A-PRO® HOME INSPECTION AUSTIN SERVICES INCLUDE:

Home Buyers Inspection (Pre-Purchase Home Inspection)

A standard Pre-Purchase Home Inspection is a visual examination of the physical structure and major interior systems of a residential building, much like a physical exam that your doctor may perform on you. However, it should be clearly understood that a home inspection is not to be confused with an appraisal, warranty evaluation, building code inspection, a guarantee of any kind, and/or an insurance policy on the condition of the property. A-Pro provides Industry leading 500 point Pre-Purchase Home inspections that include a free foundation level survey ($150 value). Additionally, A-Pro Home Inspection Austin Clients are backed by InterNACHI. InterNachii® will pay up to US $10,000.00 (maximum collective aggregate) for the cost of replacement of personal property lost (and not recovered, restitution or insured) during an inspection and stolen by an InterNACHI-certified member and was convicted of or plead guilty (or no contest) to any criminal charge resulting from the member’s taking of the personal property. 

Home Seller Inspection (Pre-Listing Home Inspection Austin )

The Home Seller Inspection, sometimes called a Pre-Listing inspection is a very intelligent but often underused selling tool for a prospective home seller. Getting the home inspection done prior to placing a home under contract or even on the market gives the current owner an opportunity to exhibit transparency in a future transaction thus potentially speeding up the selling process and eliminating last-minute deal points that could kill the sell. A major benefit of a Home Seller Inspection is any repairs needed can by systematically and efficiently taken care of without the pressure of a pending deadline. The actions of the inspector in this type of inspection mimic that of a Home Buyers Inspection except that the report is delivered to the seller. Want to shorten the days on market that your property stays on the market? Call A-Pro Austin Home Inspectors and order a Home Seller Inspection and get us working for you.

New Home Warranty Expiration Inspection

A-Pro offers new home warranty inspections to detect notable defects before your one year builder’s home warranty expires. A-Pro Home Inspections will meticulously document and report visual defects within your new home that may be covered under your builder’s home warranty in order to maximize your home warranty coverage. The Home Warranty Inspection report will give you the leverage you need to obtain the repairs necessary before your builder’s warranty expires on your new home. This could be your last chance to correct installation deficiencies common with new home systems and components failures. We highly recommend scheduling your home warranty inspection with us at the beginning of the 11^th month. This will give you the time you need to coordinate and discuss our expert hardbound report with your new home warranty provider. Waiting until the last minute can force new homeowners into a disadvantaged negotiating position with the home warranty provider. Regrettably, some home warranty providers charge high premiums for their warranties but are less enthusiastic about paying claims. Call A-Pro Austin Home Inspection today before your new home warranty expires, leaving you with safety and performance related deficiencies that should have been corrected.

(STR) SHORT TERM RENTAL INSPECTIONS

Finding an inspector for Short-Term Rental (STR) inspections in Austin is as easy as calling A-Pro Home Inspection Austin. STR Inspections are now required if you are trying to rent your property for specific events like South by Southwest Music Festival (SXSW) or Austin City Limits (ACL). Instead of obtaining a certificate of Occupancy from the City of Austin, A-Pro ® can help you save time and money. Call A-Pro NOW at 512-200-7250 or schedule online here for all your STR certified  inspections in Austin, TX.

Maintenance Home Inspections

The Maintenance Home Inspection is a service offered to existing homeowners to help protect what to most of us is our largest investment. This is one of the most comprehensive inspections we do since we have the opportunity to work with the homeowner to gain access to areas that are not available during a visual only inspection. The goal of the Maintenance Home Inspection is to detect potential system failures or other issues within a home to allow the homeowner to make informed and prioritized repairs while hopefully avoiding the major home cost surprises. We recommend Maintenance Home Inspections at a minimum every three years. We have found that many clients hire us to inspect elderly parent’s homes, rental properties and vacation homes. Take control of your home repair budget and improve your ability to communicate with contractors by hiring A-Pro Austin Home Inspectors to conduct an annual maintenance home inspection.

