Hire a basement inspector versus a regular home inspector
A home inspector is a generalist, not a specialist. Pointing out the existence of cracks is within the scope of a home inspection but where defining their structural significance is not. Which mean by license they are not authorized and in most cases not capable of giving an opinion about the causation of cracks.
Basements by definition are the most difficult part of the home to inspect. By code basements, cellars and even crawlspaces are listed as “Hostile Environments”.
Purchasing a home may be your life’s biggest purchase and if it has a basement in Texas it’s also unique. Like any other major purchase, it requires thought, research, and asking a lot of questions. Becoming a home owner is a big investment, and the costs of unknown repairs can blind side you.
An inspector who specializes in basements will help you make the best decision possible. In just a few hours you will have a better idea of the homes potential problems. An early warning for buyers of defects they might face down the road or shortly after purchase. A basement inspection can also be a great learning experience for potential sellers and a worthwhile investment for possible buyers.
Basement Inspection Service
The Basement Kings operates on a fee for service contract when providing inspections.Unlike contractors who may offer a “free” estimate – we provide no such services. All fees are listed up-front and inspections are delivered in writing. Be warned of free services because many contractors make up for their “free” estimates by bidding on the actual work.
For buyers knowing exactly what they are buying is probably the biggest hurdle for them carrying out a real estate transaction, yet many people gloss over due diligence and end up regretting it. Sellers shouldn’t want their lender having to determine from a “free” estimate whether discovered cracks are actually “serious”, or if the finding of “serious” is actually a marketing tool. As a buyer let us do a thorough inspection of the homes basement and outline possible defects before you hand over the cash at closing.
The Basement Kings utilize the services of its own professional inspectors.
If you’re in need of a home inspection I can honestly say the state of Texas has numerous great inspectors. If you have a basement in your home or if you’re building a basement your choice of inspectors will be very limited.
In Texas many home inspectors consider basements a specialty item. Very few professional inspectors consider themselves properly trained to even attempt walking through your basement. Unlike most states Texas requires all inspectors to use a particular inspection form. Surprisingly, the state acknowledges they are not familiar with basements and don’t offer training for any of its inspectors.
In- fact basements are left off the states required inspection forms entirely.
Some insurance companies won’t cover many home inspectors who offer basement inspections, so be careful of who you choose to inspect your basement.
For new home buyers that are looking to purchase a basement home in Texas allow The Basement Kings to help. No other company is better equipped to help you find a basement home anywhere in the state. We can quickly outline areas of the state that have existing basements and in some cases check its history of repairs. No other company in the state offers this service, not even realtors because many realtors in the state have contacted us for help.
New home buyers that are building a basement should consider using our Professional Inspectors to act on your behalf. Wouldn’t it be great if someone noticed a problem before it was too late to correct it? What if someone noticed that your basement walls were not properly waterproofed, your sump pit was placed in the wrong location or left out altogether. Compared to what it will cost to repair or correct a basement problem later
– your choice is clear.
Like a dentist says “you can see us now or you can see us later, but when it really hurts you will be calling us”.
Finding a professional inspector who offers similar services will not be easy.
Prospective buyers primary concern should be making a good investment and avoiding basement homes which are labeled “as is” without a proper inspection.
Perhaps armed with our inspection report our client could negotiate a better deal. For a seller there’s less stress knowing beforehand what problems might be discovered prior to its sale. Perhaps, before you decide whether to sell you’d like to know where your home would stand relative to other homes in your area.
A basement inspection will include the following items:
- Moisture Management Issues (grading, drainage, discharges, roof & gutters)
- Basement Exterior Shell (Basement slab, walls, windows & doors)
- Shell Penetrations that extend from the basement (vents, flues and intakes)
- Attached Structures basement stairs, railings)
- Structure (moisture control, ventilation, framing and basement insulation)
- Interiors (ceilings, laundry & basement permanent appliances)
- HVAC (heat/cooling, venting & combustion/supply/return air and filtration)
- Plumbing (drain, waste, supply, pressure tanks, sumps and water heaters)
- Electrical (service, grounding, bonding, panels, fixtures and outlets)
- Basement Fireplaces (combustion issues, firebox, damper and flue)
- Gutters, downspout systems and surface grading around the home.
- Health, Safety, & Welfare Issues (egress, air quality and injury prevention)
- Water marks on basement wood, metal or around the inside walls.
(For areas applicable & accessible)
Basement reports also include detailed narratives of possible hidden defects.
Items exposed include:
- Check hidden areas for signs of damage like the back of basement stairs or damaged support columns.
- Discovering attempts to either clean or paint over damaged areas.
- Testing under the floor surface for possible rust or wood rot.
- Stored items on pallets rather than directly on a basement floor.
- Noticing if A/C or hot-water systems are raised or supported on blocks.
- Signs of Efflorescence – chalky white lines of salt deposits that appear on many basement walls and floors. A great indicator of flooding.