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It is easy to fall in love with a house’s layout, color scheme, and ambiance when looking for a new home, but underlying structural factors are just as important to consider. One of the significant steps in the home buying process is to hire a home inspection service so that it can allow you to get a detailed overview of your new home’s overall condition. Here’s a rundown of what home inspectors do.

What Is a Home Inspection?

The process of home inspection Pearland TX involves evaluation that is conducted before the acquisition of a home. The inspector will examine your home and present you with a detailed report of everything they found. You can then go to the seller (or builder) to have any desired faults fixed before closing the deal, or you can use the results to negotiate a lower price from the seller. The particular aspects of a home inspection that your inspector will look at may differ from state to state or depending on the property itself. However, you may anticipate your home inspector to cover some necessities, like key mechanical systems, structural integrity, and other features of the house that are relevant to safety. While many inspectors can handle special inspection requests, a few are certified to inspect certain areas, such as roof and chimney inspection requires an inspector specifically trained to know what to look for. After the inspection concludes, you receive a written detailed report outlining all the inspector’s findings, including photographs, along with the details of any damage discovered during the inspection. Pictures are important because they can help you grasp the damage’s magnitude and location, making repairs much more accessible.

How to Locate a Reliable Inspector

When hiring a home inspector, it is critical to find a certified expert capable of identifying potential issues accurately. Verifying certification with recognized organizations such as the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) or the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI) is an excellent way to screen candidates. Both of these organizations maintain electronic databases that can be used to find qualified home inspection Sugar Land TX. The databases will also include information about their qualifications, certifications, and the services they provide.

Look for Reviews

Various other platforms provide user reviews related to home inspection companies, including the Better Business Bureau, Angie’s List, and Yelp. Just entering a company’s name and terms like “complaints” and “reviews” into a search engine like Google can also help you find reputable and trustworthy options. Hiring a home inspector to assess your property is an essential step in the home buying process since it can verify that you are buying a safe and hazard-free home. Are you ready to start looking for your ideal home? Then, take a look at the move-in-ready homes offered by Perry Homes to find your next home in Texas.

Advantages of Hiring A Certified Home Inspection Company

Every home buying process necessitates a home inspection, it allows the purchasers to get a detailed overview of the structural integrity of the home they are planning to purchase, it may seem like a money wastage to have a professional visit the site and examine every nook and cranny, and this is one investment you don’t prefer to skimp on. But the truth is you can save money by hiring a licensed and experienced home inspector by avoiding unnecessary repairs.
Safety First
The most important reason to hire a professional home inspector to inspect your prospective home is to ensure its safety. Your primary concern is the safety of you and your family. As a result, an inspector will inspect the home’s foundation, walls, flooring, and roof. You will be notified of any issues that could threaten your and your family’s safety. Home inspection Pearland, TX, keeps you safe from moving into a house that puts you at risk of illness or injury.
Spend Less Money
It may seem expensive at first, but hiring a home inspector will save you a lot of money in the long run. A house inspector’s job is to detect any current or potential flaws in a property. These obstacles could range from minor annoyances to significant issues. In either case, catching problems before they become a problem will save you money. You can proceed to the following stage once you’ve identified the objects that need to be fixed.
Protect Your Investment
Home inspections are an excellent approach to make sure that you are making a sound investment and safe from bad choices. The home purchasing process isn’t straightforward; it requires a huge investment and should not be taken lightly. If your inspection reveals a lot of needed repairs, it’s going to drain your bank account. If, on the other hand, your inspection indicates only a few issues, it means you have made a secure investment in a property that will increase in value in the long term.

Conclusion:

While purchasing a home, it is equally essential that the inspector performing the home inspection is certified and competent; ensure that the person you have hired for inspection has the necessary qualification to support their work. The right inspector will assist you to draw a decision if it’s time to sign the papers for your new property, don’t forget to call Home Inspections Katy TX, for the appropriate home inspections.

One of the most important and often overlooked steps in the home buying process is the inspection. For first-time homebuyers choosing a home inspector can be a challenging proposition and finding the best professional inspector not only gives you the peace of mind you deserve but can save you money on costly repairs or headaches caused by unforeseen damage. While it’s not a legal requirement, nearly every Real Estate professional will advise you to get a comprehensive third-party inspection before the option period ends. Here are five considerations to help homebuyers navigate choosing the best home inspector.