FHA Home Inspection

The FHA (Federal Housing Administration) Home Inspection is our standard industry leading Home Inspection but formatted to meet the requirements of our clients that are utilizing an FHA loan. FHA loans provide an option for home ownership to borrowers who may not qualify with other lenders, and often allow lower down payments and interest rates. An FHA insured mortgage can be used to purchase a new or existing home. A home inspection is strongly recommended by the FHA as part of the loan process. As the FHA is a Federal program, the reporting requirements on Home Inspections supersede those of any state-mandated reporting requirements. Ensure your loan process is not slowed down due to the Home Inspection expectations and that your investment is protected by calling A-Pro Austin Home Inspection to conduct your FHA Home Inspection.

HUD Inspection Austin

There are specific forms associated with HUD homes and their inspections. A HUD home is a property acquired by HUD (U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development) as a result of a foreclosure action on an FHA-insured mortgage. HUD becomes the property owner, offers it for sale and then sells it at market value as quickly as possible. HUD properties are sold as-is without warranty and no repairs should be performed on a property until after the new owner has taken possession. It is critical when purchasing a home sold by HUD to get an A-Pro Austin Home Inspection as soon as possible for a number of reasons: (1) The inspection may uncover a condition that makes the buyer choose to walk away from the deal and just forfeit the earnest money. A foreclosure is highly likely to have had maintenance ignored and the home to be neglected even abused. (2) The home is vacant and the time to actual closing is often extended in a HUD transaction, any new damage occurring before closing has a realistic chance of being covered by HUD if well documented. Call on A-Pro Austin Home Inspectors for all your HUD home inspection needs. 

HUD 203(k) program

The 203(k) program was created in the early 60’s as a way to obtain funds needed to complete repairs and to refinance or purchase a home. The program’s complexity prevented it from being used effectively until the mid-90’s when consultants were first introduced to the field. Many of our A-Pro Austin Home Inspectors are certified consultants and can help you navigate this complex process. Call on A-Pro Austin Home Inspectors for all your 203k home inspection needs. 

 

Certified Home Inspector

Did you know that the State of Texas does not license many Inspectors in the State? These so-called Inspectors have found a legal loop-hole in Texas Law by calling themselves “Property Consultants” or “Home Advisors.” The Certified Home Inspection is a unique offer from A-Pro designed for the home seller that wants to add some extra spice to their Home Seller Inspection. A-Pro Austin Home Inspection will conduct the standard Home Seller Inspection and add selling features to help you more quickly sell your home at a higher price. The 120 Day guarantee of “If We don’t report it, We repair It” is transferable to the new buyer. This allows the buyer to potentially save ordering a new Inspection. Imagine selling your home as already maintaining a Certified Home Inspection!

 

New Home Construction Phase Inspection Program

The building of a home is critical at every step. Having an ITI® certified building inspector present at each step of this process is also critical. While most contractors are very good at what they do, it is imperative to have another set of eyes to verify the decisions that they have to make and the execution.

The A-Pro New Construction Phase Inspections Program or sometimes referred to as 4 Point Insurance Inspections consists of four (4) inspections for the home buyer. For all new construction phase inspections, it is important to get an idea from the builder a date that they anticipate the building will be ready for each phase of the inspection – as soon as the date is given, notify us immediately.

PHASE I – Foundation

The foundation inspection is one of the most important and one of the most difficult to schedule. Builders can easily get ahead of schedule or fall behind of the initial schedule due to weather amongst other problems. We recommend that the home-buyer constantly check with the builder about progress.

• Concrete Slab – This phase of the inspection is done after the exterior foundation walls are finished and the plumbing rough-ins are installed, however before the concrete slab is poured.
• Basement – In this phase of the inspection we come out after the forms (walls) are poured and before they backfill. It is extremely important that this inspection is done BEFORE they backfill.
• Crawl Space – A Crawl Space is simply a basement that you cannot stand up in. This phase of the inspection is done after the foundation is poured but before backfilling and framing begins.

