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 a sales contract, conditional upon a satisfactory home inspection, has been accepted by the seller. 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 represents an excellent opportunity for the prospective buyer to ask questions about the home or to discuss potential changes.

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

The home inspector's service to the purchaser is primarily one of education. The goal of the inspector is to provide the purchaser with a better understanding of the physical condition of the home in order that they can make a well-informed decision. It is also the inspector's role to keep his findings in perspective for the buyer. After the inspection is completed, a written report should be prepared for the home buyer, documenting the results of the inspection, along with an estimation of repair time frames and costs.

The home inspection should not be confused with an appraisal, a municipal code inspection, an environmental audit, or a home owner's warranty.

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. As a minimum, an inspection should meet the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) Standards of Practice.

No. A home inspection is an examination of the current condition of your prospective home. It is not an appraisal or a Municipal Code inspection. A home inspector will not pass or fail a house, but will simply describe its condition and indicate which items may need repair or replacement.

A typical single family home inspection will usually last about one and a half to two hours. The length of the inspection really depends on the square-footage of the house and whether or not any additional inspections (septic, sprinkler system, pool, etc.) have been requested.

The cost of the inspection will vary with the size and structure of the home. An average home inspection fee varies from $225 to $300. Call us for a firm quotation prior to the inspection. Payment is due at the time of the inspection. The inspection fee includes an itemized report and a verbal summary. The inspector will also provide you with maintenance tips and will take photos of any areas of concern. If you wish, a copy of the inspection report will be faxed to your realtor.

First Look Home Inspection does not do termite inspection, however, we work with several well qualified companies that do. We will be happy to set up the termite inspection for you - often at the same time and date as the home inspection. Ask us for more information.

We are happy to come out and reinspect your property for you after work has been done, but there are two things you should keep in mind - we can only inspect the house per state code, not tell you if your contractor has done a good job, AND...there may be an additional fee for a reinspection. Call us and we'll be happy to work with you.