards because it knows that a home purchase is the biggest purchase you will make in your life. When purchasing a home, you don’t want to have to put work into it in the first few months, especially if the home was inspected and the inspection said that everything was fine.

Roof and structural repairs are expensive, so before you buy a home, unless you are looking for a handyman special, you want to make sure the home is as the seller says. An Austin home inspector will tell you if the roof really is five years old. The inspector will tell you if there was any settling evident because of washouts, earthquakes or other natural disasters. Sometimes sellers hide defects in the home, just so they can wash their hands of the home. A good inspector will be able to find gross defects in the structure or the roof.

Complete Home Inspection also inspects the foundation and the surrounding property; the air conditioning, heating and plumbing; and the electrical and smoke detectors, among other things. Once the Austin home inspector finishes the inspection, he will create a final report, including pictures. When you get the report, you should go over it carefully to determine whether you still want to purchase the home at the agreed upon price or you want to back out because the home has too many defects.

While reviewing the report, our inspectors will answer any questions you may have about our findings. We will also offer suggestions and recommendations for repairing problems. Complete Home Inspections inspects new construction, existing homes, condominiums, duplexes and more.

A person or company that is buying or selling may require a home inspection. You may require a home inspection if you are maintaining a property. You may have a renter that is ready to move out. Our inspectors can inspect the rental to make sure the renter did not do any damage and to make sure the home is ready for the next renter.

You should always ask to see a sample home inspection report. Complete Home Inspections has a sample report right one its web site. Also, do not wait until the last minute to get the home inspection. A home inspection may save you money in the long run — it could keep you from purchasing a structurally unsound home or a home with too many non-structural defects. The home inspection report could also be useful in getting a seller to come down on his price, or to request that the seller make certain repairs. If the seller agrees to make repairs, call Complete Home Inspections for a re-inspection.

We provide Home Inspections to: Austin Tx, Leander, Round Rock, Cedar Park, Hutto, Lakeway, Dripping Springs, and surrounding areas.

Click to view Home Inspection Report (pdf)

Sample Home Inspection Report (pdf)

Certified home inspectors are your best defense against unwanted surprises after you move into your new home.

Here are some questions you should ask when selecting home inspectors.

Even if you don’t choose Complete Home Inspections LLC, we’d like to help you make an educated decision.

QUESTIONS
for the Home Inspection Company

Q. Are you involved with or associated with any other businesses?

A. We are not involved in any other businesses. In accordance with the ASHI® Standards of Practice, we do not participate in any referral or construction related activities. It represents a conflict of interest.

Q. Do you encourage the client to attend the inspection?

A. We always encourage clients to attend inspection, because it helps them to understand the property as viewed by the home inspector. They are better able to read and interpret the final report. The clients attendance also helps them to understand the scope of a home inspection, as well as its limitations.

Q. How soon can you schedule an inspection?

A. An inspection usually can be scheduled within one or two days.

Q. How long will the inspection take?

A. A typical home inspection of a 2,400 square-foot house takes roughly 2.5 to 3 hours.

Q. Have you received professional home inspection training?

A. Yes. We are certified by the American Home Inspectors Training Institute.

Q. Do you carry Errors & Omissions insurance?

A. Yes. We carry insurance.

QUESTIONS
for the Certified Home Inspector

Q. Do you have any professional affiliations?

A. All home inspectors are members of the Texas Association of Real Estate Inspectors (TAREI). TAREI is a nonprofit professional society dedicated to establishing standards of excellence for professional home inspectors.

QUESTIONS
about the Home Inspection Report

Q. How much will the home inspection cost?

A. The inspection fees vary slightly depending on the size and age of the house. Call us or use our express contact form to schedule an appointment.

Q. What will the home inspection report include?

A. A full inspection covers the site/grounds, exterior, structural components, foundation, roof, attic, insulation, ventilation, plumbing, electrical, heating/AC, garage, kitchen, bathrooms, and interior.

