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Purchasing property in Austin? Having a professional home inspection before closing is vital. An experienced home inspector will uncover any hidden defects or problems with the home that could become massive headaches and expenses later on.
However, not all home inspectors are created equal. It takes an expert eye to thoroughly examine all aspects of a home and detect issues that an untrained eye could miss. You want to find an inspector who takes the time to inspect the property meticulously, uses the latest tools and technology, provides detailed reports, and has extensive knowledge of Austin homes.
The home inspection will provide you with objective insights into the true condition of the home you’re considering purchasing. This allows you to make negotiations with the seller and determine if the home is still right for you.
To assist Austin homebuyers, we’ve assembled this guide on what makes a great home inspector and our top choices for home inspection services in the Austin area.
Qualities of the Best Home Inspectors
When evaluating home inspectors for your Austin property purchase, look for these top traits:
Certified & Licensed:
Confirm all required state and local licensing along with certifications like InterNACHI or ASHI which require ongoing training. This validates expertise.
Experienced:
Look for an inspector with 5+ years minimum inspecting Austin area homes. More experience translates to more defects detected.
Detailed:
The inspection report should be thorough, and contain photos and specific information on any issues uncovered. Vague reports are problematic.
Professional Tools:
The best inspectors use cutting-edge tools like thermal cameras, moisture meters, carbon monoxide detectors, and more during the inspection process.
Insured:
Make sure the inspector carries general liability insurance to protect you from any potential liability arising from the inspection. Ask for policy details.
Reputable & Reviewed:
Check online reviews and complaints. Reputable home inspectors have overwhelmingly positive reviews for their inspection quality.
Good Communicators:
The inspector should be able and willing to answer all your questions in plain terms during the inspection.
Reasonable Fees:
Typical fees range from $300 – $500 for standard 2,000-square-foot homes in Austin. Be wary of prices that seem too high or low.
What’s Checked in a Home Inspection?
Best home inspectors in Austin thoroughly examine all aspects of the property including:
- Roof – age, roofing material, evidence of leaks, gutters and drainage
- Exterior – siding, paint, decks, patios, grading around property, doors, and windows
- Structure – the foundation for cracks or water signs, beams, support posts
- Attic – insulation, ventilation, framing
- Electrical – main panel, wiring, outlets, doorbell, garage door opener
- HVAC – heating/cooling equipment age and capacity, thermostats, ductwork
- Plumbing – supply pipes, drains, water pressure, water heater(s), sump pump(s)
- Bathrooms – sinks, toilets, showers, tubs, ventilation
- Kitchen – cabinets, countertops, sink, appliances, garbage disposal
- Interior – walls, ceilings, floors, railings, steps, smoke/CO detectors
- Basement/Crawlspace – moisture signs, beams, support posts
- Garage – door, opener, firewall separation
- Plus much more – sprinklers, security system, radon, water softener, etc.
Crucial Things a Home Inspector Won’t Check
While home inspections are quite comprehensive, some things lie outside the scope of a standard inspection:
Code compliance:
Home inspectors do not check for violations of building codes or ordinances.
Home value:
An inspector will not appraise the property or determine its market value. Their role is only to comment on their physical condition.
Remaining lifespan:
Inspectors can estimate the ages and conditions of systems but do not provide exact lifespans.
Buried systems:
Underground drainage systems are very difficult to detect during a standard inspection.
Aesthetic issues:
Minor cosmetic issues like carpet stains or paint nicks are generally excluded.
Be sure to speak with your chosen inspector if you need any of the above aspects included in your home inspection report before purchasing a property.
Tips for Picking the Best Home Inspector
Follow these tips when selecting a home inspector for your upcoming Austin property purchase:
- Read online reviews of inspectors to confirm consistently great service, not just high overall ratings.
- Ask for copies of their certifications, training certificates, and proof of liability insurance before hiring.
- Compare multiple quotes – prices range widely so look for good value, not just low fees.
- Ask if they offer any specialty inspections like sewer scopes if you need them.
- Request a sample report to gauge the quality, detail, and comprehensiveness.
- Pick an inspector who takes time to explain their process and is happy to answer all your questions.
- Look for a satisfaction guarantee or warranty should anything be missed on the initial inspection.
Conclusion
Having a professional home inspection before finalizing your Austin property purchase is a must. The inspection will reveal defects, maintenance issues, and problems that could otherwise have remained hidden until after closing. This protects you from expensive surprises down the road.
However, you need an experienced, certified Austin home inspector who will take the time needed to thoroughly inspect all areas of the home. Use our guide to understand exactly what to look for in choosing a home inspector. We also provided our list of the top-rated and reviewed home inspection services in the Austin area.
Reach out to your top choices to get quotes and evaluate which inspector will provide the expertise and service best suited to your Austin home-buying needs. By following these recommendations, you can get peace of mind knowing you have comprehensive insights into your prospective Austin property before purchasing. Let us know any other tips for picking a great home inspector in the comments!