Why Use Phase Inspections? Also see “Phase Inspection“

The buyer of a home under construction has a unique opportunity to monitor the construction process and quality of their new home using Phase Inspections. Normally, the primary contact for information and decision making during the building process is the builder or builder’s representative, often referred to as the construction superintendent. The buyer will do well to choose a reputable builder known for building quality homes and acting with integrity toward the new home customer. Bottom line, however, to stay in business the builder has to make a profit in a low margin business. Even the best builder will be motivated by his bottom line to use economical sub-contractors and materials, which may compel someone in the construction process to cut a corner somewhere. Another person who may provide oversight of the building process is the municipal (city) building inspector, although certain jurisdictions such as unincorporated areas will not have such officials or requirements. The building inspector is obligated to the municipality for which he works to ensure a building under construction is meeting the city’s code requirements. The building inspector is only required to observe the current work and hold the builder accountable to any work that may not meet certain city code requirements before proceeding. Although the builder and the municipal building inspector both provide an oversight role in the construction of a new home, both have their own interests and requirements for doing so, and neither have the obligation, duty, or the time to advocate for and give impartial advise to the new home buyer. In contrast, the professional house inspector’s job is to do exactly that. In Texas, the professional house inspector is a licensed real estate professional, and as such has the obligation and duty to the client as the client’s agent in regard to confirming the current condition of a subject property. Information reported to the client through Phase Inspections become a record for the client to refer back to regarding the actual construction of the structure, systems, and components of the house. Besides helping the new home customer to stay abreast of best practices being used in the current construction work, such documented information may also be helpful in future deliberations, such as warranty claims. The Inspector also routinely takes photographs during the inspection, which may provide a beneficial visual record of specific aspects of construction later hidden by the finished product. The job of the house inspector is to advise the client with an impartial assessment regarding the current condition and performance of their home, at whatever time and stage the home is inspected.

What is Square Footage?

One of the pricing factors for a house Inspection is the square footage of the building; this may also refer to the total area of the floor space under the continuous covering of the roof.  All floor areas of each floor level are added to determine the total square footage, including garage, covered porches, and any other finished floor area under the one continuous building roof, referred to as “square footage under roof.” Common sources of the recorded square footage of a home are the county appraisal district; real estate listing service; the listing realtor; or official building plans. If  different sources state different square footage amounts, the greater amount will apply for use in pricing the house inspection. The Inspector reserves the right to verify actual square footage through on-site measurement if the stated amount appears erroneous. 

What are Foundation Types?

The foundation of a modern building will be basically one of two types; either slab (concrete) on grade; or a structure built with its first floor level above grade (earth), resulting in an open space between the grade and the floor structure. The latter is commonly referred to as pier and beam. Some houses actually have both foundation types present, such as a building built on to an existing earthen slope. These two types of foundations must be inspected differently; specifically, the pier and beam structure should be inspected within the space between grade and floor, called the crawl space. The crawl space may not be inspected, however, if the space is not of required size, or conditions in the space pose a danger or health threat to the Inspector. 

What is Third-Party WDI Inspection Scheduling?

WDI stands for wood destroying insects. The WDI inspection is often required by lenders when financing the purchase of a home. Only licensed structural pest control inspectors may provide WDI inspection reports for real estate transactions. As a convenience to clients, HeadsUp Inspection Services offers to schedule a WDI inspection, often at the same time or in close proximity to the real estate inspection, to help facilitate the limited time frame most clients have for completing their real estate transactions. The client may pay the WDI inspector directly, or facilitate payment through HeadsUp Inspection Services, depending on the particular requirements of the pest inspection service provider.

What does “Substantial Completion” mean?

“Substantial Completion” refers to the point when a newly constructed building or improvement is at a state of completion when it is physically functional for the purpose it was intended. It is not necessarily the point when ownership is established or it is actually used.