Q. Will you prepare a written report?

A.Yes. We prepare an extensive written report that generally runs 15-25 pages. Included is a Report Summary that will allow you to quickly review the recommended improvements to the home. The report format is easy to read for all parties involved in the real estate transaction.

Q. How soon is the report available?

A. The home inspection report is available the same day.

Q. Can we see a sample report?

A. Yes. Simply contact our office.

Q. Does the report conform to American Society of Home Inspectors® standards?

A. Yes, our reports conform to (and exceed) the ASHI® Standards of Practice.

A home inspection is a professional, objective, visual examination of the condition of a home. Home buyers now entering the marketplace view inspections as a way to gain valuable information about the biggest purchase of their lifetime. It helps them to determine whether there are any major defects or system inadequacies at the time of purchase.

In most cases, home inspections are performed after the sales contract has been accepted by the seller. A sales contract is conditional upon a satisfactory home inspection. The inspection can usually be arranged immediately to within a few days. The home buyer is typically encouraged to attend the inspection, so that he/she can see first hand the workings of the home. It also provides an excellent opportunity for the prospective buyer to ask questions about the home or to discuss potential changes.

Overview of what is Inspected.

A visual inspection of the property is conducted to determine whether items appear to function properly at the time of inspection.

Structural Systems

• Foundations
• Grading and Drainage
• Roof Covering
• Roof Structure
• Walls
• Ceilings and Floors
• Doors
• Windows
• Fireplace/Chimney
• Porches, Decks and Carports
• Other Special Structures

Electrical Systems

• Service Entrance and Panels
• Branch Circuits – Connected Devices and Fixtures

Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Systems

• Heating Equipment
• Cooling Equipment
• Ducts and Vents

Plumbing Systems

• Water Supply
• Plumbing System and Fixtures
• Drains, Wastes, and Vents
• Water Heating
• Hydro-Therapy Equipment

Appliances

• Dishwasher
• Food Waste Disposer
• Range Hood
• Ranges/Ovens/Cooktops
• Microwave
• Cooking Equipment
• Trash Compactor
• Bathroom Exhaust Fans and/or Heaters
• Whole House Vacuum Systems
• Garage Door Operators
• Door Bell and Chimes
• Dryer Vents
• Other Built-in Appliances
• Optional Systems
• Lawn Sprinklers
• Swimming Pools and Equipment
• Outbuildings
• Outdoor Cooking Equipment
• Gas Lines
• Fire Protection Equipment
• Security System

A home inspection should not be confused with an appraisal, a municipal code inspection, an environmental audit, or a homeowner’s warranty.

The home inspector’s job is primarily one of education. The goal of a home inspection is to provide the consumer with a better understanding of the physical condition of a home so they can make well-informed decisions. It is also the inspector’s role to keep his findings in perspective for the buyer. After an inspection is completed, a written report is prepared. The report provides an assessment of all features inspected in the home.

Home inspections should also highlight the positive aspects of a home. In fact, many of the home inspector’s observations or recommendations can help dispel home purchaser anxieties and provide useful repair suggestions.

A complete home inspection should cover all of the major systems of a house, including structure, exterior, roofing, electrical, heating, cooling, insulation, plumbing and interior. At minimum, an inspection should meet the Standards of Practice of the American Society of Home Inspectors® (ASHI®) and the Texas Association of Real Estate Inspectors (TAREI).

Consumers should be very careful when shopping for a home inspector. Home inspection companies that offer to do repair work,or that recommend repair companies to do the work should be avoided.

SUBTERRANEAN TERMITES

These termites always have their nest in the ground. To reach their food,
which is your house, they must find a way to travel back and forth. This they do
through tubes, which they construct. The tubes serve to protect them from their
enemies when they leave the ground in search for food. The presence of
subterranean termites in your house is usually detected by the appearance of
these tubes.