Find a home inspector you can trust with DeRick Home Inspection
Are you looking for a full home inspection or something more specific? I have you covered with inspection services ranging from standard home inspections to annual home maintenance inspections, pool & spa inspections, irrigation system inspections, and home inspections for renters. Gain greater peace of mind and clarity when buying a home, or ensure a smooth transaction with maximum return when selling your home.
Purchasing a new home also means buying that home's problems. With a pre-purchase home inspection you can see exactly what you're buying. Problems discovered during the inspection could allow you to renegotiate to offset the costs of repairs — potentially saving you thousands of dollars. I'll even help you become familiar with the property.
Sometimes selling your home can be just as much of a roller coaster as buying one. Getting a pre-listing home inspection can help ensure a quick and smooth transaction. You can enter the selling process with confidence that there won't be any nasty surprises. You'll also avoid delays, which could last for weeks or even months.
An annual home maintenance inspection will help to identify potential problems before they can become major financial or safety issues. With a trained eye, I know where and how to look for problems that might go unnoticed for years. A home maintenance inspection covers common problem areas including the roof and attic, basement and foundation, grading and drainage, electrical systems, water heating systems, and much more.
If you're looking to buy a home with a pool or spa, then it's strongly advised to get a pool and spa inspection. While these features are highly sought after, they can also be very expensive to maintain and repair. A pool & spa inspection includes checking the pool's structure, safety features, equipment, as well as the surrounding deck.
If you're considering buying a home equipped with a lawn irrigation system (sprinkler system), I highly recommend having that system inspected by a professional. This is a visual inspection of the controllers, connections and valves, exposed lines, and sprinkler heads to ensure that everything is working properly. Damaged or leaking irrigation systems can have high replacement or repair costs, and can significantly increase your water bill.
Avoid nasty disputes with the landlord by having me inspect your rental unit, documenting the current state of the unit at the time of move-in. When you move out, an unscrupulous landlord will be unable to hold you financially accountable for problems that existed before you moved in.
Check faucets and showers, looking for visible leaks as well as testing water pressure. Identify the types of pipes used, if visible. Identify the location of the main water shutoff valve.
Identify the type of wiring, test all outlets and make sure there are GFCIs installed where needed to protect from electrical shock. Inspect the electrical panel for safety issues and fire hazards.
Determine the approximate age of the furnace and air conditioner, whether or not they function properly, and possibly recommend repairs or maintenance.
Determine the approximate age of the water heater and check for proper installation. I can also determine the condition and possibly give an estimated remaining life span of the unit.
Check for proper ventilation. A poorly ventilated dryer exhaust can be a serious fire hazard.
Test smoke detectors and ensure that the garage wall, if present, has the proper fire rating and is undamaged. Also check the fireplace for proper installation and maintenance.
Check for visible leaks, properly secured toilets, proper ventilation to prevent moisture related issues, and more.
If possible, check for structural damage and proper ventilation. Also check insulation and ensure that nothing is ventilated directly into the attic, such as the bathroom.
Check for damaged or missing siding, cracks, and excessive soil contact which can be an invitation for pests.
Check for possible foundation failure, indicated by cracks or settling.
Check to ensure that the ground slopes away from the house, which prevents water from entering the house or causing damage to the foundation.
If accessible and visible, check for roof damage or poor installation that may allow for water penetration as well as checking the condition of the gutters.
Test the garage door for proper functionality, check for proper ventilation to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, and check for risks of explosion from ignition sources too close to the floor.
DeRick Home Inspection provides professional home inspection services in South East Texas including Harris County, Galveston Cotunty, Brazoria County, Fort Bend County, Montgomery County, Liberty County, and Chambers County. Not sure if that's you? Give me a call at (281) 744-5036 or send me an email.