RESIDENTIAL INSPECTIONS

Pre-Purchase Phased Structural Specialty

Texas is one of the few states that actually sets standards for real estate inspectors and even mandates the format for reports on residential inspections. So when you need a home inspection, any licensed inspector will do, right?

Well, not if you´re serious about the results. Consider that an individual can become fully qualified to perform independent residential inspections without a college degree of any kind, with little or no construction experience, and with as little as 330 hours of training. The training requirement can even be met through correspondence courses, with no actual classroom time.

Of course, there are many very good inspectors out there-inspectors who are proud of the quality of their work and who diligently train to be even better. So how do you find them?

First, check their credentials. Those inspectors with extensive qualifications are likely to display them boldly on their websites and in their marketing material.  Read carefully to determine whether they´re just starting a new career after years as an auto mechanic or computer programmer or have been in the construction business for their entire adult life.

Second, verify their affiliations. The inspectors in Texas who are most serious about their profession belong to TAREI, the Texas Association of Real Estate Inspectors. The members of TAREI regularly meet to share information, to keep current on the latest construction and inspection technologies, and to train and re-train on the fundamentals. TAREI offers quarterly 16 hour Continuing Education Units per year for members and non-members.

Finally, ask to see a sample of the inspection report. This shows you a general overview of the inspection process.