Frequently Asked Questions

F.A.Q.'s

Why Do I Need A Home Inspection?

The purchase of a home is probably the largest single investment you will ever make. You should learn as much as you can about the condition of the property and the need for any major repairs before you buy, so you can minimize unpleasant surprises and difficulties afterwards. After the inspection, you will have a much clearer understanding of the property.

If you are already a homeowner, a home inspection may be used to identify problems in the making and take preventative measures which might avoid costly repairs in the future. If you are planing to sell your home on the market, you may wish to have an inspection performed prior to placing your home on the market. This will give you a better understanding of the conditions which may be discovered by the buyer's inspector and an opportunity to make repairs that will put the house in a better selling position. Having an inspection will help you comply with current disclosure laws concerning the sale of your property.

Can I Do It Myself?

Even the most experienced homeowner lacks the knowledge and years of expertise of a professional home inspector. An inspector is familiar with the elements of home construction and remains completely objective and unemotional about the home.

Can A Home Inspection Fail?

NO! A professional home inspection is an examination of the condition of the home on the day it is inspected; it is not an appraisal, which determines market value or a municipal inspection, which verifies local code compliance, but rather describes its visible physical condition and indicates what may need major repairs in the near future.

Do I Have To Be There?

It is not necessary for you to be present for the inspection, but it is highly recommended.  You will be able to ask the inspector questions directly as you learn about the condition of the property, how it's systems work and how to maintain it.  You will also find the written report easier to understand if you've seen the property firsthand through the inspectors eyes.

How long will the inspection take?

Most inspections take between 2-4 hours.  These times vary depending on the size, age and condition of the property.

Who Hires The Inspector?

The Client usually retains the inspector. The Inspector works for you. The report will not be given to anyone else without your consent.

How Much Does It Cost?

The purchase of a property will likely be the most expensive investment people will make in their lives, it doesn't make sense to shop for the least expensive inspector you can find. What is the saying, "Pennywise and Pound Foolish". That is most certainly true, in todays world, that you get what you pay for. Don't be fooled by individuals whose training consists of sitting in classes and learning how to pass a test in order to obtain their license.  Simply obtaining a TREC license does not mean that someone is a good inspector.  You want to chose an inspector based on qualifications and the amount of time that they have been in business.   The true test of a quality home inspector is how long they have survived in this industry.  Steve Cannon has been performing inspections since 1993 and has been in the construction industry including inspections since 1979.  No Home Inspection can guarantee there won't be problems, even new homes are not perfect on the day their new owners move in.

A Certified Professional Home Inspector can point out existing or potential problems that would require attention either by the seller or buyer. You, the buyer, save yourself from problems you never contemplated when buying the "Dream House" you wanted. You, the seller are complying with current disclosure laws concerning the sale of your property.

Termite Inspections 

We also provide Wood Destroying Insect inspections, commonly refered to as "Termite Inspections".   Many Texas inspectors farm out their termite inspections to pest control companies.  In our opinion this is a conflict of interest since the pest control company can bid on the services that they recommend during the inspection.  The pest control company is more interested in selling an expensive termite treatment than collecting a small inspection fee.  Steve Cannon is licensed by the Structural Pest Control Board to perform his own (WDI) termite inspections.