Home Inspections: What do home inspectors look for?

People aren’t perfect, and neither are homes. Like people, all homes have deficiencies. Which is why a home inspection is always recommended. In Texas, home inspectors are regulated and licensed by the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC). They are a government organization that sets the Standards of Protocol for inspectors and regulates them very carefully. Because this is a state government agency, the reports may or may not line up with local building codes. Inspectors have a very difficult job because not only are they expected to check hundreds of items, but the regulatory board is always adding and modifying the standards.

I am including a video by a local inspection company that I have used before, Element Inspection. They discuss how the regulations need interpreting, aren’t necessarily black and white, and how TREC’s standards are typically higher than city ordinances. The goal is to protect home buyers from purchasing either a money pit or an unsafe residence. However, to an untrained eye, the reports can often look scary. I have never heard of a home receiving a clean report. We would probably be aghast if an inspector came into our home today! In fact, homeowners can feel defensive about these reports because they have loved their home. Their home has been a place of safety and security. A place of milestones and memories. An inspection report listing every deficiency can feel personal. What both buyers and sellers need to realize is that all properties, whether apartment, condo, or single family dwelling – have deficiencies. You find one that you love, in spite of it’s imperfections. When reading a report, what homebuyers should focus on are safety issues or repairs that are costly.

 
Erica Stauver, REALTOR
Luxury Sales Agent, CRS
Denton County Real Estate Expert
Texas Public Notary
Reach out for excellent real estate services!
940-206-7651
EricaStauverRealtor@gmail.com