Referrals and Reviews

More often than not word of mouth referrals from family and friends motivate homebuyers to choose an inspector. Because they have first-hand experience with an inspector’s services and trust their performance, this is often the best way to choose a professional home inspector. Many people prefer the same inspector for decades of real estate transactions and have built a relationship on trust, transparency, and integrity. Additionally, looking at an inspector’s online reviews will allow you to accurately understand their customer service and the quality of their inspections. Because home inspections need to happen quickly, it’s essential to make a decision as soon as possible and be confident in that decision.

Schedule a Call or Consultation

In this day and age, everything is online and often can be misrepresented, so one of the easiest ways to make sure you trust your professional home inspector is to simply speak to them on the phone. You can get quick answers to any questions and get an idea of their dependability and demeanor. During this call, you can make sure they are bonded, insured, licensed, and experienced. You can also ask how long a typical inspection takes, which will give you an idea of how thorough an inspection they perform. It should take anywhere from 2-5 hours for a typical residential inspection, depending on a number of variables, including age, condition, and size. 

Understand What to Expect

A home inspection provides a detailed report on all mechanical systems, framing, foundation, roofing, and more while identifying potential deficiencies and offering a full view of the property’s condition. Inspections identify any necessary repairs or the potential for future malfunction, which allows potential homebuyers to develop a budget for repairs and negotiate these into closing credits. Inspectors do not perform repairs and ethically should not recommend contractors other than other third-party inspectors. Transparency is at the core of home inspections because they act as an unbiased third party without a vested interest in the real estate transaction. 

Compare Costs

Like most things in life, when choosing a professional home inspector, you get what you pay for. Compare some different home inspectors reviews versus cost, and you will often find that spending a bit more upfront can save you a lot of money down the line in repairs or damages. Home inspections not only identify deficiencies, but they can also predict repair costs and necessary maintenance in the first year of homeownership, which allows for better budgeting and projections.

Avoid Homes Inspectors that ask to Walk the House Solo

While it’s your choice whether or not to attend the inspection, it is often recommended that you do so that inspectors can provide the highest level of service and transparency. If a home inspector requests to conduct their inspection alone, this can be a major red flag, and it is probably best to work with a different inspector. Also, avoid inspectors that offer to conduct and repairs or maintenance themselves and look for a licensed contractor with a specialty in the field that needs addressing.  

As the long Texas summer approaches, homeowners are faced with high temperatures and a generally prolonged period with little precipitation. July, August, and September are among the hottest months in Texas, and preserving your lawn and landscaping through these months can be difficult. Still, with the right strategies and some preparation, you’ll be able to enjoy your outdoor oasis year-round.

Watering your lawn may be challenging as consumption and demand increase during the summertime; this can be solved by developing a more efficient watering schedule and checking local guidelines and restrictions. Warm-season turfgrass can become dormant it undergoes a prolonged period of dry or drought-like conditions. If this occurs, the turf will turn golden-brown and stop growing, though in most cases, it will return when water becomes readily available in late summer or early fall. The ability for the turf to return does require deep, healthy roots that have developed during the previous months. Another important consideration is to water as early in the morning as possible to allow the water to infiltrate the deep roots and not evaporate off of the surface of the blades. It’s also important to make sure you are applying water evenly. In-ground irrigation systems can be an excellent option for homeowners who want to ensure even, controlled watering. One of the best ways to efficiently water your lawn is to water deeply and infrequently to get a depth of approximately 6”.

At the peak of the summer, mowing needs to be performed less frequently to prevent further stress on your lawn. A rule of thumb is that lawns should be maintained at 3” during the summertime. By removing weeds in the springtime, you can prevent unwanted growth and reduce the need to mow during the summer. Many homeowners choose to fertilize in the spring to get ahead of the long dry Texas summer, and this is a great solution for maintaining a healthy lawn year-round. It should be noted that if you do choose to fertilize your lawn, you should reduce or suspend the number of applications when there is less water to support growth. Take a soil test to your local landscaper to identify phosphorous and potassium rates to develop a proper fertilizing schedule.

