Questions to Ask BEFORE Your Home Inspection

If you’re buying a home in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, the home inspection is one of the most critical steps. It gives you insight into the property’s condition and helps you make an informed decision. Below are essential questions to ask before your inspection, updated to help DFW homeowners get the most out of the process.

What Will Be Checked During the Inspection?

Understanding what’s covered in a standard home inspection can help set your expectations. Going into the home inspection with a good understanding of what is checked can help you walk away happy. See the overview of what we include in a full home inspection.

In North Texas, foundation issues are prevalent due to expansive clay soil, so ensure your inspector is experienced in evaluating these conditions.

What won’t be checked during a home inspection?

A home inspector can’t check everything. It’s limited to a visual inspection – which means that your home inspector can’t cut holes in walls to see the pipes in a bathroom, for example. They also cannot access locked spaces, or move heavy furniture.

In many instances, a home inspector will flag a potential problem they see during their visual inspection which would require an expert in the particular field – HVAC technician, electrician, or plumber for example – to come back and perform a more detailed examination of those systems.

Basic home inspections may not include some specialized types of inspections, such as pool inspections, but these can be requested and added on to your home inspection if your home inspection company offers them. Consider whether you need additional services such as outbuilding inspections or pool equipment checks, as these are common concerns for homeowners in Dallas-Fort Worth.

How much does a home inspection cost?

The cost of home inspections in DFW varies based on the size of the home and any additional inspections, like for pools or termites. Ensure the cost includes any specific inspections unique to North Texas properties, such as drainage evaluations due to soil composition.

At Semper Fi Home Inspections, you will be told the cost of your home inspection up front. We also offer convenient ways to book a home inspection online, and to pay such as at the closing or through our FlexFund option. You can pay when you book your home inspection appointment, or at the time of the inspection. We also take several forms of payment for your convenience.

We know that purchasing a home comes with a lot of expenses up front that aren’t related to your down payment or mortgage. We also know the cost of a home inspection will more than pay for itself in the peace of mind you receive from having a solid understanding of what maintenance or repairs a home may need, so that you go into your transaction with the ability to make a well-informed decision. This is why you never want to skip a home inspection.

In DFW, expect to pay between $350 to $600 for a standard inspection, with additional costs for optional services like infrared scanning or septic system evaluations.

How Experienced Are You With DFW Homes?

While we’ve been providing professional home inspections for a long time, keep in mind the number of years may not always mean as much as the number of home inspections. You’ll want to ask about both the length and the depth of your inspector’s experience. Inquire if the inspector has specific experience with the type of home you’re buying, whether it’s an older build in Fort Worth or a new development in Frisco.

We’ve done thousands and thousands of home inspections in Dallas, Fort Worth, Arlington, and surrounding areas. Experience can mean a lot, especially if you’re considering purchasing a home that is older or has some unusual features.

All Semper Fi Home Inspections staff are professionally trained and have received required licenses, certifications, and on-the-job training. In addition, they receive ongoing training and support while affiliated with our company.

Can I come along during the inspection?

A reputable inspector should always allow clients to attend.

As long as you’re available – yes, you can attend the inspection. This is especially helpful in understanding regional considerations, such as soil movement in North Texas or the effect of extreme weather conditions on roofing. Being present allows you to see firsthand how regional factors—like the intense Texas heat—impact components like HVAC systems and roofing materials.

It also allows you to ask questions, allows our inspector to explain some of the home’s systems to you, and get any clarifications you need in the moment. You can also take photos if you want (although your Semper Fi Home Inspection report will also contain photographs and videos).

If you’re shopping around and comparing home inspectors, and they tell you that you cannot join them at the home inspection, this should be a big red flag. Be sure, even if you don’t choose Semper Fi Home Inspections, that your inspector allows you to come along if you so desire.

How long will the home inspection take?

Home inspections often take place during the work week. Knowing how much time you’ll need to block out will keep you from having to rush through the inspection to get back to work. The time can vary, but it’s best to block a couple of hours. DFW homes, especially larger properties or older houses in areas like Arlington or Plano, may require a longer assessment. For larger homes or properties with unique features like detached garages or pools, or additional outbuildings, inspections can take three or four hours.

We can provide you with a time estimate – but also keep in mind that how much time needs to be spent by your inspector will often depend upon the size and condition of the house.

If you’re shopping around and comparing home inspectors, pay attention if you’re quoted something that feels way off – a half day for a two-bedroom condo, or only one hour for a large historic home.

Can I see a sample report?

Sample reports help you know what to expect. A good report will include not just findings, but also photographs and clear recommendations, specifically addressing things like foundation cracking or HVAC inefficiencies that are more prevalent in the DFW area.

Sometimes the ability for a home inspector to show you an actual report they have done for other clients will depend upon confidentiality requirements.  But you can always request a sample report.

Our home inspection reports are thorough and informative, provide an optimistic assessment of the property, and are emailed to you and your REALTOR® the same day and contain color photographs, videos, comments, and a summary section broken down into Safety, Repair, Improve, or Monitor recommendations.

Why Semper Fi Home Inspections for DFW?

Our team knows the local housing landscape—from the clay soil of Dallas to the shifting foundations of Fort Worth. Choosing an inspector with this localized experience means you’ll be better prepared to handle potential issues common to North Texas homes.

We have served neighborhoods throughout DFW, including Arlington, Plano, McKinney, and Denton, providing insights that only a locally experienced inspector can offer. Our client testimonials speak to the trust we’ve built in the community.

Don’t miss our next article on questions to ask DURING your home inspection.