Home Inspection Tips
Buying a home? Now more than ever before, you have to watch every step. A home inspection
might put your mind at ease or create more questions. Either way you are better off right?
Yes, even if the home inspection reveals an issue, this is the time to find them. Before you sign the dotted
line. But don't let every little detail bog you down. Some discoveries on the home inspection report
pertain to upkeep and normal home maintenance. Others, might be related to builder shortfalls
or new code requirements.
In many states such as Texas the home inspector is regulated by a state
agency or licensing board. This agency (Like
T.R.E.C.)
in Texas, might require the home inspector to report certain Deficient items like water stains. While a
active leak is a true concern, condesation stains below a window may not be. The rules for Dallas Ft. Worth
Texas metroplex can be found online at
Dallas Ft. Worth Home Inspection Rules
Keep in mind that the Home Inspector is there to look for the big or expensive issues. Reporting minor
Deficient items is simply a courtesy which most consider a maintenance recommendations or a "Honey Do List".
So Relax and realize this is just part of the process. These items are nice to know about. However,
the issues that are really important will fall into four categories:
- Major defects. An example of this would be a structural failure.
- Things that lead to major defects. A small roof-flashing leak, for example.
- Things that may hinder your ability to finance, legally occupy or insure the home.
- Safety hazards, such as an exposed, live buss bar at the electric panel.
Anything in these categories should be addressed. Often a serious problem can be corrected inexpensively
to protect both life and property (especially in categories 2 and 4). Most sellers are honest and are
often surprised to learn of defects uncovered during an inspection. Realize that sellers are under no
obligation to repair everything (in Texas see
OPI Report
) mentioned in the report. No home is perfect. Keep things in perspective.
Do not kill your deal over things that do not matter. It is inappropriate to demand that a seller address
deferred maintenance, conditions already listed on the seller's disclosure or nit-picky items.
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