Q:  

How Long Does The Inspection Last?

A:  

About 3 hours for most houses, or about 2 hours for most condominiums. Larger homes and older homes take longer. I look at no more than 2 houses per day. I know other inspectors who do 3 or 4 inspections per day (sometimes more!). Do some quick math to figure out how much time they're going to spend looking at your new home.

Q:  

May I Attend The Inspection?

A:  

Yes, you should attend the inspection to get the most benefit. You should be suspicious of any inspector who doesn't want you along during the inspection.

Q:  

What's Included In The Inspection?

A:  

A home inspection is a visual evaluation of the major systems in the house including structure, roof, exterior, heating/cooling, plumbing, electrical and the interior. As long as it's safe and accessible I'll walk on roofs, enter attics and crawl spaces, remove access panels and operate equipment. Using the "Standards of Practice" set up by the State of Texas Real Estate Commission I'll inspect each room like I was buying the house.

Q:  

How Much Does It Cost?

A:  

The cost of a home inspection is usually a small fraction of the cost of the problems discovered - truly the deal of a lifetime! The fee varies with the size of the house and other factors. If you'd like a quote please call me and describe the house. Remember that every quote is an estimate, And the cost may be insignificant compared to the savings! ( I just saved a client $4500.00 on a $350.00 inspection, I'd say that was a pretty good return on their investment.)

Q:  

When Will The Report Be Ready?

A:  

Normally the day of the inspection, I bring a mobile office to the inspection and I will do my best to have the report on site if time permits otherwise by e-mail or fax.

Q:  

What If The Report Reveals Problems?

A:  

No house is perfect. I may find things that weren't expected. That's what you want, right? The report is not a seller's "Must-Fix" list, it's just an impartial reporting of condition giving you clear direction for what should be done about each problem. Each situation is different, and it's up to your and your real estate agent to decide how to proceed after an inspection.

Q:  

Are There Limitations To The Inspection?

A:  

Yes, I can't see through walls or predict the future! If I could do either of those, I'd be in another line of work. Keep in mind that a home inspection lasts only a few hours, and it's not technically exhaustive. There is no way that anyone could find all the defects in a house in only a few hours.

The home inspection is not an appraisal or a check for compliance with building codes and it's not an evaluation for any biological or environmental hazards. 

Q:  

Do You Offer A Guarantee?

A:  

No. Something can look just fine today and still break tomorrow. If you want a home warranty they are available through other sources.

If you think you're going to get a meaningful guarantee from another home inspector then you need to get the fine print and read it very carefully. Most guarantees from home inspectors are only marketing gimmicks that are riddled with loopholes. But don't take my word for it, see for yourself by checking other sites (make sure you look past the sales hype and read the fine print).

For another perspective read the article on Breakdowns by newspaper columnist/home inspector Walter Jowers. It's required reading for all home buyers.

Q:  

Will 1^st Look Home Inspection perform or manage any repair work?

A:  

No. That would be a direct conflict of interest.

Q:  

How Do I Get Ready For The Inspection?

A:  

It's the seller's responsibility to get the house ready for the inspection. All utilities need to be turned on and all gas appliances need to be ready to run (pilot lights must be on). Access needs to be cleared to areas like attics, crawl spaces, electric panels, furnaces etc.

Q:  

Are You Licensed?

A:  

Yes, All Inspectors in the State of Texas should be. Im required to keep my license current and take continuing education classes each year.

Q:  

What If I Have Questions Later?

A:  

Your understanding of your home is my highest priority. You can ask questions for as long as you own your home. There's no charge as long as I can answer by phone or e-mail without coming back out to the house.