Texas Home Inspection Guide: What to Expect, What to Ask For, and What to Do With the Report
Why the Home Inspection Matters in Texas
Texas homes can have issues that aren't visible to the naked eye — foundation movement, aging HVAC systems, roof damage, plumbing leaks, and more. The inspection is your chance to learn the true condition of the property before you're legally committed to buying it. In Texas, the home inspection almost always occurs during the option period — your unrestricted termination window.
What Does a Texas Home Inspector Check?
Texas home inspectors are licensed by TREC and follow a Standard of Practice covering: foundation and structure, roof, electrical system, plumbing, HVAC, attic and insulation, windows and doors, exterior grading and drainage, interior walls/ceilings/floors, and built-in appliances.
What Inspectors Don't Cover
A standard inspection is visual only. Not included: pest/termite inspection (requires separate WDI report), pool and spa, sprinkler system, chimney, sewer scope, radon testing, and mold testing. For older homes or homes with large trees, a sewer scope is highly recommended.
Foundation Issues: The Big Texas Concern
Texas expansive clay soils cause foundation movement in many homes. Signs to watch for: diagonal cracks at door and window corners, doors that stick or won't latch, sloping floors, and separation between walls and ceilings. If the inspector notes foundation concerns, get a separate evaluation from a licensed structural engineer — not just a foundation company, which has a sales incentive.
How to Use the Inspection Report
An inspection report is not a punch list for the seller to fix everything. Typical outcomes: terminate (if issues are severe, during the option period), negotiate repairs or a credit (ask the seller to fix specific safety items or take a closing cost credit), or buy as-is (minor cosmetic issues may not be worth negotiating).
How Much Does a Home Inspection Cost in Texas?
Expect to pay $350–$600 for a standard inspection on a typical Texas single-family home. Larger homes and additional services (pool, sewer scope) add cost. Pay for quality — a thorough inspector who finds one significant issue can save you tens of thousands.
KAT Realty's Role in the Inspection Process
We recommend trusted inspectors, review the report with you, help you understand what's significant vs. cosmetic, and draft repair amendment requests that are realistic and well-targeted. Our flat fee of $4,999 covers the full transaction.
