What's Inspected in a San Antonio Home Inspection
Every system a Texas home inspection covers, in plain English.
A Texas home inspection covers the home's structural systems, electrical, heating and air conditioning, plumbing and built-in appliances, plus optional systems such as pools and sprinklers when you add them, following the TREC Standards of Practice. Rod Inspects, a San Antonio, TX home inspection company with TREC License #6291 PI, has inspected homes this way since 2002.
What structural systems does the inspector check?
- Foundation: visible signs of movement, slab and pier-and-beam performance, floor slopes, and cracking in walls, ceilings and brick veneer
- Grading and drainage: how the ground and gutters move water away from the house
- Roof covering and roof structure: shingles or other coverings, flashing, penetrations, and the attic framing
- Attic: insulation and ventilation
- Walls, ceilings and floors, inside and out
- Doors and windows
- Stairways, fireplaces and chimneys, porches, decks and carports, where present
On San Antonio's expansive clay soils, the foundation and drainage findings often go together. That's why the inspector looks at both.
What does the electrical inspection cover?
The service entrance, main panel and any sub-panels, visible branch wiring, outlets, switches and fixtures, GFCI and AFCI protection, and smoke alarms. Unfamiliar terms? See our home inspection terms guide.
What does the heating and air conditioning inspection cover?
The heating and cooling equipment in normal operation, visible ductwork and vents, the condensate drain and the emergency drain pan under attic units. In a South Texas summer, the AC works hard for months, so it gets a close look.
What does the plumbing inspection cover?
Water supply and distribution, fixtures, drains, waste and vent piping that can be seen, the water heater, and visible gas piping to gas appliances. The inspector runs water and looks for leaks and drainage problems.
Which appliances are inspected?
Built-in appliances: dishwasher, disposal, range, cooktop and oven, built-in microwave, range hood, bathroom exhaust fans, garage door openers and the dryer vent. Freestanding items like refrigerators and washers aren't part of the standard inspection.
What optional systems can you add?
The TREC report form has an Optional Systems section for items you add when you book:
- Pools and spas and lawn sprinkler (irrigation) systems: see Pool and Irrigation Inspections
- Private water wells and septic systems: evaluated separately by a licensed specialist
Rod Inspects also uses infrared thermal technology, which identifies surface temperature patterns that may indicate hidden moisture, missing insulation or overheating electrical components.
What isn't included in a standard home inspection?
A home inspection is visual and non-invasive, so some things fall outside it:
- Anything hidden or inaccessible: inside walls, under flooring, behind stored belongings or furniture, or in areas that can't be reached safely
- Taking things apart: equipment isn't dismantled and walls aren't opened
- Code compliance: it isn't a building code inspection
- Predicting the future: it reports condition on inspection day, not how long something will last
- Cosmetic items that don't affect function
- Environmental testing such as mold, asbestos, lead or radon
If something needs a closer look, your report will say so and recommend the right licensed specialist.
Why do San Antonio buyers trust Rod Inspects to cover it all?
Because we've done it more than 13,000 times. Rod Inspects is led by Rod Stewardson, TREC License #6291 PI, has been in business since 2002 and has three licensed inspectors on the team, with infrared thermal technology. If you're searching for a home inspector in San Antonio, TX, or a home inspection near me in Seguin or San Marcos, this is what you get.
Rod Inspects is a veteran-owned home inspection company in San Antonio, Texas, led by Rod Stewardson, TREC License #6291 PI, and inspecting homes since 2002. Its three licensed inspectors, Rod Stewardson, Derek Saari and Tyler Stewardson, inspect homes for buyers, sellers and builders in San Antonio, New Braunfels, Schertz, Cibolo, Seguin, San Marcos, McQueeney, Hollywood Park and Alamo Heights.
What else do buyers ask about what an inspection covers?
What does a home inspection in Texas include?
It covers structural systems, electrical, heating and air conditioning, plumbing and built-in appliances, following the TREC Standards of Practice. Optional systems such as pools and sprinklers can be added.
Does a home inspection check the foundation?
Yes. The inspector looks for visible signs of foundation movement, including floor slopes, cracks in walls and brick, and doors that stick, and checks grading and drainage around the home.
Does a home inspection include mold or radon testing?
No. Mold, radon, asbestos and lead testing are environmental services outside a standard home inspection.
Does a home inspection check for building code compliance?
No. A home inspection is not a building code inspection. It reports the condition of the home on inspection day.
Will the inspector move furniture or open walls?
No. A home inspection is visual and non-invasive. Areas blocked by furniture or stored items are noted in the report.
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