FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Inspecting your own potential house is not recommended. Home inspectors are specially trained to look for things you may miss. Unless you are a home inspector yourself, seek out a professional. Some states or financial lenders require a licensed inspector to complete the inspection.

The cost of a home inspection usually comes out of pocket for the potential homebuyer. It is determined by the size, type of foundation (Slab or Pier and Beam), and any extra amenities it may have (Lawn Sprinkler, Swimming pool, etc.), It may also have a distance charge depending on the location. View Third Coast Home Inspection Price List

Cash, Check, and all Major Credit Cards are accepted.

In Texas the inspector will inspect the

• Foundation
• Roof covering
• Roof structure and Attic
• Grading and Drainage
• Walls (Interior and Exterior)
• Ceilings and Floors
• Doors (Interior and Exterior)
• Windows
• Stairways (Interior and Exterior)
• Fireplace and Chimneys
• Porches
• Balconies
• Decks
• Carports
• Electrical Service Entrance and Panels
• Branch Electrical Circuits  (Outlets, Switches, Fixtures)
• Smoke Alarms
• Heating and Air Conditioning
• Ductwork
• Chases and Vents
• Plumbing Supply and Distribution (Sinks, Faucets, Bathtub/Showers, Toilets, Washing Machine Connections, Exterior water spigots)
• Drains, Wastes, and Vents
• Water Heating Equipment
• Hydo-Massage Therapy Equipment
• Appliances (Dishwasher, Food Waste Disposal, Range Hood and Exhaust System, Ranges, Cook Tops, Ovens, Microwave, Mechanical Exhaust Fans and Bathroom Heaters, Garage door Openers, Dryer Exhaust Systems).

Then there are Optional Systems which may or may not be present or to be inspected by the home inspector.

• Landscape Irrigation Systems
• Swimming Pools and Spas
• Out Buildings (Shops, Sheds with electricity and maybe water)
• Private Water Wells
• Private Sewage Disposal (Septic) Systems
• And any other Misc. items can be added that the Home Inspector sees as important
• Termite (WDI) Inspection (Coordinated with outside co.)

Knowing the length of time for an inspection is important because you usually have to arrange a time with the realtor and the current owner for the inspector to examine the house. Since an inspection usually involves areas that are hard to reach (such as, roof, crawlspace, etc..) it may require a few hours or more.

The home inspection is a valuable experience for you as a home buyer and future home owner. Here at Third Coast Home Inspection, we welcome you to join us for the whole inspection or if possible for at least the last thirty minutes to go over the report with the home inspector. You will be able to see firsthand what potential problems exist. Knowing what looks normal and what a problem looks like will help you later in maintaining your home.

At Third Coast Home Inspection, we guarantee same day inspection reports.  You will receive your report by email.

The inspection is designed to tell you what needs to be repaired on the house. That list and amount of acceptability is different for every buyer. There may be some requirements that the house needs to meet in order for your financial lender to lend you the money for the home. This does not mean that the house has “failed” the inspection.

There are potential problems that can come up during inspections. The seller of the home is not automatically required to repair any problems that the inspector finds. As the buyer, you can negotiate for the repairs to be made before you buy the home. If the seller is not willing to do the repairs for you, you will need to make other arrangements or terminate the contract. This discussion is best to have with your real estate agent, as they are the ones that will help and guide you through this phase of your purchase.