Rod Inspects · TREC License #6291 PI · Serving McQueeney and Lake McQueeney
Home Inspection in McQueeney, TX
Rod Inspects provides home inspections in McQueeney, TX, including lakefront and lake-area homes on Lake McQueeney between New Braunfels and Seguin. Its three licensed inspectors evaluate the roof, foundation, structure, electrical, plumbing, heating and cooling, attic and the interior and exterior to the TREC Standards of Practice, and explain which waterfront features need a separate specialist. Rod Inspects has inspected homes in the San Antonio area since 2002.
What Makes a McQueeney Lake Home Different to Inspect?
Water, and a lake with an unusual recent history. McQueeney is an unincorporated community on FM 78, about four miles west of Seguin, beside a Guadalupe River lake whose dam GBRA describes as nearly a century old. The lake has long drawn people for recreation and summer homes, and the houses show it: lake cabins enlarged over the years and newer custom builds.
After spillgate failures on the GBRA lakes in 2019, Lake McQueeney sat low for years while new gates were built. GBRA finished the new spillgate system in March 2026, and the lake returned to its normal level in April 2026. Docks, bulkheads and shorelines that were dry for years are only now back under water. Here is what a home inspector in McQueeney, TX, looks at closely on a lake property:
- Moisture and humidity. Wood trim, siding, window frames and door thresholds that face the water take more weather. The inspector looks for rot, peeling finishes, stains and the conditions that let moisture in.
- Decks, balconies and exterior stairs. Lake homes are built to look at the water, so there is often a lot of outdoor structure. Visible framing, connections to the house, railings and stairs get a careful look.
- Additions over time. A cabin that grew into a full-time home can have rooflines, wiring and plumbing from different decades. Where old meets new is where problems tend to hide.
- Grading and drainage toward the lake. Lots that slope to the water need to move rain away from the house. Erosion and water collecting near the foundation are noted.
Then check the flood maps. A large share of McQueeney's mapped land, lake surface included, is in a FEMA flood zone, and the National Weather Service warns that in a major Guadalupe flood the lowest homes along Lakes Dunlap and McQueeney can flood severely. Check the specific property on the FEMA flood map and talk to your insurance agent before closing.
Does a Home Inspection Cover Septic Systems, Wells and Docks?
Not as part of the standard inspection. The TREC Standards of Practice treat private septic systems and private water wells as optional systems, inspected only when they are added to the inspection agreement. If the listing shows a septic system or a private well, ask about both before you book.
- Septic systems: If the property has a septic system, plan for an evaluation by a licensed septic professional during your option period.
- Private water wells: A well inspection and water testing are separate from the home inspection.
- Docks, bulkheads, seawalls, boathouses and boat lifts: These are outside a standard home inspection. A marine or structural contractor who works on Lake McQueeney shorelines can evaluate them. GBRA approval is required before anyone builds or modifies a dock or other waterfront structure on the lake, and a dock construction permit application has been required since September 1, 2026, so ask the seller whether existing docks were approved.
- Lake district taxes: The new dams and spillgates are funded by taxes assessed through the Lake McQueeney Water Control and Improvement District. That is not an inspection item, but it is a fair question for the seller or title company.
Knowing what is and is not covered is part of a good inspection. We tell you plainly so nothing important falls between the cracks.
What Else Do South Texas Conditions Mean for a McQueeney Home?
The ground here is gentler than in much of the region. Federal soil maps show McQueeney mostly on Lewisville silty clay and Sunev loam, well-drained terrace soils with moderate to high shrink-swell, much less extreme than the Blackland clays around Cibolo and Seguin. Movement still happens, so the inspector watches for sticking doors and cracks at window corners and checks how the lot drains.
Air conditioning runs hard for months, so the inspector checks the system, visible ductwork, condensate drains and the emergency pan. Hail and high winds can damage roofs in ways that are hard to see from the ground. Rod Inspects uses infrared thermal technology, which identifies surface temperature patterns that may indicate hidden moisture behind walls and ceilings, a real concern in a house beside the water.
Which Inspections Can You Book in McQueeney?
- Buyer's home inspection: the complete TREC inspection of the house before your option period ends.
- Seller (pre-listing) inspection: know your lake home's condition before you list.
- Infrared thermal inspection: temperature patterns that may indicate moisture, a real concern in a waterfront home.
- Pool and irrigation inspection: for lake homes that also have a pool, spa or sprinkler system.
- New construction inspection: for a custom build on a lake lot.
- Builder's warranty inspection: document defects in a newer lake home while the builder still has to fix them.
See all services.
Why Do McQueeney Buyers Trust Rod Inspects?
- Client reviews you can read (read them)
- Three inspectors licensed through TREC, led by Rod Stewardson, TREC License #6291 PI (meet them)
- Infrared thermal technology
A lake home is often a second home or a long-planned move, and you deserve to understand it before you sign. We work for you, the buyer, and your report is written with photographs. See our sample reports.
“Responsive, accurate, detailed, informative. Tyler has all four qualities I require... Spent the time to go over his report and explain what he saw.”
David
Which Nearby Areas Does Rod Inspects Serve?
Who Is Rod Inspects?
Rod Inspects is a home inspection company from San Antonio, Texas, that inspects homes in McQueeney and on Lake McQueeney, along with San Antonio, New Braunfels, Seguin, Schertz, Cibolo, San Marcos, Hollywood Park and Alamo Heights. The company has been led by Rod Stewardson, TREC License #6291 PI, since 2002. Three licensed inspectors, Rod Stewardson, Derek Saari and Tyler Stewardson, provide buyer's, seller's, new construction, builder's warranty, infrared thermal, and pool and irrigation inspections.
What Do McQueeney Buyers Ask About Home Inspections?
Does Rod Inspects inspect homes on Lake McQueeney?
Yes. Rod Inspects serves McQueeney and Lake McQueeney with three inspectors licensed through TREC, led by Rod Stewardson (License #6291 PI).
What should I watch for when buying a lakefront home in McQueeney?
Look closely at moisture damage on water-facing walls and trim, the condition of decks and exterior stairs, additions built at different times, and drainage on lots that slope toward the lake.
Is Lake McQueeney back to its normal level?
Yes. GBRA completed the new spillgate system in March 2026, and the lake returned to its normal level in April 2026. Docks and shorelines that sat dry for years are back under water, so have a shoreline contractor look at them.
Is a boat dock or seawall included in a home inspection?
No. Docks, bulkheads, seawalls, boathouses and boat lifts are outside a standard home inspection. A contractor who works on lake shorelines can evaluate them, and you can ask the seller whether existing docks were approved by GBRA.
Does a standard home inspection include the septic system or well?
No. Under the TREC Standards of Practice, private septic systems and private water wells are optional systems that are inspected only when added to the agreement, so ask about them when you book.
Should I check the flood zone before buying in McQueeney?
Yes. Much of the land around the lake is in a mapped flood zone, and risk varies by address, so check the FEMA flood map for the specific property and talk with your insurance agent before closing.
Ready to Schedule Your McQueeney Home Inspection?
Searching "lake house inspection McQueeney TX" or "home inspector near Lake McQueeney"? Book now so there is time to line up any septic, well or shoreline specialists inside your option period.