Fee Information If you need immediate pricing please call 817-441-9598 with any information about the home that you may have and I will be happy to give you a quote. If you have some time, please read the following information about the price differences between home inspectors.

• Size of the home
• Type of foundation - slab on grade or pier and beam
• Age of the home - older homes typically require more time
• Type and number of HVAC systems - complex systems typically require more time
• Additional systems, such as sprinkler systems, outdoor cooking equipment, outbuildings, etc.

Price shopping for a home inspection can be very costly in the long run. The $25 you save today may come back to haunt you in the form of a $2,500 repair bill later should the low cost inspector miss something. When determining which inspector to hire use the following three tips prior to asking about price

1. Ask if the inspector is a full time inspector. You will find some inspectors who only do a couple of inspections a month to pay their utility bill or do it for extra money. Full time inspectors also have the advantage of seeing many different homes with many different issues.

   Anyone can see that a roof is leaking when it is raining outside. But, knowing where to look and what to look for when it is not raining comes with experience. This is what sets full time inspectors apart from part time inspectors.

2. All home inspectors in Texas require a license of some level as well as a minimum number of continuing education hours to maintain that license. There are three levels of licensing: Apprentice, Real Estate, and Professional Real Estate Inspector.

   Ask if the person actually performing the inspection holds a Professional Real Estate Inspector license. Multi-inspector companies often use Apprentice or Real Estate level inspectors to perform the actual inspection, with a Professional Real Estate Inspector only reviewing the report after the fact.

   Be sure to ask for and verify the inspector's license and status. My Professional Real Estate Inspector license number is 7765, click here to verify my status.

3. Ask if they are a member of any trade associations. Membership in trade associations is expensive and most require annual continuing education.

   Keep in mind that membership in each and every association doesn't necessarily equate to more knowledge. Only that the person has spent a considerable amount of money joining numerous associations. I am a member of the National Association of Certified Home Inspectors, click here to verify my membership.

As mentioned, both the State of Texas and most national trade associations require a minimum number of hours of continuing education. I exceed the minimum requirements of both the State and NACHI by at least 8 - 10 hours per year.

Texas Requirements - See section 1102.205.
NACHI Requirements

This education can be expensive, not only for the cost of the courses, but in time away from performing inspections, hotel costs, travel costs, etc. Basically it all comes down to money. Ask yourself, how can a part time inspector or low priced inspector afford to meet or exceed the continuing education hours required.

When you make the decision to buy a home you are making a rather large investment. Keep the price of your home inspection in perspective. If you are planning on spending $70,000, $100,000, or even $500,000 on a home, do you really want to haggle over $25? When you hire a home inspector you should make sure you are getting one that has the knowledge to be able to identify the problems of the home, not tell you how nice it looks.

If saving $25 is your sole concern simply call every inspector in the phone book and ask one simple question, "How much do you charge?". Don't ask for, or listen to any information about qualifications, reporting methods, etc. You will more than likely find a price you want. Some home inspectors may even bargain down their price just to get the work.

If you don't want the cheapest, only out for a quick buck, part-time inspector call 817-441-9598 today to schedule your appointment.

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