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 defining their structural significance is not. By regulation, licensed inspectors are not authorized, and in most cases not capable of giving an opinion about where the cracks were originally formed.
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 homeowner is a big investment, and the costs of unknown repairs can easily blindside 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. Utilize our service as an early warning system for buyers or sellers. Allow us to point out possible defects you 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 by contractors because high estimates make up for their “free” estimates or low balling the actual work provided.
For buyers, knowing exactly what they are buying is probably the biggest hurdle to carry out a real estate transaction and yet many people gloss over due diligence and end up regretting it. A homeowner selling a basement home should be skeptical of inspections provided free of charge. The inspection report could be bias towards making unnecessary repairs. Fixing things that are not broken can easily become an expensive nuisance. Lenders using the “free” report can force you to make those repairs without recourse.
A “free” report may also be heavily weighted towards helping a seller. Consider the phrase “you get what you paid for”, because in many cases it has proven to be true. If you’re a soon-to-be buyer, allow us do a thorough inspection of the home’s 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 inspector.
Basements are left off the state’s 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 realtor because many realtor 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 their 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 concerns should be making a good investment and avoiding basement homes that 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 and gutters).
• Basement Exterior Shell (Basement slab, walls, windows and doors).
• Shell Penetrations that extend from the basement (vents, flues and intakes).
• Attached Structures, basement stairs and railings.
• Structure (moisture control, ventilation, framing and basement insulation).
• Interiors (ceilings, laundry and basement permanent appliances).
• HVAC (heat/cooling, venting and combustion/supply/return air and filtration).
• Plumbing (drain, waste and supply line along with pressure tanks, sumps and water heater).
• Electrical (main 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 walls, metal studs or around corners beneath carpet strips.
(These sections only apply to areas that are accessible)
Basement reports also include detailed narratives of possible hidden defects.
Items exposed include:
• Checking 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.
If you’re considering purchasing a basement home in Texas, why not use the best?