Frequently Asked Questions About Our Home Inspections
Updated: July 2026
Is a Home Inspection Pass or Fail?
No. A home inspection is not a pass-or-fail test. The inspector documents the visible and accessible condition of the home’s systems and components. The report may identify maintenance items, deficiencies, safety concerns, and conditions that need further evaluation. Buyers can use this information when discussing the property with their real estate agent.
What is a Home Inspection?
A home inspection is a visual evaluation of a property’s accessible systems and components. It commonly covers the foundation, roof, attic, HVAC, plumbing, electrical system, interior rooms, exterior surfaces, doors, windows, and installed appliances. The client receives a report that explains the inspector’s observations with clear descriptions and supporting images.
Should I get an inspection on a new build?
Yes. New construction can still have installation, workmanship, or system-related concerns. A third-party inspection provides an independent review before your final walkthrough or closing. The inspector may evaluate the foundation, roofing, electrical system, plumbing, HVAC, attic, insulation, drainage, interior finishes, exterior components, and accessible appliances.
What are the Inspector's qualifications?
I’m glad you asked. I am a Certified Professional Inspector (CPI) received by training and and testing with the Inter-National Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI) and I am licensed with the state of Texas, TREC License #:26094. Thus I follow the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) Real Estate Inspector Standards of Practice (SOP) and code of ethics. I am licensed through the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) to perform Wood Destroying Insect (WDI)|Termite Inspections and am a certified Pool Inspector.
What is the cost of a home inspection?
There are multiple variables (i.e. sq. ft., age, foundation type, and ancillary inspections) that determine the cost of the home inspection but it is primarily based on the square footage. The larger the footprint the more time it will take the inspector and occasionally larger homes have additional components such as two HVAC systems, etc. Age of the home also affects the price as older homes will naturally have more deficiencies and outdated systems for the inspector to know and include in a detailed report. If the foundation type is pier and beam with a crawlspace, this will slightly add to the price but the value gained will outweigh the cost as the inspector will be in the underbelly of the home gaining a great visual of the foundation perimeter beam, plumbing, electrical, framing, evidence of termites, and any deficiencies within. To increase the efficiency of your option period, the two ancillary inspections we offer are Pool and WDI/Termite Inspections which have separate pricing as these require additional licensing and time by the inspector. When you contact us, we will consider these factors to calculate the price to inspect your unique home. Remember, the value you gain from a quality Surety Home Inspection well outweighs the cost. Always inspect before you invest.
Explain your Certified Professional Inspector (CPI) Certification?
A Certified Professional Inspector (CPI) is a home inspector who has met the rigorous training, education, and ethical standards set by InterNACHI (International Association of Certified Home Inspectors). CPIs must complete a comprehensive training program, pass an exam, adhere to a strict Code of Ethics, and fulfill ongoing continuing education requirements. This certification ensures the inspector is knowledgeable, qualified, and committed to providing thorough and professional home inspections.
How long does the inspection take?
Most standard home inspections take about two to four hours. The exact time depends on the home’s size, age, condition, foundation type, and added services. Larger properties, older homes, pools, crawl spaces, sewer scopes, or other specialty inspections may require more time. Clients are encouraged to attend near the end for a review of key findings.
How Do You Educate Your Home Inspection Clients?
Surety Home Inspections explains findings in clear, practical language during the inspection and through an easy-to-read digital report. Clients can ask questions about the systems, observations, and recommended next steps. The goal is to help buyers, sellers, and homeowners understand the property rather than leave them with technical information that is difficult to use.
Which cities does Surety Home Inspections serve?
Surety serves Bedford, Arlington, Hurst, Euless, Fort Worth, North Richland Hills, Grapevine, Flower Mound, Colleyville, Southlake, and nearby DFW communities. Because travel availability can vary by property location and schedule, clients should provide the full address when requesting an appointment.
Do you provide home inspections throughout Tarrant County and the DFW Metroplex?
Yes. Surety is based in Bedford and serves many communities throughout Tarrant County and the broader Dallas–Fort Worth Metroplex. This includes the Hurst-Euless-Bedford area, Arlington, Fort Worth, North Richland Hills, and surrounding cities. Contact Surety to confirm service availability for a specific address.
Can specialty services be added to a standard home inspection?
Yes. Clients may be able to add WDI and termite inspections, pool and spa inspections, sprinkler system inspections, thermal imaging, sewer scope inspections, or foundation elevation measurements. Availability depends on the property and inspection schedule. Request all desired services when booking so they can be coordinated efficiently.
What is included in a pre-purchase inspection?
A pre-purchase inspection evaluates the visible and accessible condition of a home before the buyer closes. It commonly covers the foundation, roof, attic, exterior, HVAC, plumbing, electrical system, interior rooms, installed appliances, grading, and drainage. The report helps the buyer understand current conditions, maintenance needs, and areas that may require further evaluation.
What is a pre-listing inspection?
A pre-listing inspection is completed before a home is placed on the market. It gives the seller information about the property’s visible condition before buyer inspections begin. Sellers can use the report to plan maintenance, gather contractor estimates, prepare disclosures, or decide which items they want to address before listing.
What is an 11-month builder’s warranty inspection?
An 11-month builder’s warranty inspection is performed near the end of a new home’s first year. It documents visible conditions before the builder’s warranty period expires. The inspection may identify concerns involving roofing, drainage, foundation performance, HVAC, plumbing, electrical systems, insulation, finishes, doors, windows, and other accessible components.
What does a WDI and termite inspection cover?
A WDI inspection looks for visible evidence of termites and other wood-destroying insects. It may also document conditions that can support insect activity, such as wood-to-soil contact, moisture, damaged wood, or accessible entry points. Surety’s inspector is licensed through the Texas Department of Agriculture to perform these inspections.
What does a pool and spa inspection include?
A pool and spa inspection evaluates accessible structures, equipment, circulation components, pumps, filters, heaters, drains, visible plumbing, electrical components, and safety features. The scope depends on the equipment and access available during the appointment. The inspection does not guarantee future operation or replace specialized leak detection or engineering analysis.
What does a sprinkler system inspection cover?
A sprinkler inspection evaluates the accessible irrigation controls, zones, sprinkler heads, visible valves, and basic system operation. The inspector may document damaged heads, leaks, poor spray patterns, blocked coverage, or other visible concerns. Underground piping cannot be fully evaluated unless a visible symptom indicates a possible issue.
When should I add a sewer scope inspection?
A sewer scope is especially useful for older homes, properties with mature trees, homes with slow drains, or properties with an unknown sewer-line history. A camera is advanced through an accessible cleanout to view the inside of the sewer lateral. It may reveal roots, corrosion, cracks, blockages, offset joints, or low sections in the accessible line.
What are foundation elevation measurements?
Foundation elevation measurements document relative floor-height differences across accessible areas of the home. They may provide useful data when the property has cracks, sloping floors, sticking doors, or other possible signs of movement. Elevation readings do not determine structural failure by themselves and do not replace an evaluation by a licensed structural engineer.
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