Table of Contents
Introduction
Purchasing a home is one of the most important financial decisions you will make in your life. Before finalizing any contract, it is essential to have a professional Home Inspection Services Dallas TX performed to evaluate the condition of the property and uncover any potential problems or needed repairs. Properly preparing for the inspection will help ensure it goes smoothly and provides you with the information you need to make an informed decision about the home.
In the Dallas area, here are some tips to follow when getting ready for your home inspection:
Schedule the Inspection
Once you have an accepted offer on a home, move quickly to schedule the inspection. Give yourself adequate time before closing to receive the inspection report, review the findings, and negotiate with the sellers about any necessary repairs. Ideally, schedule the inspection at least two weeks before closing. Weekdays tend to be less busy for inspectors.
Choose a Licensed Professional
Make sure to hire a licensed home inspector who will do a thorough evaluation. Ask friends or your real estate agent for recommendations, and look for inspectors who have been properly trained and certified. Verify they carry errors and omissions insurance as well as general liability coverage. Also, check reviews and ratings online from past clients.
Walk Through First Yourself
Before the inspection, do a walkthrough of the home yourself, looking for any visible issues. Check the roof for missing shingles or obvious damage. Look for cracks in the foundation or walls. Turn on faucets, flush toilets, test appliances, and open every door and window. Make a list of anything that needs to be examined or pointed out to the inspector.
Talk to the Inspector Beforehand
Prior to the inspection, communicate with the inspector so you understand what will be covered. Make sure you can be present during the inspection to ask questions and learn more about the home. Discuss any particular areas of concern you may have noted during your walkthrough.
Clean and Declutter the Home
Make sure the home is clean and rooms are free of excess furniture or clutter on the day of the inspection. This will allow the inspector to access key components like electrical outlets, windows, doors, walls, and cabinetry. Bathroom and kitchen counters should be cleared off and carpets vacuumed so the inspector can properly evaluate these important areas.
Gather Relevant Documents
Have documents on hand like the Seller’s Disclosure, previous inspection reports, home improvement records, and warranties or service records for appliances, the roof, HVAC system, or other features relevant to the inspection. This information can aid the inspector and provide insight into past issues or upgrades.
Inspect the Exterior
As the inspector examines the outside of the home, point out anything you noticed during your initial walkthrough. Key exterior elements the inspector will evaluate closely include:
- Roof – Look for damaged, curling or missing shingles, areas of improper drainage, skylight issues, worn flashing, and gutters or downspouts in need of repair. Roof age will also be noted.
- Siding – Check for damaged or rotting boards, mold/mildew, and any gaps that need sealing. Note any cracks in brick or stone exterior surfaces.
- Windows and doors – Make sure these components are in good repair without broken glass, failed weather-stripping, peeling paint or other damage. Windows should operate smoothly.
- Foundation – Watch for cracks, bowing, moisture issues or uneven settlement that indicate potential structural problems.
- Drainage – Inspect grading, downspouts, and drainage systems to make sure water flows properly away from the home. Standing water against the foundation can cause major issues.
- Deck/porch – Check surfaces, steps, railings, and supports for proper condition and safety.
- Outbuildings – The inspector will also examine any detached garages, sheds, or other structures to identify damage or deterioration.
Pay Attention Inside
As the interior inspection begins, be ready to point out any areas you identified during your initial walkthrough. Key interior elements to focus on include:
- Electrical – All outlets, switches and light fixtures will be tested to make sure they work properly. Watch for any loose, damaged, outdated, or unsafe wiring the inspector uncovers.
- Plumbing – Water pressure will be checked and pipes examined for leaks or corrosion. Faucets, toilets, sinks, tubs and showers will be evaluated for proper drainage and operation.
- HVAC systems – The heating, cooling and ventilation systems will be tested to verify adequate temperature, distribution, and airflow throughout the home. Ductwork and filters will also be checked.
- Walls/ceilings/floors – Any cracks, stains, or damage in drywall, wood, or other surfaces will be identified. Signs of leaks from inside or outside the home need to be reported.
- Venting/insulation – Attics and crawl spaces will be checked for proper ventilation and adequate insulation. Mold or mildew around vents may indicate issues.
- Kitchen appliances – Expect all appliances like the oven, stove, dishwasher and refrigerator to be tested for functionality and examined for any leaks or other damage.
- Washer/dryer connections – Hookups will be inspected to ensure proper operation. Proper venting is key for gas dryers.
- Windows – Condition of windows will be noted along with any fogging inside panes, failed seals, inoperability or missing safety features like window locks.
- Doors/trim – Doorways will be checked for level hanging and problems with sticky or loose operation. Baseboards, crown molding and other trim will be examined for damage.
- Smoke/CO detectors – Locations and operation of detectors will be confirmed and batteries tested. Proper placement is essential.
Give Time for a Thorough Inspection
A standard home inspection usually takes 2-3 hours for most single family homes. Be prepared to give the inspector adequate time to thoroughly cover both interior and exterior features as outlined above. Never rush an inspector as this can cause key defects to be overlooked.
Be Present and Take Notes
Stay during the inspection to observe the process and ask questions. Have a notepad ready to record any issues the inspector flags. You will refer to these notes later when negotiating repairs with the seller. Some inspectors provide a checklist of items examined – request a copy if available.
Review Safety Issues Immediately
If any immediate safety issues are discovered like exposed electrical, missing smoke detectors, or ruptured plumbing, point these out to the inspector so they can be highlighted in the report. Promptly repairing safety hazards should be a top priority.
Obtain a Detailed Report
A high-quality home inspector will provide a comprehensive written report highlighting any deficiencies discovered during the visual examination of the property. Expect to receive the report within 24-48 hours. Read it completely, making note of all high priority, safety related or expensive repairs recommended.
Act Quickly on Major Issues
Use the inspection report as a basis for requesting repairs from the seller. Focus first on addressing any major structural, electrical, plumbing, roofing or HVAC issues identified. Consult with contractors for repair estimates if necessary. Negotiate repairs with the seller as soon as possible once armed with information from the inspection.
Address Cosmetic Fixes Later
While inspection reports focus on safety and function, minor cosmetic damage like scuffs on walls or squeaky doors will also get noted. Fix these types of small flaws on your own timeline after closing. Concentrate negotiations on items that require significant repairs by the seller first.
Consider a Waiver for Minor Items
If the seller won’t agree to certain minor repairs, considering signing a waiver accepting the property “as-is” if you are comfortable doing so. This avoids delaying the sale over disputes about relatively inexpensive or non-essential fixes.
Hire Professionals to Further Inspect Problem Areas
If the general inspection uncovers issues that require more expert diagnosis, consider hiring specialists to provide quotes like plumbers, roofers, or electricians. Get second opinions on major structural concerns like