Many homeowners utilize native plants to maintain outdoor spaces year-round. Because they are naturally drought resistant and stress-tolerant, they require less maintenance and water with the added benefit of contributing to the local ecosystem as food sources for pollinating insects like bees and butterflies. They can also protect soil quality with deeper root systems and natural immunity to regional pests and diseases.

No two lawns are identical, and sometimes it’s best to bring in a professional landscaping service to keep your lawn looking its best, but with some planning and strategy, you can keep your lawn green year-round. Look into your local guidelines for advised watering schedules and restrictions.

Home maintenance is one of life’s inevitabilities, and both experienced and first-time buyers can be caught off guard with an unexpected costly repair. This can be especially true in the first year after purchasing a home when savings have been utilized for a down payment, and existing budgets may have tightened with a higher mortgage payment. It’s a fact that every home is going to require maintenance, both ongoing and unexpected. Still, having a comprehensive view of the mechanical systems, foundation, plumbing, and appliances can allow homeowners to plan accordingly, save money in the long run, and increase their property’s value over time. While there are variables such as the age and condition of a home, common wisdom holds that homeowners should maintain 1% of their home’s value for annual maintenance. Simply put, if your home cost $300,000, you would want to have $3,000 available. 

One of the best ways to be prepared for these expenses is to have a professional inspector perform an inch-by-inch inspection and provide a comprehensive written report detailing any potential deficiencies. While some systems can be checked by the homeowner themselves, the deficiencies that can cause the most expensive repairs like roofing, foundations, framing, electrical systems, and plumbing systems more often than not require a professional inspection. Additionally, breakdowns in electrical systems can create dangerous situations which are invisible to the naked eye and require thermal technology to identify and remediate.

Homeowners can take some relatively straightforward measures to keep their homes mechanical systems functioning optimally, like regularly replacing HVAC filters, keeping gutters clear of debris like leaves, twigs, and bird nests, and occasionally flipping the circuit breaker to prevent corrosion of frequent tripping. For more complex systems like pipes, water heaters, HVAC systems, and roofs, an annual inspection can frequently offset the inspection cost with the savings associated with identifying a small problem before it becomes a major repair. 

It’s also important to know and document your appliances’ age and associated lifespan. Identifying your appliances’ age and lifespan can help you plan for and budget accordingly to choose between replacing the entire unit or getting an older unit repaired if possible. See the guide below for more information.

Appliance LifeSpan Guide

• AC Unit 10-15 yrs
• Dishwasher 9 yrs
• Dryer 13 yrs
• Furnace 15-20 yrs
• Refrigerator 9-13 yrs
• Thermostat 35 yrs
• Washing Machine 10 yrs
• Water Heater 12 yrs

Being prepared for costly maintenance is the best way to avoid being hit with a huge bill for an issue that could have been repaired for a relatively low cost had it been identified before major malfunction. Of course, damage can occur due to natural forces like hurricanes, floods, or tornadoes. Still, for issues that arena your control, a professional inspection with a detailed report is the best way to understand and plan your annual maintenance budget and keep your investment sound while building equity for the future.

Building your dream home is a complex and multi-faceted process that requires extensive coordination between your builders, sub-contractors, architects, engineers, and inspectors. The necessity for a phase inspection during each milestone of new construction projects cannot be underestimated. These three phases occur pre-foundation pour for monolithic foundations, at the framing and pre-drywall phase, and a final inspection to ensure your project is safe, up to code, and will pass any state or local permitting regulations. Each phase inspection ensures that your home is built to the highest industry standards. Having these inspections conducted by an experienced, impartial third party is the most effective way to guarantee that your home is solidly built.

The foundation inspection is performed before the concrete pour and is one of the most crucial phase inspections. Prior to pouring concrete, each plumbing, beams, in-ground electrical, sewer, and drain lines need a thorough inspection to avoid costly damage or repairs in the future. Due to the scope of these systems, it’s essential to choose an experienced third-party inspector who can identify potential deficiencies so that inadequate systems are not laid in a permanent foundation which can lead to serious issues if a faulty pipe or wiring goes unnoticed before the foundation is poured.

