Frequently Asked Questions About Home Inspections

How do I choose a Home Inspector?

Call and ask a company about their credentials and experience. If, for some reason, you don’t feel comfortable asking this of an inspector on the phone, then they are likely not the inspector for you. You must feel that the inspector is qualified, experienced and attentive of your needs.

What are your Inspector's qualifications?

All of our inspectors are trained, are ASHI Certified and are Professional Engineers in Texas. Each of our inspectors adheres to the standards of practice set forth by The American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI).

Can A House Fail The Inspection?

No. A professional home inspector does not issue a pass or fail grade on a home. A professional home inspection is an examination of the current condition of the prospective home. The home inspector will describe the physical condition of the home and indicate what may need repair or replacement.

When Do I Get The Report?

At the completion of the inspection the inspector/engineer will summarize the findings to you and the Next Business day a computer generated narrative report will be e-mailed to you.

What Kind Of Report Can I Expect?

The Property Inspection Report will give easy to read details. Then the inspector will review the report with you to make sure that you understand everything.

When And How Do I Schedule A Home Inspection?

You generally have between seven to ten days after you signed the contract to get a home inspection. We would advise you to call us as soon as you sign a contract on the prospective home. This will ensure that you can get the inspection done at a time that’s most convenient for you.
When you are ready to schedule your inspection, just give us a call. We have full-time receptionists on staff to assist you and it is no problem if you call on the weekend. One of our receptionists is on call each weekend. Leave a message on our office phone and our receptionist will return your call on the same day.

How Much Does An Inspection Cost?

The price of the inspection varies based on the size of the home. Larger homes take longer to inspect, hence the fees for these homes are greater than those for a smaller home. However, do not let the price of the inspection determine whether or not you get a home inspection or influence your decision for a quality home inspector. The knowledge gained from an inspection is well worth the cost, and the lowest priced inspector is not necessarily a bargain. The inspector’s qualifications, including his experience, training, and professional affiliations should be the most important consideration.

How Do I Pay The Inspector?

At the conclusion of the inspection payment is due. We accept personal checks (made out to Champions Engineering & Inspections), cash and debit, Master Card and Visa credit cards. If you are unable to attend the inspection, we ask that you furnish us with your credit card information when scheduling your appointment. Your card will not be charged until the inspection is complete.

What will the inspection cover?

A thorough Inspection covers everything from the roof to the foundation.

Items that are included in the Inspection are as follows:

  • Attic
  • Insulation
  • Ventilation
  • Roof & Flashings
  • Gutters
  • Attic Framing
  • Retaining Walls
  • Foundation
  • Grading
  • Siding & Trim
  • Windows
  • Ceilings
  • Floors
  • Walls
  • Doors & Windows
  • Chimney
  • Fireplace
  • Major Appliances
  • Electrical System
  • Water Heater
  • Plumbing System
  • Air Conditioning
  • Heating

How long will the Inspection take?

Most Inspections take about two to three hours. These times may vary depending on the size, age and condition of the home.

Should I be present during the Inspection?

We recommend that you be present at the site of the inspection, from start to finish, but at minimum, we ask you are present for the last 30 minutes of our inspection.

Why use our Services?

The purchase of a new home is one of the most costly investments that a family will make. Along with the extra stresses this will add, there is also the added fear of whether this home will stand the test of time. It is also important to know what YOU, as the primary investor, are getting for your money.
A home inspection is an excellent tool for you, the home buyer, to help determine not only the condition of the home, but to also help foresee any immediate and/or unnecessary additional costs that may go unnoticed without the help of a home inspection. Home inspections are not a prediction of future performance, but can pinpoint existing problems and some potential problems.

Who can I retain to inspect a house?

The standard contract contains the following language:

“Buyer may have the Property inspected by inspectors selected by Buyer and licensed by TREC or otherwise permitted by law to make inspections. Most Houston home buyers select a TREC Licensed Real Estate Inspector for the inspection and that is clearly in compliance with the contract.”

But the phrase otherwise permitted by law to make inspections includes Professional Engineers. Professional Engineers were authorized by law to inspect houses long before TREC Licensed Real Estate Inspectors existed.

Why can't I have a contractor or someone in my family inspect my new home?

This is the biggest mistake many potential new homeowners make when purchasing a home. Although the person you are considering may be very skilled, they are not trained or experienced at professional home inspections. Professional home inspection is a unique skill like no other. Professional inspectors get what we call an inspector’s instinct for problems. That instinct takes extensive training and lots of experience with inspections to develop. Many contractors hire a professional home inspector to inspect their homes before they make a purchase.

What if I have questions after the inspection?

You can call us and discuss all the aspects of your new home whenever you like. Our service is a long-term investment.