Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a home inspection cost?
There is no standard fee. Every company charges differently. What I CAN tell you is that we are not the cheapest home inspection company you will find, but we are confident that we provide the absolute best value of anyone. You can view all of our prices – here
** Don’t forget to ask about our Military Veteran, First Responder, and Educator discounts.
What is your typical process for working with a new client?
We pride ourselves on being available to answer any questions you have about the inspection process and to discuss your home inspection before, during, and after. Once you are our client, we want you to be a client for life.
What education/training do you have that relates to your work?
This is what typically sets companies apart. ALL home inspectors in Texas are required to be licensed by the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC). There are 3 levels of licensing. I hold the highest license, Professional Inspector. My license number is 22649.
I have 25+ years of construction and quality assurance experience and an Associates Degree in Construction Technology. I obtained my initial training with American Home Inspector Training (AHIT), which is one of the most respected nationwide home inspector training companies there is. I am an International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI) Certified Professional Inspector (CPI), I have also earned the premier designation of a Certified Master Inspector, which represents the Top 3% of all inspectors in the 8-county region I typically work in (stats as of January 2023), which is the largest trade organization for home inspectors.
Along with all of this, I have multiple additional trainings and certifications that enable me to provide a comprehensive inspection that is above and beyond what is required. These include being a Certified Residential Thermographer to utilize infrared imaging to find ‘invisible’ defects and being certificated through the Air Duct Council, the leading provider of HVAC ductwork standards, just to name a few. Additional training and certifications are always being taken/added to stay on top of my game. You can view a fairly complete list on the Qualifications page.
How did you get started doing home inspections?
After retiring from the Air Force, I wanted to continue my career of helping others. The Realtor that we used to Buy/Sell suggested that with my background and skillset, I should look in to Home Inspection. Being vaguely familar with it, my interest was piqued. Once I looked a little deeper in to the profession, I was absolutely hooked and knew that I had found my new passion. I literally took off my military uniform one day and started my in-person classes for home inspection the next.
What types of customers have you worked with?
First Time Home Buyers, Investors, and everything in between. Over time, my most frequent clients have tended to be military families that are PCSing to San Antonio, many buying a home without ever having stepped foot inside, only seeing it through pictures and videos. I take an extra amount of pride inspecting homes for my military families knowing that I am their extra set of eyes so that they know exactly what they are buying.
How long does a home inspection take?
A typical home inspection takes anywhere from 2-1/2 to 4 hours, but really… it takes as long as it takes. I do not want my Clients to feel like I am rushing off to my next inspection and they are just ‘another client’.
When will I receive the report?
We do our best to deliver the final report the same evening as the inspection, but guarantee that it will be delivered within 24 hours after we complete the on-site portion.
Can I come to the inspection?
Yes! You are more than welcome to be present for the entire inspection. However, it can be boring watching me walk around and take photos so I encourage you to show up around the last 30 minutes or so. At that time we will go over all of the findings and answer any questions you have.
If you can not make it, I am more than willing to do a video chat or whatever method you prefer to give you an update.
What advice would you give a client looking to hire an inspector?
A home purchase can be a very emotional endeavor and the process after having an offer accepted can be hurried and dizzying. Your REALTOR will most likely provide a list of inspectors they know… this could be good or bad, you need to trust your gut on if your agent is looking out for your best interest. Most are, but there are some who are not. Take a moment to do your own research on local home inspectors and decide which one provides you with the best value. We are confident that GSI does just that. This is one of those purchases where, more often than not, you get what you pay for.
What should I know about an inspector before I hire them?
Texas has a Standard of Practice (SOP) that provides the minimum inspection requirements. The last thing you want is a “Minimum Inspection”. Make sure your inspector goes above and beyond the Texas SOP by checking every accessible receptacle, window, door, and system in the house. This includes walking the roof (as safety allows). There are some that find a reason to not get on roofs at all.
Be aware that some systems, such as irrigation, pools/spas, etc. may have an additional fee.
Anything else I should know about GSI before I schedule you to do my home inspection?
- That you are making a very smart choice!
- Our prices are posted on our website and there are ZERO hidden fees, unlike some other companies.
- We would rather lose an inspection than to not give you enough time to negotiate with the seller. If we are not available in a proper time frame to help you out, we will be clear about that.
