FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What does the inspection involve?
The inspector looks at the house from top to bottom, inside and outside. Observations and findings are explained to you upon completion of the inspection. You will receive a comprehensive, detailed narrative report within 24 Hrs of completing the inspection. Reports include the condition of major systems including structural components, roof, electrical system, plumbing, heating and cooling systems, and much more. Since we are licensed and regulated by the TREC, our inspections must meet or exceed the Standards of Practice established by TREC.
What are the inspectors qualifications?
RoadRunner Inspection Service's inspector is a degreed engineer with over 20 years construction experience, has received formal inspection training, is Licensed as a Professional Inspector 6652 by the TREC, as a Commercial Certified Applicator 45980PT by the TDA - Structural Pest Control Service and as a Certified Pool Operator/Inspector by the NSPF. These criteria plus excellent communications skills are the key qualifications for top notch home inspectors. Beyond this, we are active members of NACHI, TAREI, ICC and NSPF. These affiliations ensures that we are receiving continuing education and have passed rigorous technical and ethical exams related to home inspection profession.
What does it cost?
It depends on the size of the house and type of foundation. The fee for an average single family home is $300. We are told repeatedly by clients that it was the best money they have ever spent.
Keep in mind you're hiring someone to review what may be the largest investment of your life. We strongly recommend you consider qualifications. experience, training and professional credentials before choosing an inspector based solely on price.
How long does it take?
That depends on the size and condition of the home, but typically 2.5 to 3 hours.
When do we pay?
At time of the inspection, by cash, check or money order. Unlike some real estate, inspection fees are not paid at closing.
When should I call a home inspector?
You should contact the inspector once you have a signed contract or purchase agreement. However, before you sign, be sure there is at least a 7-10 day Option Period in the contract, making your purchase obligation contingent on the findings of a the home inspector if that's what you wish. This clause should specify the terms to which both the buyer and seller are obligated.
Who arranges the inspection with the seller?
If your buying a listed property and agents are involved, we will set up the inspection with the seller's listing agent and reconfirm it with you and/or your agent. The inspector carries a SUPRA key and with an access code from the Listing Agent can access most Realtor Listed properties.
If you're buying a For Sale by Owner property and dealing directly with the seller, then you or your agent will need to confirm the day and time with the seller, and make sure someone will be home to let you and the inspector in.
Do I need to be at the inspection?
We recommend that you be present, but not required to be present during the inspection. We recommend that if possible, you be present for the last portion of the inspection, which is the customer walk through where the inspector will go over his findings and answer your questions. The customer walk through will provide you with valuable additional insight:
- See first hand the condition of each key component so you will have a better understanding of your house and of the items reported in the inspection report.
- Learn about the operation of your new home-how different systems work, how to turn on various appliances and components, where shutoffs are to save time and avoid frustration.
- The inspector can point out maintenance needs and procedures and explain how and when to check items needing periodic monitoring.
- Have all of your questions and concerns addressed immediately as they arise.
Prior to the inspection, prepare a list of questions or concerns about the property. Relate these to the inspector in advance to ensure that such matters will be properly addressed and that any special arrangements can be made if necessary. Bring your list to the inspection.
If you have questions after reading your report, you can call us for clarification or details.
Can I bring family and friends along?
We recommend that you limit attendance to you and your spouse or partner. It works a lot better for you when there are no distractions. If you have to bring young children, be aware that they will need to be closely supervised at all times. During an inspection, the house is put into our care, and we are totally responsible for the house and all of its contents. If we have to monitor the movements of several people, we won't be able to focus on the job you hired us to do. This is the main reason that we ask that you limit the number of people at the inspection, but we realize that there might be some circumstances for which we can make an exception.
Can I bring my relative who knows houses to help?
Nothing against your relative, but when you hire us to inspect a house, you are accepting the fact that we are well qualified to do a thorough, unbiased inspection. If you want someone with some apparent knowledge to tag along, we will agree, but it must be understood that we are in charge of the inspection, and it will be done according to our protocols, and your friend/relative will only be allowed to monitor our inspection activity.
Who gets a copy of the inspection report?
Inspection reports are confidential. We provide one copy to you, our customer and a copy to your agent, if you give us permission. We do not provide copies to anyone else (including the seller). If you wish the seller or other third parties to have copies you or your agent will need to provide them.
What if the report reveals problems?
No house is perfect. If the inspector identifies problems, it doesn't necessarily mean you should not buy the house. You will now have the objective and unbiased information that you and your Realtor® will use to negotiate with the seller. In some instances, a seller may adjust the purchase price or contract terms if major problems are found. If your budget is tight, or you do not wish to become involved in future repair work, this information will be extremely important to you.
Will the seller fix everything the inspector finds wrong?
Its up to you and your Realtor® to decide what to do with the inspectors findings. Everyone's criteria for home ownership are different. Some people are handy and like projects; others have anticipated needed repairs and budgeted accordingly; while others buyers can neither afford the time or money to make necessary corrections. If you are working with a Realtor, we strongly suggest that you discuss these issues together to help you reach a workable solution.
Can a house fail an inspection?
No. A home inspection is an examination of the current condition of your prospective home. Its not an appraisal, which determines market value, or a municipal inspection, which verifies local code compliance. Your home inspector, therefore, will not pass or fail the home, but rather describe its physical condition and indicate what may need repair or replacement. At that point, you can determine whether or not the house fits your plans (and budget) for home ownership.
Maybe I should buy a new home instead?
Buying a new house does not mean it will be free of defect or need regular maintenance. By buying a new home you will start out with all new systems and a builders warranty. However its a reality that newer homes are not necessarily free of problems. Any home, new or old, is complex and things can go wrong from the beginning depending on the quality of material and work done by the craftsmen that built the home.
Do you offer any guarantees?
On our service, absolutely. All our inspections are conducted according to the TREC Standards of Practice. On the home itself? No. The product we sell is a professional opinion of the condition of the homes major systems, on the day we see it. But there's always the chance that something that looked good on inspection day could break the day after the inspection, or that some things simply were not visible or accessible during the inspection.
Do I need a Home Warranty
A home warranty plan may be provided by the seller or purchased by the buyer of a property. Whether you are buying
or selling a home, you can't predict when problems will arise. A warranty plan may give you protection for unexpected
repairs or breakdowns in major systems but as with any insurance policy, be sure to read the fine print and find out
exactly what's covered and for how long.
Warranty plans are available for purchase through Residential Service companies. For a list of Residential Service
companies licensed and regulated by TREC visit their web site
at www.trec.state.tx.us.
If the house proves to be in good condition, did I need an inspection?
Sure. Now you can complete your home purchase with your eyes open about condition of the property and all its equipment and systems. You will also have learned many things about your new home from the inspector's written report, and will want to keep that information for future reference.