Tell us a little bit about your company and the services you offer.

James Barrett Jr: The Barrett Company was formed in 2010 as a Home Inspection company. We are a small company, having only one Inspector and all inspections are done in-house by me. I received my TREC license in January of 2011 after retiring from the business of construction with 50 years of building in many different areas of the industry including residential, light and heavy commercial, and ending in heavy civil and military construction. I would add that the process required to become a licensed Professional Inspector was much more difficult than becoming a contractor in the states where I was licensed as a General Contractor. We do only home inspections as required by the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC), following the guidelines and requirements of the Standards of Practice. I do not include the several other types of inspections sometimes required by the lender or buyer; I do assist my clients in finding other types of inspectors if they inquire for recommendations. The Standards are available on the TREC website @ www.trec.state.tx.us.

What are two or three of the most common repairs that are needed on the houses you’ve seen in the North East Texas area?

The most common issues are generally caused and found in older homes we inspect. As for rating these issues, I would state that as homes age, and if it has been left with less than normal maintenance the most common issue are system failures aka: heating, air conditioning, electrical and water heating systems. Next would be roofing systems, then the common foundation issues caused by settlement. We are required to inspect the entire home and all installed systems for function, including doors, walls, ceilings, windows, stairs, appliances and active utilities. These issues also are the common issues that cause possible costly repairs for the potential buyer.

What should a standard home inspection cover?

The requirements for a standard inspection include:

• Structural Systems & Foundation
• Electrical System
• Heating, Venting, & Air Conditioning Systems
• Plumbing System
• Appliances, Installed
• Optional and Added Systems.

The full scope of systems to be inspected covers fifteen (15) pages of the Standards of Practice. My common site walk-out inspection report covers more than 300 items to be reviewed.

How long should it take for homeowners to receive their inspection report?

The Standards require that the report be forwarded within “a reasonable time period”. I deliver my reports within two (2) days after the completion of the walk-out inspection. All of my document transfer is done via E-mail, including the photo file. Some of the “large” inspection companies using computer field systems deliver their reports at the end of the inspection, onsite.

Should a quality home inspector also provide repair work? What are some of the reasons why or why not?

This is not allowed by the TREC, as it can become a Conflict of Ethics issue. It will cause the Inspector to be fined, possibly suspended or loss of License.

The requirements for licensing as a TREC Professional Inspector are 472 hours of Class & Field training, passing a Final Exam that has been found to be so difficult that approximately 70% of the people taking the exam will fail, some more than one time. Each year after passing the final exam and being licensed the Inspector must complete 16 Unit Hours of Continuing Education each year in order to be re-licensed every two years, totaling 32 Unit Hours for each two-year period.

In the state of Texas “All” home inspectors are required to be Licensed, Insured and supervised by a state agency, the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC). The Professional E & O insurance required by the state must be active at all times to maintain the license. If any person or persons does not meet and maintain these requirements this person is “Not” a legal “Home Inspector”. All Inspectors are listed on the TREC website at www.trec.state,tx.us., if they are not listed, they are not legal, Period! The benefit to all home buyers is “Licensed Professional Inspector, Licensed by the State of Texas”! No General Contractor in Texas is required to be licensed by the state; Home Inspectors are required to be licensed.

If a home inspector misses a major defect, do home buyers have any recourse?

Yes, the TREC has in-place a recovery fund, which all inspectors must contribute to. Also, we are required to carry Professional Liability Insurance, knows as E. & O. (errors & oversights) insurance. All report forms are required to make the client aware of these funds for recovery of possible damages. All inspectors work very hard to prevent oversights and the problems that can be created by this. We do all we can to find these kinds of issues and always do our due-diligence to prevent problems. We are not builders and cannot see through walls, nor are we allowed to do any “destructive investigation” to find hidden defects.

What is the best way for people to reach you and your company?

MY website is on the Internet at www.thebarrco.com

I am also listed on the HomeAdvisor website.

The company contact number is 214-234-6196

My company E-mail is: jbarrett@thebarrco.com

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By James Barrett Jr.

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Tell us a little bit about your company and its foundation.

Chris Guenther: DFW Accurate Inspections provides Infrared Thermal inspection services in The DFW area. A professional real estate home inspector knows that the purchase of a home in Texas typically represents the single most important investment of a lifetime. DFW Accurate Inspections is committed to provide you with a professional, comprehensive, unbiased home inspection report, informing you of the current physical condition of the property and its improvements. DFW Accurate Inspections will answer any questions you may have and also offer some money saving tips during your general home inspection service and thereafter.

