The Importance of the Home Inspection Walk-Through

Clients are usually very excited when they find the right home. The excitement builds once the sales contract is executed and the prospect of owning the perfect house becomes real. We believe that the home inspection should be a part of that excitement. It is truly a joy to see an excited client exploring their new home as we explain the condition of the property.

Communication is a key part of our real estate inspection process. From the moment of first contact we encourage the client to attend the walk-through. We believe that home inspection findings are best explained in person, not read about in a report. We know that when the client reads a report with the dreaded “D” (for deficient) checked, it may create confusion. The walk-through is our opportunity to address findings, address questions on site, and create an understanding of what will be in the report.

At the walk-through we explain the narrow definition of the dreaded “D” and why it may be checked. We also give a few examples of what may create a “D” situation. One example we usually give is of a torn window screen. We explain that although a torn screen makes the entire window system deficient within the window section of the report, it does not mean that every window in the house is broken.

We then explain the formatting of the report and the information contained. Information such as what a system should contain, maintenance tips, and the TREC Inspection Standards of Practice and Limitations for each section are included in black text. We include the TREC SOPs and Limitations specific to each section so the client clearly understands what is supposed to be in the report and why. Photos of appliance identification labels, deficiencies, and appliances in operation are also included. Our home inspection report is purposefully detailed and contains useful information. We color code deficiencies in orange text to enable quick scanning for specific findings.

During the walk-through we explain what we find and allow plenty of time for the client to ask any questions. We know that sometimes we are not going to have all the answers. This is when we explain why a systems specialist may be recommended. It is the time we spend to explain what we see and how it fits into the overall picture of the home inspection process that really helps the client to understand the condition of the home.

As you know, the Texas home inspection includes many tests for functionality and safety. The Texas regulations and guidelines say that an inspector only needs to check a “representative number” of items. We consider a “representative number” to be all of them. We will inspect the entire home as if we were buying it ourselves and we treat every inspection in that manner.

Your client can search our online reviews either by clicking on our reviews page or independently searching on Google. We encourage you to do so as well. Our online reviews are a great way to learn about what our clients think about our detailed home inspection and what we do to make the inspection a successful part of the process.

You or your client can call us directly to schedule the inspection.

Everything we do from the moment of first contact until the last question is addressed is all about informing the client and helping them navigate the process. We encourage you or your client to call anytime. We believe that clients who are informed and educated about the home via a walk-through with us will maintain the wonderful excitement they experienced at offer acceptance.

Third Step Inspections is indeed Where Quality & Integrity Meet!

Tony