For your own protection. A modest investment in a professional inspection will protect the lifetime investment about to be made in your new home. Many people just look at a home themselves, or have a "friend in the construction business" check the house, and purchase the home without a professional inspector's opinion. It can be disastrous if they discover severe issues or defects after closing and moving in. When purchasing any home, old or new, you cannot possibly know about all the problems or defects that, if left undetected, may develop into major problems. Protect your investment and your family by hiring a professional, licensed inspector to inspect the home inside and out ― before you buy.

Inspections can be tailored to fit your specific needs to focus on items such as the foundation or roof when you are already aware of, or suspect, a problem. When having a home custom-built, it may be inspected at each stage of the construction process and/or when it is finished. For resale homes, Foster Inspections includes the following areas in every homebuyer inspection: STRUCTURAL This is an analysis of the structural components of the home, including roof framing, load-bearing walls, and foundation. We will tell you after a limited visual observation if the structural components appear to be performing their intended function. We will also provide an opinion on the condition of the roof covering. ELECTRICAL We will check the safety and operation of accessible wiring, switches, receptacles and fixtures. The inspector will also look for proper installation of electrical panels, junction boxes, circuit breakers and service drop. MECHANICAL Air conditioning: Wall thermostat, evaporator coil, drain line, overflow drain pan, refrigeration lines, insulation, condensing unit, fan motor, compressor function, electrical connections and temperature differential. Heating*: A visual inspection of the burners, elements, and heat exchanger (a cracked heat exchanger in your furnace causes carbon monoxide that can be distributed throughout your home and could result in serious illness or death). We inspect gas connections, pilot light, flame appearance, fan control switch, fan motor and belt, wiring integrity, and flue gas flow. *Note, we do not disassemble any equipment. Appliances: Range and oven, vent hood, disposer, dishwasher, water heater, and other installed appliances. Plumbing: Fixture leaks, toilet operation, dripping or broken faucets, shower pan leaks, clogged drains. OPTIONS Additional charges apply to optional inspections, including: Sprinkler systems Swimming pools, spas and hot tubs: Includes a careful check of the pool finish, coping, filter, pump, and motor, diving board and pool lighting. Septic systems and water wells Termite inspection/Wood-Destroying Insect Report (WDI): If requested, we perform a thorough inspection of the property and provide you with a report on any active or previous infestations, if visible, and will report on those conditions conducive to WDI infestation. Some items and equipment should be inspected by the company that installs and services them, such as security systems, central fire and smoke detection systems, and radio intercoms, to name a few. Feel free to contact us with any questions. INSPECTION REPORT After the inspection, you will be provided with an extensive and comprehensive checklist and narrative report. This report will include all areas covered by the inspection and required by Texas law, and will give you a good diagnosis of the condition of the property.

Foster Inspections is not a warranty company and therefore cannot warrant the equipment and systems of the home. However, warranties may be purchased from various companies to cover your equipment and systems. Foster Inspections would not be liable, for example, if the A/C unit breaks down two days after the inspection. The best protection that we can provide for you is a thorough inspection of the property by an experienced and licensed home inspector.

We encourage you to be present so that the inspector can show you how the household equipment works, explain any problems or defects, and answer all your questions in person. However, it is not mandatory if your situation does not allow you to be present. It takes 4-5 hours to complete a thorough inspection on the average home. If the home is occupied, you are responsible for making arrangements with the occupants to open their home to our inspector.

The buyer should arrange for the inspection to ensure that there is no conflict of interest and that the inspector is working for the buyer. However, the buyer's agent or seller may arrange for an inspection. In general, the party requesting the inspection is responsible for payment.

Your real estate inspection is only as good as the inspector that you hire. As a minimum, they should: Take enough time to fully inspect the home Have an extensive background and education in construction Be licensed by the Texas Real Estate Commission Possess credentials and advanced certifications in inspections Produce client references