Hello, my name is Jerry L. Summerlin; I am the owner of Texas Star Home Inspections. I have been inspecting residential properties and properties as large as four-family dwellings in the DFW and surrounding areas since 2001. I am fully-insured and a State Licensed Professional Home Inspector through Texas Real Estate Commission.
What should you look for in a Home Inspector?
Most home inspectors have some residential or service industry background, but in addition to this I have extensive experience in the roofing industry and am a roofing expert. I was raised in a plumbing family and have been working in home maintenance for the last 12 years. I enjoy home maintenance because I get to keep up to date in so many different areas. All inspectors have to go through inspection training and pass a state-mandated test in order to get a license. All home inspectors are regulated by the Standards of Practice of the Texas Real Estate Commission or otherwise known as TREC.
What areas will be inspected?
All areas of a residential property will be inspected including:
* Insulation * Ventilation * Roof & F lashings * Gutters * Crawlspace * Foundation * Grading * Siding & Trim * Doors & Windows * Ceilings * Floors * Walls * Chimney * Fireplace * Electrical System * Water Heater * Plumbing System * Air Conditioning * Heating * Elevation*Sprinkler Systems *Swimming Pools
So how does all this get relayed to the customer?
I will generate a report from my computer that will include pictures of areas and a summary page that will list out items that need to be reviewed.
I will go over the following items in my report and discuss them with you as well:
Safety Issues:
Any safety issues will be noted on the report so you are aware of items that are unsafe and in need of prompt attention
Major Concerns:
If a system or component is considered significantly deficient or is unsafe, I will detail them in the report. Significant deficiencies need to be corrected and except for some safety items, are more likely to involve a significant expense.
Repair Items:
A system or component which is missing or which needs corrective action to assure proper and reliable function will also be noted and explained.
Improvement Items:
These are improvements which are recommended by the inspector, but are not required.
Items to monitor:
Any systems or components that need further investigation and/or monitoring in order to determine if repairs are necessary.
Deferred Cost Items:
Items that have reached or are reaching their normal life expectancy or show indications that they may require repair or replacement anytime during the next five (5) years will also be noted.
Upgrades
Items that can save energy and will last longer, remember this is your home, quality is around long after price is forgotten.
Resources
Books, Websites, Flyers, TV shows, blogs like mine to read and study about your home.
It is not my job to pass or fail a home, my customer is the only person that can do that. It’s my job to supply you with the information to make informed decisions about one of the largest investments of your life—your home. I do provide detailed pictures and descriptions with my inspection reports and I will provide a thorough walk-through at the property. During this time I will mention some upgrade suggestions and maintenance and advise you what items or systems you may want to watch for in the future.
You can set an inspection appointment at your convenience on afternoons, evenings or even weekends.
I pride myself in providing a fair price and a wealth of information about the property to my clients; I will not leave you till all of your questions are answered. Please bring a pen and notepad and a digital camera if you would like. I always carry a measuring tape if you may need it to measure for blinds and the refrigerator. Most inspections will last from 2 ½ to 3 ½ hours time. Your house is probably your largest investment and you want to be happy with your decision for years to come, so make sure you make an informed decision by getting your home inspected.
Give me a Call or Email me to set up an appointment or ask any questions:
http://www.texasstarhomeinspections.com/
Jerry L. Summerlin
817 919 1955 Cell
817 485 2026 Office
