Pete Lewiston, M.Ed.

Phase Inspection    Phase Inspections provide the buyer of a home under construction an opportunity to monitor the construction process and quality of their new home. The phase inspection is unique because it involves the physical structural and mechanical members normally covered from view in a completed house.

The Builder     The buyer’s primary contact for information and decision making during the building process is the builder, or the builder’s construction superintendent. The buyer will do well to choose a reputable builder known for building quality homes and acting with integrity toward the customer. The bottom line for the builder is to make a profit in a low margin business. Even the best builder will be motivated to use economical sub-contractors and materials which could encourage someone in the construction process to cut a corner here or there.

The Building Inspector     Another person who may provide oversight of the building process is the city building inspector. Some areas such as unincorporated communities will not have city building inspectors, or any building code requirements at all. The building inspector is responsible to the city to ensure a house under construction is meeting the city’s code requirements. The building inspector only observes the current work being done to make sure it meets the city’s requirements before proceeding.

Advising The Buyer     Although the builder and the city building inspector both provide an oversight role in the construction of a new home, both have their own interests and requirements for doing so. Neither the builder or city inspector are required (or have the time) to advocate for and give impartial advise to the new home buyer.

The Home Inspector     The job of the professional home inspector is to do for the home buyer what no one else can, or will do. In Texas, the professional home inspector is a licensed real estate professional, and has the obligation and duty to the client as the client’s agent in regard to confirming the current condition of the home. Information reported to the client through phase inspections become a record for the client to refer back to regarding the actual construction of the house. Besides informing the home buyer of current best practices used in construction, the documented inspection information may be helpful in future matters, such as warranty claims. The Inspector routinely takes photographs during the inspection, which may provide a beneficial visual record of specific aspects of construction later hidden by the finished product. The job of the home inspector is to advise the client regarding the current condition and performance of their home, at whatever time and stage the home is inspected.

Pete Lewiston is a licensed professional real estate inspector serving the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex. His business website at HeadsUpHome.com is a complete source for inspection information and services, and he is available to answer questions by email at [email protected] or by phone at 469-612-5440.