PHASE II – PRE-Drywall

This phase of the inspection is done which involves inspecting the electrical, plumbing, heat, and framing. We usually perform this inspection one to three days before the contractor hangs the drywall. Note: All other inspections above must be performed before this phase.

PHASE III – FINAL Home Inspection

This phase of the inspection is done after the building process is finished. This is when the buyer has a walk-thru inspection with the builder about a week or so before the closing of the home takes place. We need to come out 1 to 3 days before this walk-thru. At this time, we perform a complete 500-point comprehensive home inspection with pictures of any problems so the client still has time to address any issues with the builder before closing takes place. At this time we can also schedule additional services (i.e., foundation level survey, etc.).

• This phase of the inspection is done which involves inspecting the electrical, plumbing, heat, and framing. We usually perform this inspection one to three days before the contractor hangs the drywall. Note: All other inspections above must be performed before this phase.

Call on A-Pro Austin Home Inspectors when you need a Phase Completion Inspection. 

PHASE IV: Final Walk Thru Home Inspection Having A-Pro Austin Home Inspectors on your side during the final walk thru Inspection is a wise decision. A final walk-through is executed a few hours to five days before closing. It is not a home inspection nor is it a time to begin negotiating repairs. The primary purpose of the final walk thru inspection is to make sure that the property is in the agreed upon condition you agreed to buy it in. (agreed-upon repairs/improvements, if any, were made satisfactory) Many clients re-hire us to conduct the walk thru after our initial home inspection when there were changes, repairs or improvements negotiated in order to come to a purchase agreement.

 

Additional Inspections

There are additional inspections outside of the scope of a standard Home Inspection. Most home inspectors in the State of Austin follow minimum standards of practice required by the governing rules. A-Pro provides a comprehensive 500-point inspection which covers over 1,800 systems and/or components and goes well beyond the minimum standards set forth by the State of Austin. Below are ancillary services that may be of interest to you now or has a homeowner.

Home Repair Verification Inspection

Many clients hire A-Pro to Inspect and verify that specific home repairs have been done satisfactorily. The major advantages to using A-Pro Austin Home Inspections to verify home repairs are when the client does not have the technical background or time simply does not allow them to address. We work for remote landlords as well as adult children of elderly parents who live independently to ensure our clients get everything that was agreed upon before making a final payment to a contractor. Call on A-Pro Austin Home Inspectors for all your home repair inspection needs. 

 

Roof Damage Inspection

Have you ever wondered if the inspector the insurance company sends out (or doesn’t send out) to inspect a roof after a storm involving high winds or hail is working for you or the insurance company? A-Pro Austin Home Inspectors are certified to inspect roof damage work for you. For a fair and balanced assessment of the damage to your roof call your A-Pro Austin Roof Inspector and make sure you have a professional on your side.  

Lead Paint Inspection

The use of Lead Paint in homes was eliminated in 1978. If your home was built prior to 1978 getting an Inspection specifically to detect lead paint could be advisable but is absolutely critical before you do any type of home improvement projects that require even mild demolition. Many of our A-Pro locations are certified in lead paint inspection. The health implications associated with lead paint are serious, the toxins from lead paint are most dangerous when the paint is disturbed in some manner and the dust particles infused with lead come in contact with people. Children and women who are pregnant or may become pregnant are the most susceptible to the negative effects associated with high lead exposure. Call your A-Pro Austin Home Inspector today for more information on Lead-based paint problems. 

Wood Destroying Insect (WDI) report aka Termite Inspection

There are many types of Wood Destroying Insects but termites are the most common and cause the most damage. A WDI Inspection is often referred to as a Termite Inspection when really all wood destroying insects are inspected for. Whether you’re buying, selling, or refinancing your home, there is a high probability that you will need a (WDI) Wood Destroying Insect report. WDI reports provide evidence of possible infestation by wood destroying insects or damage caused thereof that is visible and accessible at the time of inspection. In addition to identifying possible infestations and previous treatment, a WDI report will alert a lender or buyer potential problems within the home. Termites are slow eaters so if a termite infestation is discovered it is usually not a panic situation. Treatment is effective and can be handled in a few months without causing additional problems. In nearly all states a State Agency provides oversight of WDI Inspection and Treatment and in all cases, this inspection is outside the scope of a traditional Home Inspection. Your A-Pro Austin Home Inspector can consult with you on your options and in many cases provide the WDI Inspection for you.

