Q&A: What homeowners should know about home inspections in New Braunfels

How should new or first-time homeowners approach inspections?

I think new homeowners should always be asking questions during inspections, documenting everything and taking videos. We do recorded videotaped inspections for homeowners to help with this.

What questions do recommend homeowners ask their inspector?

If you’re dealing with someone honest and thorough, you should definitely be taking advantage of that person’s time and knowledge in your home. The best thing for people to ask inspectors is how to prevent any damage that may have been discovered so it doesn’t happen again.

How often should homeowners get their property inspected?

I think every five to six years it's good to have routine maintenance done. Having someone come in and do a thorough inspection is important because little preventative maintenance things can prevent a $150 repair from turning into a $45,000 repair. So, if you’re the average homeowner, I would recommend getting an official inspection every three or four years.

Do newly built homes have more structural issues than older ones, or is that a stereotype?

What I’m seeing a lot of in New Braunfels is less brick work and standout features and more all-siding homes. They’re mostly doing this to keep things affordable, but I think it definitely depends on the builder because there’s some luxury builders out there that really pay attention to the details.

What are some common issues for homes in New Braunfels specifically?

It’s built up on a rock bed here, so I’ve definitely been hearing about some big-time foundation issues. I’ve had a lot of homeowners tell me they need to replace their entire driveway every five or so years.

Are there any unique instances where a home would need to be inspected immediately?

After a large storm would be the biggest reason for this. Every town has their own building codes, whether its for framing, roofing or whatever else is exposed to the elements.