The second phase inspection is conducted after the framing is completed but before any drywall is hung or insulation is installed. This allows an inspector to examine the mechanical and electrical rough-ins, including HVAC systems, structural components, including framing, beams, columns, and ductwork. Some examples of common deficiencies include cracked or warped framing structures, crimping in ductwork, improperly notched floor joists, and inadequate fire retardant materials between framing and flooring structures. The only way to ensure that these systems are properly installed is to inspect them before insulation or drywall obscures them. After drywall goes in, any deficiency is invisible and will go unnoticed until it’s too late to remedy the issue. These deficiencies can not only cause expensive repairs, they can result in dangerous situations, including gas leaks and electrical fires.

The final inspection is the one most homeowners are familiar with, whether it’s a custom project or spec construction. This complete walk-through inspects every inch of mechanical, HVAC, plumbing systems, and appliances. This can also include a blue tape walk-through to provide a comprehensive punch list to your builder to be completed before move-in. This inspection can also ensure that your project passes city code inspections the first time to avoid costly delays.

Third-party inspectors are able to give an impartial report on these systems to allow homeowners the peace of mind they deserve during every phase of their construction project. The best way to avoid costly repairs in the future is to identify and remedy them during the initial phases of construction. Using an impartial third-party inspector, you can ensure that your project is built to all local codes and safety standards.

Not only do lenders typically require professional home inspections, but they can also allow first-time buyer’s a clear, detailed report on any potential deficiencies that can lead to costly repairs in the first year of homeownership. The home buying process can be a complex process with many different moving parts. A professional home inspector can give first-time buyers peace of mind that the home they have an accepted offer on won’t become a money pit. With a comprehensive inspection ranging from foundation and structural components to mechanical systems and appliances, first-time buyers are given a complete analysis of necessary repairs and any potential repairs in the coming years.

Because home inspectors are neutral third parties, they can give first-time homebuyers an honest, transparent, and accurate assessment of the condition of their property and whether they want to move forward to closing or get out under the option period. Purchasing a home for the first time is a substantial financial investment and not one to be taken lightly. Professional home inspectors can identify existing damage, potential future breakdowns, and other critical issues which may incur high costs.

Whether it’s an older home or new construction, a professional home inspection is one of the best ways to ensure that the property is in proper condition for habitation. In some cases, realtors work with and recommend the same home inspector. However, it’s best practice to find a trusted local inspector who knows the area and has a thorough knowledge of the unique conditions that strain a property. Homes in the Houston area experience more issues related to HVAC systems, roofing, structures, and water damage due to weather patterns. A professional home inspector knows how to identify and pinpoint subtle indicators that may go unnoticed to the untrained eye.

Home inspections don’t just ensure first-time buyers from costly repairs; they can identify potentially dangerous deficiencies. Though not legally required, home inspections are highly recommended by any professional Realtor® and are considered standard practice in resale and new construction transactions. A recent analysis estimates that first-time homebuyers save, on average, $14,000 with a professional home inspection.

Professional home inspections are an investment within an investment and save first-time homebuyers from unforeseen fiscal challenges and allows Realtors to cite necessary repairs to reduce the purchase price from the seller. 80% of first-time home buyers use a professional home inspection during their purchase process. Nearly 100% of second and third-time buyers use a trusted inspector for their real-estate purchases, with most using the inspector who worked with them on their first purchases. Navigating the home buying process as a first-time buyer can be a daunting task. Choosing a professional home inspector who is impartial and transparent is one of the best ways to guarantee that your investment is secure, safe, and won’t result in costly repairs down the road.

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Investing in real estate is a huge and costly step. If you are looking to invest in a property, irrespective of whether it is a commercial or residential building, getting it inspected helps you ensure that it is a prudent investment. Enlisting the services of a real estate inspector will help you avoid risks and give you a rough estimate of the value of the building so that you don’t end up paying too much for too little.

A real estate inspector focuses on every aspect of the building without bias; structure, electrical, plumbing and mechanical. Their sole purpose is to make sure that the building you called them to inspect is perfect and safe in every way and if it isn’t, they will let you know.

If you are trying to sell a house, it is also advisable to get an estimate of the damages and the value of your property. This will help you in setting an appropriate price for your property as well as help you isolate the problem areas that you could fix to raise the value of your home or property.