Foundation Inspection

All Home Inspections include a visual inspection of the foundation as a minimum requirement. At A-Pro Austin Home Inspection we understand that a home’s foundation condition ranks very high with our clients relative to concerns about a property and we go over and beyond to inspect the foundation. The A-Pro Inspection includes a foundation level survey ($150.00 value) as part of every standard home inspection. Call your A-Pro Austin Home Inspection if you need a foundation inspected.

Pool and Spa Inspection

Swimming pools and spas are most often excluded from a standard home inspection because they require special training and a separate report. This is not to say that Pool and Spa Inspections are not important, they absolutely are. A pool and/or spa are often vital components to that dream home. When mechanical, chemical and especially safety issues surface with a pool or spa the dream can turn into a nightmare compounded with liability. Protect yourself and ask your A-Pro Austin Home Inspector for a Pool and Spa Inspection. Our in-depth Inspection will not only uncover critical issues present but also help you in the planned maintenance of your pool and/or spa.

Radon Inspection

It may surprise you that Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer and that nearly all homes have some level of Radon in them. Radon is an odorless and colorless gas that emits as radioactive uranium breaks down in the soil, water or rocks. Radon enters a home in many ways such as through cracks in slabs, wall joints, and water supply. An elevated amount of Radon in a home is a health hazard. The standard Home Inspection does not include Radon testing. The EPA has recommended that every home is tested for Radon and that if the test comes back at an exceeded level to fix the home. The good news is that repairing a home to normal Radon levels is not usually a high-cost proposition. If you need A-Pro’s help in testing for Radon and/or reading the results please call your A-Pro Austin Home Inspector.

Thermal Imaging Inspection

Thermal Imaging Inspections are not included in a standard home inspection. Many people like to think in terms of a Home Inspection as compared to a Doctor’s visit. A standard Home Inspection compares to a Physical performed by a doctor when he does a thorough visual check on you. A Thermal Imaging Inspection compares to going in for an MRI. A thermal imaging inspection is performed with an infrared camera. The Inspection can provide home buyers, sellers or homeowners with a wealth of information such as:

Structural defects caused by wood destroying insects:

• Energy and heat loss
• Moisture penetration and or leaks
• problems with electrical wiring overheating
• And much more

Call your A-Pro Austin Home for a Thermal Imaging Inspection when you need to know more.

Structural Inspection

A standard home inspection includes many of the elements of a structural inspection but is not as in-depth as a stand-alone Structural Inspection. During a Structural Inspection, the A-Pro Inspector will be looking for and reporting on only the foundation and supporting elements of a home, investigating for a variety of distress indications that may result in repair or further evaluation recommendations. If you notice a problem such as a sagging roof, bowing walls or cracking foundation or your home has been subject to severe storm damage, flooding or fire. Call your A-Pro Austin Home Inspector for a Structural Inspection.  

Commercial Building Inspections

A commercial property is defined as the building structures and improvements located on a parcel of a commercial real estate. These may include structures such as buildings with residential units operated for profit, mixed-use buildings, strip malls, motels, factories, storage facilities, restaurants, and office buildings. A commercial inspection requires the inspector to make observations, conduct research, and report findings. A-Pro Austin Home Inspectors will conduct Commercial Inspections for you. The A-Pro Inspector will collect information through visual observation during a walk-through survey as well as conduct research about the property including key components and reports relative to the property. A-Pro will then generate a meaningful report about the condition of the property based on the observations made and research conducted.

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Independently owned and operated by Jay Jaquess, CHI, PHI