What are a few things one can do to prepare for a home inspection?

Home inspectors need to have access to almost every area of the house. Removing obstructions from the HVAC units, electric panel and water heater are a tremendous help to the inspector. Most inspectors will not move obstructions from these areas (liability concerns) and will list them as deficient.

Trimming landscaping bushes and shrubs 8 to 12 inches away from the foundation and exterior walls will also help the inspector view the foundation.

I personally do not mind if pets are on premises, but some inspectors do. I would suggest large dogs be put in a dog crate or removed from the house during an inspection, Securing them in a room by closing the door isn’t a good option as the inspector will need access to all rooms.

What are main areas an inspector looks for when inspecting a home?

Home inspectors will basically look at the entire house, but will generally be very critical of the Foundation, Wall and attic structure, roofing, HVAC, electrical and plumbing systems.

What are a few circumstances when one would call for an inspection?

The homeowner may want to call for an inspection before putting the house on the market. This is known as a pre listing inspection and can often times make the whole selling experience a lot less stressful.

You would also want any house that you plan to purchase inspected, This includes new construction homes. I have found many issues in new homes that if left uncorrected would have caused significant damage over time.

Warranty or 1 year inspections are also helpful in protecting the purchase of a new home these are usually done 11 months into your 1 year warranty.

Is this service a one standard fee, or is there more to the payment process?

DFW Accurate Inspections fees are based on the square footage and age of the home. Pool inspections are included in this price and the infrared thermal imaging is used on all inspections at no additional cost. The only additional cost would be if a termite or WDI inspection is needed.

How long does it take to get back the results?

The report is generated on site with color and infrared pictures, this report is explained in detail to the client and a short walk through of the property to point out problem areas is then completed. Copies of the report are also emailed to the client and realtor. I am happy to spend whatever time is necessary to make sure the client and realtor have a total understanding of the property.

What is the best way for people to reach you and or your company?

Chris Guenther

DFW Accurate Inspections

530 Devonshire Drive

Prosper, Tx 75078

Office: 972-955-9832

Cell: 434-851-5653

By Chris Guenther

Tell us a little bit about your experience, company history and the services you offer.

At Joe Funk Electric we offer high quality and experienced electrical services to residential clients in the greater Dallas/Fort Worth area. We have over 32 years of experience in our chosen field of electrical contracting. We are well established and our people are highly qualified. We have over 180 positive reviews and recommendation with 4.75 out of 5 star average rating. We are here to serve you!

From new wiring to electrical maintenance, and troubleshooting, we have the experience and know how to take care of just about any electrical problems you may have. We’re specialists in the service and installation of electrical systems, and have a comprehensive knowledge of both the newest technologies and systems that have been around for many years.

Service and Repair

In the event that your equipment needs servicing, you have peace of mind knowing we offer emergency service and free estimates. Ask about our warranties and maintenance programs for homes, including contracts for annual inspections.

Installation and New Construction

We can build or install any type of electrical system required in your home. We are committed to giving you the most reliable electrical system for your needs. We are fully licensed and insured.

What are two or three of the most common electrical issues you’ve seen in your area?

Breaker panel upgrades; Lighting upgrades (esp. new recessed lighting); Plug outlet and light switch upgrades.

When is it a good idea for homeowners to consult a licensed electrician?

Anytime there are electrical issues. I never recommend electrical work to be performed by anyone other than a licensed electrician!

What qualifications should people look for before hiring an electrician?

State license; “word of mouth referral (i.e. published customer ratings and reviews).

How are the service contract and fee typically set up?

I work exclusively on a “flat rate basis.” No hourly rates are ever quoted. What I quote up front is what you can expect to pay at the end of the job. Invoice is paid C.O.D. (cash, check or credit card)

What important tip about electrical maintenance and safety would you give to Texas home buyers?

Annual inspection by a qualified electrician. Periodic test of GFCI outlets and smoke detectors by homeowner as directed by manufacturers specs. Call qualified electrician for any necessary repairs.

What’s the best way for people to reach you and your company?

Phone 469 658 5522 (Available 24/7) Email: info@joefunkelectric.com

Licensed and Insured in Texas

Master Electrician License #99281

By Joe Funk