Frequently Asked Questions

What does the home inspection cover?

The home inspection is a very detailed process, especially considering the limited amount of time we have available to us. During the inspection I will visually inspect the foundation and give you my honest opinion regarding its condition. This includes analyzing cracks as well as checking windows and doors for issues and looking for indications of movement in the attic space and on the roof. I will inspect the entire exterior of the home as well as walking on as much of the roof as possible and, once inside the home, I operate every accessible window and door, along with every accessible light and receptacle. I will remove the electrical service panel cover and check the wiring inside. I operate every built-in kitchen appliance on a full cycle and run water at every sink and flush every toilet multiple times. If it is during our 11 months of summer, the air conditioner will run for the duration of the inspection and I will capture several temperature readings to confirm proper operation. If the home has a crawl space, I will do a 'happy dance' before crawling under as much of the house as possible. I love crawl spaces!

How long will it take?

I would say the average inspection takes around 3 hours, but it really depends on size and age. They usually take at least 2 1/2 hours (no matter how small), but if you are buying a 7000 square foot home it will take all day (about 1 hour per 1000 square feet or so).

Do I have to be there?

You really should attend the inspection, if possible, but your attendance is not required. Most people show up toward the end to get a verbal summary and take a look at any areas of concern in person. We also typically take payment at the end of the inspection. If you are out of state or cannot attend for whatever reason, it is not a problem. I will schedule everything and give you a call to discuss the home after the inspection is complete and we can arrange payment over the phone.

What forms of payment do you accept?

Cash, Check, Credit Card, Venmo, and Zelle.

What will happen if the report reveals problems with the home?

All homes have issues and I have never written a totally clean report, so please enter the process with the understanding that the inspection is 100% likely to reveal issues regarding the home. It is my job to make you aware of those issues and to put them in the proper context so you can make an informed decision. A foundation issue, for example, is significantly more important than a small leak below a sink. If you are able to attend the inspection, we will discuss the primary issues and I will answer all of your questions.

When you get your report, I can't stress this enough, read it. You should then work with your agent to decide if you will make any requests of the seller. You can ask that they repair certain items or you may request an adjustment in price so that you can make repairs yourself. There is technically no requirement that they grant your requests, but you will retain the ability to back out of the sale  during your option period if you no longer feel comfortable with the arrangement based on the information revealed at the inspection.

Why should I choose Infinity Home Inspections over some other company?

I know there are some guys that take this opportunity to speak poorly of other inspectors out there, but I don't really like that approach. The great majority of inspectors I have met, especially those who own their own company, are honest people doing a good job. Instead I will just say that experience is the most important factor, in my opinion. I have been inspecting in the Fort Worth area for over 17 years and that brings a wealth of knowledge regarding local homes. I also owned a contracting business before that, so I've been hands-on with most of the issues that come up during inspections. I know what it takes to fix things, I understand how certain apparent mistakes were made, and I usually know how to correct them and how much it will cost (prices have skyrocketed in most areas recently). Here's a tip for being sure you get an experienced inspector on your side: Inspector license numbers are handed out in numerical order, so the lower the number, the longer that inspector has been licensed. My TREC PI# is 9871. I believe they are up to nearly 26,500 now, so that means I've been doing it longer than about 16,500 other licensed inspectors in the state. I guess another way to look at that is there have been about 1000 new competing inspectors entering the market every single year and I am still crawling under houses and managing to not fall off of roofs.

Some of the bigger companies will advertise their owner, but send a newer inspector to your house. I will be the person inspecting your house. You will get my honest opinion, and I will spend whatever time is needed to answer all of your questions and address any concerns.