Established in 2003, Nunnallee Inspections has served the Central Texas area for over two decades, offering home buyer and seller inspections alongside new build and commercial inspections.
Callais launched Constructiva Inspections around four years ago, offering nearly 30 years of construction industry experience. Constructiva specializes in inspections on newly constructed homes but also offers inspections for resale homes, commercial properties and more.
Both companies offer services to the Central Texas area.
Interviews have been edited for style, length and clarity.
Why would someone need a home inspection?
KN: There’s so many things that go wrong with homes. ... By the time a house is 20 years old, more than likely you’ve replaced almost everything. ... A home inspection puts yourself in a better position to renegotiate [your home contract].
What are the different types of inspections?
KN: We’re usually doing the inspection for a buyer. ... We also do inspections for sellers ... so that they’re not caught blindsided [by] ... what they can expect to see with a buyers inspection.
Are inspections required to sell a house?
CC: For resale homes, they are absolutely not required, but they are highly recommended. ... New construction, the builders are required by the municipality to get a municipal inspection. Most builders also have their own inspectors go out there, and any buyer that wants to make sure they’re doing their due diligence can hire their own third-party inspector.
What is the home inspection process?
CC: We have to go through the house very systematically to cover everything from roof to foundation. ... We’re looking at the electrical, the plumbing, the HVAC ... all that stuff together to get as comprehensive an inspection report as you can.
How much will a home inspection usually cost a homeowner?
KN: It changes a lot. It varies on the size, it varies on the age and then how many services they ... include in the report. [An] inspection I did the other day was $1,600, but I can turn around and do an inspection tomorrow for $350.
What follow-up inspections exist?
KN: We do one-year warranty inspections. ... We’ll come back in the 11th month and just do an overall inspection making sure everything is still performing.
CC: It definitely does not end at delivering the report on new construction. ... I really want to help my clients see it through, and I think a lot of inspectors who work with new construction are the same way.
How can homeowners find a reputable home inspector?
CC: The Texas Real Estate Commission is the one who licenses Realtors, brokers and home inspectors. They have a database of disciplinary actions they’ve taken. ... You can also look up [a home inspector’s] education.
What’s something you wish people knew about the work you do?
KN: A lot of what we do, especially for new buyers, is just help them to feel comfortable. Buying a new house is a big deal. It’s a little overwhelming sometimes. ... Really providing a level of comfort for the homebuyer, and that most problems that show up on a house can be fixed and can be negotiated for.
CC: One thing I wish people knew is just how much of a wide range of disciplines home inspections have to cover. ... You have to be part electrician, you have to be part plumber. ... A lot of people don’t realize just how much experience goes into making a good, quality home inspector.