However, finding a quality real estate inspector isn’t an easy task. If you are looking for a professional real estate inspector, here are a few tips that will simplify your search.

1. Licenses and experience.

Always look for a licensed and experienced professional inspector. One who has been in the business for many years. Generally, the lower the inspector’s license number, the more years of experience they have.

2. Value-added services.

Look for an inspection company who adds as much value to their service as possible. Successful home inspection companies that have been around for a long time add a lot of value to their customers, and in most cases, far exceed the customer’s expectations.

3. Reputation.

Find out what other people are saying about the inspection company that you are hiring. Word of mouth is typically the best indicator of how an inspection company performs its duties and responsibilities towards its clients. Successful inspection companies have been around for a long time, and in most cases, they have built up a lot of trust in the industry and have been referred to by friends, family and clients alike.

4. Attention to detail.

Look for an inspection company or a licensed inspector who is knowledgeable about all aspects of the inspection and real estate process. Someone who pays very close attention to detail has a reputation for being as thorough as can be, and who always puts the client first. After all, knowledge is nothing without applying that knowledge to the inspection.

5. Good communication skills.

When interviewing your inspector over the phone, go with your gut. Go with someone who has strong communication skills, someone who is capable of building a good rapport with you, and someone who expresses care and compassion to you during this most important time in your life as purchasing a home involves such a massive investment.

If you are looking for a real estate inspector around Sugar Land, Pasadena, Pearland, Cypress, Missouri City City, Stafford, Richmond, West University, Bellaire, Jersey Village, Sienna, League City, Humble, Spring, Katy, Fulshear, Rosharon, Houston, Rosenberg & the surrounding areas, reach out to B & J Real Estate Inspection. We provide quality and reliable home and commercial inspection service at an affordable price. We pride ourselves on our ability to personalize our inspections according to our client’s requirements. To learn more about the services we offer, please click here. To get in touch with us, please click here.

Thanks for stopping by our blog. If you’re looking for more information about B & J Real Estate Inspection, you’ve come to the right place.

About B & J Real Estate Inspection

We are a home and commercial inspection business based in the Sugar Land, TX area. We provide quality third-party structural, mechanical, electrical and plumbing inspections for home or commercial properties at an affordable price.

We have been in business since 1988, and our office is open for business, seven days a week. We serve all of the Greater Houston and surrounding areas across Sugar Land, Pasadena, Pearland, Cypress, Missouri City City, Stafford, Richmond, West University, Bellaire, Jersey Village, Sienna, League City, Humble, Spring, Katy, Fulshear, Rosharon, Houston, Rosenberg and more.

We are a very mature business that always tries to find ways to grow and stay on the cutting edge of technology for our clients, right from inspection tools, to report writing, to being more user-friendly and fully automated from start to finish of each job.

We have recently launched a new website and are now able to schedule appointments directly through our website. Realtors will be able to view our appointment calendar and schedule inspection appointments for their clients by using our app. We also accept all major credit cards through online payments.

Summer is typically our peak season, and fall and winter tend to slow down a bit from year to year, so if you’re purchasing a home, set up an inspection with us by clicking here.

The B & J Real Estate Inspection Difference

Our present owner, Jaycee Castro, has as much or more experience in the field of real estate inspection than probably more than ninety-five percent of our competitors. He has performed several thousand home inspections over the eighteen plus years as a full-time inspector.

Here’s what he had to say about the firm: “I never take anything for granted. This business was passed down to me by my father, and I strive every day to live up to and exceed the expectations that were passed on to me. I take great pride in what I do, and I serve each and every one of my clients with passion and conviction, knowing that every promise is delivered, and that hard work and dedication to your craft is the only thing that you can control.”

Our client base consists primarily of home buyers looking to hire an inspector who is very experienced, knowledgeable, thorough, detailed, and who cares about them with high regard and is interested in protecting them and their interest in an unbiased and straightforward manner. That, in a nutshell, is B & J Real Estate Inspection.

What sets us apart from the rest of our competitors is that fact that we love what we do, and we love those that we serve even more. To ensure we give the best to our clients, each inspection is fully automated, and we provide instant results every step of the way. This helps to create exceptional value for our clients and allows us to offer the best in customer service. We are also continually improving our customer and realtor experience and satisfaction.

