What Things Most Commonly Fail A Home Inspection IN GRAND PRAIRIE?

We always recommend having a professional inspect any property before you purchase.

​We have found that some issues come up over and over again in properties we inspect. 

In DFW and Arlington, these problems include:

Grade Sloping: If the grade sloping is too steep, there can be significant damage from the water that runs in that direction. This can lead to foundation movement, rot, mold and a host of other problems. 

Stucco: Stucco is a fantastic material that will last years if it is applied correctly. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. 

Water can seep into stucco through cracks or around light fixtures. A weep screed is a component of a stucco wall that will help this water drain sufficiently. However, things often get in the way and keep the weep screed from adequately doing its job. 

When this happens, water can enter the walls and interior of the home. If you cannot see the weep screed, this could be a potential issue with the house. 

Roofing: When roofing materials get older, they are more likely to fail and allow water to get in. Shingles and tiles can work great if installed properly and replaced when needed.
 
When a homeowner does not upkeep the materials, or if they are not installed correctly, water intrusion could lead to costly repairs. We want to ensure that the roofing materials keep all of the elements out of the house. 

Electrical Wiring: Issues with wiring can lead to devastating house fires which can leave you homeless, injure or hurt you or your family, and can cost an arm and a leg to repair.

Some homes, especially older homes, do not have enough electrical outlets. People often plug in extension cords to get sufficient lighting and to plug in the multitude of electrical devices we use every day. This can be a hazardous problem because it can overload the electrical system.

Exposed electrical wires are also a common problem in homes of any age. These can get damaged or wet which can be a significant safety hazard for you and your home.

Plumbing: There can be a lot of things wrong with the plumbing. Some things, like leaks, are easy to fix. Tons of homes still have plumbing made out of polybutylene which is prone to ruptures. Most problems can be fixed relatively easily, but occasionally the entire plumbing system needs to be replaced. 

These are only a few of the problems we frequently find with homes. We hope that this has given you enough information that you never buy a home without having a professional inspection done first. 

How Much Does Home Inspection Cost?

The price of home inspections can vary a lot depending on the size of the home and the location as well as other factors. In Grand Prairie, Dallas, and Fort Worth a home inspection can cost anywhere from $400 to $700 or more. Typically the average price for home inspection is around $550.

It is also important to add home inspection insurance costs into the equation. Generally home inspection insurance can cost around $500 a year, but can go up to over $1000 depending on the coverage. 

Adding these two together, we see that the home inspection average costs will be around $500 to $600 plus $500 or more each year. Even if these costs just save you from paying for one costly fix on your new home, you are making out like a bandit. 

When buying a house, inspection should be at the top of your mind. It can be easy to forget to do certain things, but this could be a costly one to miss. 

Lastly, remember that it is generally the buyer who pays for the home inspection. Sometimes the cost can be part of the negotiations, but the buyer should want to get it done because they are taking the risk in buying the home.