FAQs

Inspection prices are based on size, age, type and location of home. For Example and older home may be more expensive if is likely to have many deficiencies that need to be documented or a larger home. Both of these require more time to inspect properly.

We provide "Same Day Reporting".  We use modern technologies in order to properly document the findings and get your report to you the same day as the inspection.

• iPhones with high pixel cameras and  state of the art inspection software.
• Cloud Services enable us to provide reports quickly via the internet to the client, their real estate agent and others as may be necessary.
• Digital and Infrared Cameras to help locate and document problem areas that may not be readily visible.
• Digital Thermometers and Moisture Meters to test HVAC systems, Water Heaters and areas of high moisture.
• Zip Levels to check for possible foundation failure and for performing Foundation Elevation Surveys whereby we document existing elevation measurements on a home either in a chart or on a floor plan drawing.  The measurements can also be used at a later date to confirm how much if any foundation movement has taken place.
• Drones A drone with a high pixel camera is used to inspect roofs that have a steep pitch and are difficult to climb.  Drones also prevent further damage that can be caused by climbing a roof and allow the inspector to inspect the roof more quickly and safely.

A warranty inspection is the homeowner's last opportunity to document and deliver a list of deficiencies provided by a qualified 3rd party to the builder for repairs before these items become the responsibility of the homeowner. The fact the items are documented by a professional real estate inspector give legal weight and credibility to ensure repairs are properly addressed by the builder.

New construction needs to be inspected by a third-party inspector hired by the buyer as much as an existing home regardless of whether or not phased inspections are performed. Many builders hire their own inspection firms, but they work for the builder and do not have any fiduciary responsibilities to the buyer. To protect a buyer's interest, it is always advisable for the buyer to hire their own inspector.

Phased Inspections are designed to correct problems that are discovered during the building process before the home is completed where they can be much more difficult to detect and/or correct. The most common phased inspections are:

• Foundation Pre-Concrete Pour
• Pre-Drywall
• Warranty

Foundation Inspection (Pre-Concrete Pour) is to ensure the engineering requirements and industry accepted standards are met. (Examples: Levelness of foundations forms, depth of foundation pads and footings, soil compaction, placement and condition of rebar and post tension cables, string lines in place, site free of cave-ins and debris, backfilling around form boards, straightness of for boards, mastic on all plumbing penetrations, moisture barrier issues such as thickness, seam taping, overlaps, grounding rods, chair supports on cables.

Pre-Drywall Inspection to ensure building code and requirements are met prior to installation of drywall and insulation. Once installed these items limit an inspectors view of the following conditions of the structure.

• Bottom sill plate pressure treated.
• Structural hold downs including anchor bolts and mud sills, wall tie downs attached to bottom plates, hurricane strapping if required, H-clips on roof decking.
• Framing Issues (Cracked or warped studs, load bearing wall supports and roof framing issues)
• Over Notching and Boring of studs and plates.
• Condition and spacing of studs, as well as ceiling and floor joists.
• Electrical and Plumbing runs secured and protected per code.
• WRB - Weather Resistant Barrier in place and free from defects in both nailing and taping.
• Foundation cracks are still visible and able to be inspected.
• Venting requirements of HVAC, exhaust fans and dryer vent meet code.
• Placement of building components meet code.Proper Roof Flashing
• Second floor decking

Inspection prices are based on size, age, type and location of home. For Example and older home may be more expensive if is likely to have many deficiencies that need to be documented or a larger home. Both of these require more time to inspect properly.

• Cash
• Personal Checks
• Zelle or Venmo
• Debit & Credit Cards (.035 percent fee added)

Yes! We have a $150.00 minimum trip fee which covers the first hour. Other fees may apply

All inspectors are required by their insurance carriers to have a signed agreement in place before performing an inspection. We do not generally require payments until an inspection has been completed, however inspections are not officially scheduled without a signed inspection agreement in place. You are not bound by the agreement to use Cornerstone Inspections Services for an inspection and can cancel an inspection at anytime prior to the inspector arriving on site. If the inspection is cancelled after the inspector has arrived for any reason, the $150.00 minimum trip fee would apply. Fees are sometimes paid by the seller or sellers' agents in the event they were at fault and the property was not ready to inspect.

All Structural, Electrical, HVAC (Heating, AC, Venting), Plumbing, Appliances & Sprinkler System (There may be additional fees for other Optional Items)

For more detailed information see the State of Texas SOP's.