Care and compassion for every one of our clients is another aspect that makes us second to none in the industry. We genuinely care about the people who entrust us to inspect their home, which is typically the proudest and biggest investment of their lives. We are humbled every day as we have the privilege to serve others in such a capacity.

B & J Real Estate Inspection received the Best of Sugar Land 2014 award for the Home Inspector Category by the Sugar Land Award Program. We also recently received awards and were honored in 2017 and 2018 for “Excellence In Customer Satisfaction” by Pulse of the City News. Our most recent award was again from the Sugar Land Award Program for Best of Sugar Land 2018 for the Home Inspector Category, and we were also inducted to the Sugar Land Business Hall of Fame.

While awards fill us with pride, our commitment to our clients and excellent home inspections remains the same. Our dream for the future is to continue to grow little by little every day because you can never stop growing even after thirty years in the business, and in business as in life, if you take care of the little things every day, big things are always sure to follow.

To learn more about all that we do at B & J Real Estate Inspection, please click here. If you have any questions about how we can help you, we’d love to hear from you. Please contact us here.

Buying a home is a big deal and ensuring it’s a good investment is equally significant. To assess the condition of a house, you’ll need assistance from a home inspector. They don’t only uncover the faults of a house but also offer information on how to maintain the property once it’s yours. However, many people feel the home buying process is lengthy and try to skip steps which results in some costly mishaps.

The biggest mistakes you can make during the home buying process is not consulting the right professional. Without the guidance of an expert in the real estate business, finding the ideal home for you and your family becomes stressful instead of fun.

To help you avoid some basic errors that could prove to be costly, here’s a list of the most common mistakes people make during the inspection and home buying process.

1. Settling for the cheapest inspection cost. A common mistake people make when looking for a home inspector is focusing solely on the cheap inspection cost. Don’t only look at prices; try to find an inspector who provides a combination of experience, proven expertise, affordable prices, and the best overall value. Conversely, most large inspection companies carry substantial overhead. Typically the money spent on a larger home inspection company goes towards paying the employees (sometimes inexperienced) hired to perform your home inspection (before the company can make any revenue). This equals more money out of your pocket for poor quality service, which equals less value or ‘bang’ for your hard earned buck.

2. Not hiring a real estate agent. Another common mistake customers make is not hiring their own real estate agent to assist in the negotiation of repairs and handling of contracts. Sometimes relying on one agent to represent both sides in the negotiating process can put you in a situation that is not advantageous. As a result, it’s difficult to negotiate a better deal when purchasing a home. As awkward as it sounds, there have also been occasions when a buyer is dealing directly with the seller, and after the home, inspection is performed the seller decides to no longer sell the home! Wasting the buyer’s precious time, effort and money on a deal gone wrong. Hiring an experienced realtor and home inspector are critical keys to making the home buying process smooth, easy, and stress-free.

3. Not following the safety inspector’s instructions. After the home inspection, a common mistake people make is not following some or all of the maintenance and safety recommendations of the home inspector. It may include not caulking windows and tub surrounds, not changing an air filter, failing to service/clean the AC system, not installing GFCI protection to receptacles, or not maintaining the moisture content of the ground around the home during dry seasons or drought. Failing to follow a home inspector’s maintenance and safety recommendations can lead to enormous structural repair expenses in the long run. You can count electrical safety hazards, as well as premature wear on mechanical systems in that list of expenses. A home inspector’s safety and maintenance recommendations are always made to protect your family, and home from elements are physically and financially harmful now or in the future.

To save yourself from the troubles mistakes like these cause reach out to the experts at B & J Real Estate Inspection. Being a small family owned and operated business, we truly provide customers with the best of both worlds by combining many years of experience in the industry, lower overheads, the best customer service, extremely competitive pricing, and best overall value. Our team performs thorough structural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing inspections. We are an independent real estate inspection firm built on fundamental principles of providing quality and reliable inspection service at affordable prices in Sugarland, TX.

For a complete list of our services, please click here. If you have any questions about home and commercial inspection in Sugar Land, TX, we’d love to hear from you. Please contact us here.