Purchasing a home is one of the most significant financial decisions you’ll ever make. While exciting, the process can also feel overwhelming and stressful. One key step that can give you greater confidence and peace of mind is getting a professional houston home inspection.

A home inspection allows you to learn about the current condition of the home, identify any issues that may need addressing, and gain insight into maintenance needs and costs down the road. Knowing this information upfront prevents unwelcome surprises after moving in.

This guide will walk you through the home inspection process, what to expect, and how to find the right home inspector for your needs in the Houston area. We’ll also provide tips for a stress-free inspection experience. Let’s get started!

Overview of the Home Inspection Process

A standard home inspection is a visual examination of both the interior and exterior of the home. The goal is to identify any issues with the major systems and components such as:

• Roof
• Attic
• Exterior Siding and Paint
• Windows and Doors
• Foundation and Basement
• Electrical System
• Plumbing System
• HVAC System
• Interior Rooms and Finishes

A typical inspection takes 2-3 hours to complete and will include the inspector reviewing the home from top to bottom. They will look for visible defects, test functionality, and determine if components are working properly and were installed correctly.

The Houston home inspector will provide a detailed written report of their findings and highlight any recommended repairs. They may also include commentary on the approximate ages and conditions of the home’s systems and features.

It’s important to note that a home inspection is not an exhaustive technical evaluation or code compliance check. Inspectors won’t move furniture or take apart components. The goal is to identify obvious issues and provide an objective overview of the home’s current condition.

What to Expect During Your Home Inspection

The inspection process involves more than just the inspector examining the property. Here are some things you can expect:

• Walk-through – The inspector will start with a tour of the interior and exterior while visually evaluating the property. This allows them to get acquainted with the layout and start identifying potential issues.
• Systems testing – The inspector will operate systems like turning on faucets, flush toilets, test garbage disposals, turn on the furnace, check AC, test smoke detectors, and check outlets. This determines if components are functioning properly.
• Attic and roof inspection – The inspector will evaluate the condition of the roof, look for water intrusion signs, examine insulation, and check for proper ventilation.
• Exterior inspection – The home’s siding, windows, doors, decks, porches, and other exterior features will all be examined. The inspector will look for cracks, rot, water damage, or other deterioration.
• Interior inspection – The inspector will evaluate ceilings, walls, floors, doors, windows, and cabinetry. They will look for signs of water damage, cracked tiles, or other defects. Appliances may be tested if they convey with the sale.
• Plumbing and electrical checks – Fixtures will be evaluated and a sampling of outlets will be tested. The electrical panel and water heater will also be assessed.
• Foundation and structural examination – The inspector will evaluate the foundation for cracks or signs of settling. They will also look for potential structural issues with ceilings, walls, and floors.
• HVAC inspection – This includes checking the furnace, AC unit, ductwork, vents, filters, and thermostats. Basic functional testing will occur.
• Questions and answers – This is your chance to get inspector insights on any concerns you may have about the home.
• Review of findings – The inspector will review their notes with you and point out any issues found during the inspection.

Common Problems Found During Home Inspections

Home inspections are meant to uncover any issues that could impact livability or result in costly repairs down the road. Here are some of the most common problems inspectors come across:

Roofing Issues

Roofs suffer a great deal of wear and tear. Inspectors will look for:

• Damaged or missing shingles – Curled, cracked, or lost shingles often indicate the roof is aged and may need full replacement soon.
• Faulty flashings – Flashings around chimneys, vents, and valleys channel water away. Faulty or missing flashings can lead to interior leaks.
• Insufficient ventilation – Proper airflow reduces heat and moisture buildup which can damage the roof and cut its lifespan.
• Moss buildup – Moss holds moisture against the roof contributing to decay and fungus growth.

Exterior Issues

The home’s exterior takes a beating from the elements. Inspectors will be on the lookout for:

• Deteriorated siding or paint – Warping boards, cracked stucco, peeling paint, and other exterior damage can lead to further issues.
• Foundation settling – Minor cracks are common but significant settling indicates foundation problems.
• Poor drainage – Improper drainage away from the home can cause flooding, soil erosion, and water intrusion.
• Deck and porch damage – Dry rot, rust, and structural problems with exterior features should be addressed.

Plumbing Issues

Faulty plumbing systems can lead to leaks, water damage, and mold. Inspectors will look for:

• Leaky faucets and showerheads – Even small drips indicate worn fixtures that should be replaced.
• Cracks in pipes or fittings – Cracks allow water leakage and increase the risk of bursts down the road.
• Water pressure and drainage issues – Improper water pressure or slow drainage point to piping blockages.
• Water heater defects – This includes rust, leaking valves, faulty temperature/pressure relief valves, and more.

Electrical Issues

Faulty electrical work can create fire hazards and other safety issues. The inspector will look for:

• Overloaded circuits – This can be identified by tripped breakers, burnt wire smell, or outlets not working.
• Grounding and bonding defects – Issues here increase the risk of shocks and electrocution.
• Exposed wiring – This poses a shock, fire, and injury risk, especially if children or pets are present.
• Signs of amateur repairs – Only a licensed electrician should perform electrical work, DIY repairs often violate code.

HVAC Issues

Problems with heating and cooling systems can leave homes uncomfortable or even unsafe. Inspectors will check for:

• Old or damaged equipment – Furnaces over 15-20 years or ACs over 10 years may need replacing soon.
• Duct issues – Leaky, detached, or crushed ducts will reduce system efficiency.
• Faulty thermostats – If thermostats don’t work properly, the system can’t maintain comfortable temperatures.
• Insufficient air flow – Dirty filters and vents reduce air flow forcing systems to work harder.

Interior Issues

Inside the home, inspectors keep an eye out for:

• Water damage – Leaks can lead to mold growth, damaged walls/floors, and more.
• Rot and insect damage – This is commonly seen in roof leaks, plumbing leaks, or foundation moisture.
• Fire and safety hazards – Dead smoke detectors, lack of fire extinguishers, and unsafe railing heights are red flags.
• Insufficient insulation – This can lead to inefficient cooling/heating, moisture issues, and even mold development.

Questions to Ask Your Home Inspector

The inspector is there to work for you, don’t be shy asking plenty of questions! Here are some important ones to ask:

• What are the approximate ages of the roof, HVAC system, water heater, and other major components?
• Which repairs or replacements do you recommend be done immediately? Within the next year?
• Are there any significant safety hazards you identified I should be aware of?
• Are there signs moisture or potential water intrusion problems?
• Are any systems near or beyond their expected useful life?
• Were any areas unable to be fully inspected? Why?
• Is the home compliant with modern safety and building codes?
• Does anything indicate DIY repairs were done improperly?
• Are there things a normal homeowner inspection could miss that a more technical one would find?
• Based on your inspection, do you recommend any additional specialist evaluations?

Don’t be afraid to ask the inspector to clarify or expand on anything in their report. The more you understand about the home’s