Frequently Asked Questions

The purchase of a home is a major investment and a huge decision for your family. The inspection report gives you the power of knowledge. With that power, you can Stand By your investment and negotiate but also know where your attention needs to be for the future.

All home inspectors in the state of Texas are required by law to be licensed by the Texas Real Estate Commission. Due to the exhaustive education requirements, Texas is considered the most difficult state to obtain a professional home inspector’s license.

While they are not legally required, it is highly recommended. Homes are typically a person’s most expensive investment, and most people do not have the training or experience needed to see major problems that can easily be found by a licensed home inspector.

At Stand By we are in the business of helping our clients make an educated decision. For you to make that decision we must inspect the home with the utmost integrity. The price of an inspection is minimal compared to the cost of repairs that could be missed and go unattended to if you choose to skip the inspection. The average cost per inspection is $425 and varies with the size and age of the home.

In a residential inspection, 5 major items are inspected (Structural, Electrical, Plumbing, HVAC and Appliances) In our commitment to excellence, we not only adhere to but elevate the Standard of Practice set by the Texas Real Estate Commission. Surpassing the minimum requirements, our inspections go above and beyond, providing a detailed insight into your property’s condition. At Stand By, expect nothing less than exceptional service tailored for your peace of mind.

Our inspections are very detailed and will take approximately three to four hours to complete, excluding the time it takes to prepare the report. These times may very due to the size, age and condition of the house.

Though residential building code is a foundation of my professional education, I’m not a code inspector while inspecting a residential home. If I reference code once it doesn’t mean I’m going to reference throughout the entirety of the house. I’ll mainly reference building code only when the safety of human life is concerned.

I’m here to observe and report what I see. That being said, it doesn’t mean that I can see through walls and it doesn’t mean the condition of your home will not change from one day to the next. But I’m very good at what I do and I’ll do my absolute best to provide you with the best home inspection your money can buy.

My report will tell you the condition of the house. There is NO perfect home, each will have defects. It is up to you to decide which ones you feel are important to you. If major problems are found, you may want to try and negotiate with the seller to have the defects repaired before closing the deal. In some cases the sellers will lower their price, or you may choose not to proceed with the purchase.

There is no pass or fail. Every home will have deficiencies and at the end of the report, you will not see a grade. Not all deficiencies are treated equally, some are more urgent than others. Deficiencies are categorized in our colored defect key:

• Maintenance Items: Common issues due to age or deferred maintenance. Routine repairs by professionals or handymen.
• Recommendation: Noteworthy defects requiring diligence from licensed tradesmen. Some impact on functional utility.
• Priority Items: Immediate and evident defects with a significant effect on safety, performance, structural integrity, or livability. 

However, All comments are important, regardless of color ranking. 

After the inspection, you will always be treated as a family member to Stand By, so if you have questions down the road just call or text and we will be more than happy to help. Your business and satisfaction is very important to us.

If you decide to not to take the risk on a certain home after the inspection, we hope that we made a lasting impression and that you will remember to call Stand By for the next home you choose to pursue. Being a repeat customer, we are happy to give a family discount. All prices are based on the size and age of the home and we are here to help you.

Whether you’re buying or selling, preparing for a home inspection can make the process smoother, faster, and more accurate. Here’s how to get ready from both perspectives.

How to Prepare as a Buyer

• Attend the inspection if possible – See issues firsthand and ask questions on the spot.

• Bring a notepad or device – Jot down concerns and follow-up items.

• Review the seller’s disclosures – Focus your attention on possible problem areas.

• Have your agent present – They can help interpret findings and plan next steps.

• Prepare questions for your inspector – Especially about maintenance and safety items.

How to Prepare as a Seller

• Unlock all access points – Attic, crawlspace, garage, gates, and utility closets.

• Clear access to major systems – HVAC unit, electrical panel, and water heater.

• Replace burned-out light bulbs – Avoid having them listed as defects.

• Ensure all utilities are on – Water, gas, and electricity should be operational.

• Tidy up inside and outside – Remove any obstructions to the inspector’s view.

• Secure pets – Keep them safe or remove them during the inspection.

• Address minor repairs in advance – Fix leaky faucets, loose handrails, or missing covers.

Yes — we offer WDI (Wood Destroying Insect) inspections as an add-on service. We’ll identify signs of termite activity, carpenter ants, and other pests that can damage your home’s structure and provide recommendations for treatment if needed.

We recommend scheduling your inspection as soon as your contract is signed. In Texas, the option period is short, and an early inspection gives you more time to review findings, request repairs, or negotiate.

You can book online through our website or call us directly. We offer flexible scheduling to fit your timeline, and we’re often able to accommodate next-day appointments when needed.

Absolutely — we encourage it! You’re welcome to join us during the inspection or at the end for a walkthrough of key findings. We’ll point out important issues and answer your questions so you leave the inspection feeling confident and informed.

Yes! We have experience inspecting older and historic homes in the Houston area. Older homes often have unique systems and repairs, and our inspections focus on identifying potential safety issues, outdated components, and areas needing maintenance.

Absolutely! We offer pre-pour foundation inspections, pre-drywall inspections, and final walkthrough inspections to help ensure your new home is built right. Even brand-new homes can have hidden issues, and our detailed reports help you address concerns before closing.

You’ll receive a detailed, photo-rich report the same day as your inspection. We make it easy to review findings, highlight critical areas, and share the report with your realtor when needed. Our goal is to give you actionable information fast so you can make confident decisions.

Yes! Sewer scope inspections are one of our most requested add-on services. Using a specialized camera, we inspect the main sewer line for cracks, blockages, root intrusion, and other hidden issues that can lead to costly repairs. It’s a small upfront investment that can save thousands in the long run.

Stand By Home Inspections proudly serves the Greater Houston area, including Cypress, Katy, Tomball, Spring, and surrounding communities. Whether you’re buying, selling, or maintaining a home, we provide detailed inspections designed to give you real findings, honest insight, and true confidence in your next move.