A home inspection is an expert examination of the home’s structure and systems, from the roof to the foundation. Having a home inspected is like giving it a physical check-up. If problems or symptoms are found, the inspector may recommend further evaluation.

A detailed report will give you a record of what may need to be repaired or considered in the purchase decision.

The standard home inspector’s report will review the condition of: the heating system, the electrical system, the cooling system, the interior plumbing, the roof surface, attic, insulation, walls, ceilings, floors, windows, doors, appliances, foundation, exterior, drainage and structure. The inspector can only evaluate what is accessible; he cannot puncture walls, dig up pipes, etc.

The purchase of a home is probably the largest single investment you will ever make. You should have a complete understanding about the condition of the property and the need for any major repairs before you buy. Home inspections prevent/minimize surprises. A home inspection also points out the positive aspects of a home, as well as the maintenance that will be necessary to keep it in good shape. After the inspection, you will have a much clearer understanding of the property you are about to purchase.

The cost of a home inspection will be based on several factors, including the size of the house, age of the structure, type of foundation, whether or not it has a pool or any outlying buildings, etc. You’ll be asked this information when you call Tom (409) 656-3138 for a quote.

We prefer it, but it is not necessary for you to be present for the inspection. You will be able to walk along with Tom and ask questions directly, as you learn about the condition of the home, how its systems work, and how to maintain it. You will also find the written report easier to understand if you’ve seen the property first-hand through the inspector’s eyes.

Understanding not everyone can attend a home inspection, we make accomodations for a post-inspection debrief.

No house is perfect. If the inspector identifies problems, it doesn’t necessarily mean you shouldn’t buy the house, only that you will know in advance what to expect. A seller may adjust the purchase price or contract terms if major problems are found. If your budget is tight, or if you don’t wish to become involved in future repair work, this information will be extremely important to you.

No. A professional home inspection is an examination of the current condition of your prospective home. It is not an appraisal, which determines market value, or a municipal inspection, which verifies local code compliance. A home inspector, therefore, will not pass or fail a house, but rather describe its physical condition and indicate what may need repair or replacement.

A home inspector is typically contacted right after the contract or purchase agreement has been signed, and is often available within a few days. However, before you sign, be sure that there is an inspection clause in the contract, making your purchase obligation contingent upon the findings of a professional home inspection. This clause should specify the terms to which both the buyer and seller are obligated.Call Tom at (409) 656-3138 for the next available time slot that fits your schedule.

All home inspectors in Texas are required to be licensed through the Texas Real Estate Commission. Tom Daigle’s TREC license is #21757. Credible inspectors should be part of a professional association for ongoing training and certification. Tom is a part of
International Association of Certified Home Inspectors and the American Society of Home Inspectors.

Definitely. Now you can complete your home purchase with your eyes open as to the 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.

An appraiser will usually spend less than one hour on the property and give you his/her professional opinion on its market value. They look at the general condition of the property and compare it to adjacent properties. A home inspector will usually spend more than two hours evaluating the condition of the property and give you a complete assessment of the building system and components.

Tom has 30+ years experience as a general contractor, building new homes, and remodeling older ones. He became licensed through the Texas Real Estate Commission in 2015 and has inspected thousands of properties. He is a member of the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors as well as the American Society of Home Inspectors.

You will want to rely on the counsel and experience of your real estate agent if you find major issues with the house or property. 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 complete or compensate for the repairs, you may be able to terminate the contract. If you still want to purchase the house but are unable to get the financial lender to approve the loan until the repairs are made, you may have to make the repairs at your own expense. An experienced realtor is invaluable at a time like this.

No. You will have to pay for the inspection when it’s performed. It’s not part of your closing costs. The same goes for any repair costs.

In most cases, you don’t need an inspection to get a mortgage loan. The lender will require you to have the home appraised, but not inspected. It’s still wise to have the property inspected, whether it’s required or not.

No. The inspector will tell you if he sees obvious termite damage, such as infested wood, but he won’t perform a complete termite inspection. Tom can arrange for a pest-control company to complete this service.

No. The home inspector will alert you to any visible signs of mold or mildew that he finds, but he won’t do a comprehensive mold inspection. Proper mold testing is a specialized service that requires special training and equipment.

You will want to rely on the wisdom and experience of your realtor. A lot of it has to do with the kind of real estate market you’re in, and the severity of the item to be repaired. In a seller’s market, you won’t have much leverage to request repairs. In a buyer’s market, it’s much more of a possibility. You should always consider the cost of the repair work when making these decisions.

Trust your realtor’s advice, but for reference, it’s customary for sellers to fix items that either (a) interfere with the proper function of the home, or (b) pose some kind of safety risk. For example, you should always ask for repairs to faulty electrical systems, water damage, etc.

Yes, if you include such a contingency in your purchase agreement. Your realtor will help guide you through the post-inspection phase of the home purchasing process.

No. As the buyer, you’re the one paying for the inspection. So the report is your property. The only way the seller will even see the report is if you decide to share it with them.

Technically, they are not required to leave; it’s still their house. In reality, though, the owner will not be there 99.9% of the time. It’s usually just the buyers, their agent, and the inspector.

No. There is an additional charge for a pool because of the extra amount of time it takes to evaluate equipment such as pumps, heaters, filters, lights, ladders, railings, and related mechanical and electrical connections, as well as enclosures, fencing, barriers, related gates and drainage.

Daigle Inspection accepts cash, check, or credit card (MasterCard, Visa, Discover or American Express). You can pay at the time of the inspection if you’re attending. If you cannot be there in person, you can pay online or through Venmo. Call Tom at (409) 656-3138 to get his Venmo account identification.

We encourage you to ask all the questions you want at the inspection. However, should you have additional questions or concerns afterwards, feel free to call or email Tom. Client support during the inspection and beyond is one of Daigle Inspection’s core values.

You can find contact details on the Contact page.