Residential Home Inspection
Have peace of mind knowing that your home, the single largest investment you will ever make, is thoroughly inspected by a Criterium-Yancy licensed Professional Engineer.
Buying a home in Houston is an exciting process. This is a time when an expert, professional home inspector is needed most. Criterium-Yancy Engineers can provide you with a detailed full home inspection report to help you learn about the house you want to buy and avoid costly surprises in the future. All of our full home inspections include a structural inspection, with drawing, at no extra cost.
A careful inspection of a house is not easy. Criterium-Yancy Engineers provides home inspections by Professional Engineers who are licensed by Texas and adhere to the highest legal and ethical standards.
A quality home inspection by a licensed Professional Engineer helps you make better decisions. It can also save money and expensive surprises. Being aware of potential problems and necessary repairs will enable you to plan and budget for the next five to ten years of home ownership. And since "forewarned is forearmed," you will have peace of mind that brings maximum enjoyment from your new home.
Our full home inspection is a limited visual inspection consistent with the standards of practice of the National Academy of Building Inspection Engineers (NABIE), designed to identify significant deficiencies and/or repairs needed in the major systems of a home (structural, foundation, heating, air conditioning, plumbing, electrical, roof, exterior) and to provide a general understanding of the property's current condition.
We look at the following areas during our full home inspection:
 Structure and Foundation |  Wood-Destroying Insect Damage |
| Ventilation | Heating and Cooling Energy Efficiency |
| Plumbing | Electrical |
| Landscape Sprinkler | Basement Water |
| Interior | Exterior |
| Roofing | Life and Fire Safety |
| Pool and Spa | Environmental |
| Roof Surfacing | Foundation |
| Visible Framing | Basement Water Problems |
| Settlement | Overall Structure |
| Condensation | Rot |
| Heating Unit | Water Pump |
| Heat Distribution | Air Conditioning |
| Water Heater | Piping |
| Electrical Capaccity | Electrical Distribution |
| Plumbing Fixtures | Interior Finishes |
| Windows | General Energy Efficiency |
| Gutters and Downspouts | Storm Windows |
| Exterior Finishes/Paint | Driveways/Walkways |
| Retaining Walls | Wood Destroying Insect Inspections |
| Chimneys and Fireplaces | Fire/Safety Hazards |
| Septic System | Swimming Pools/Tennis Courts |
| Hazardous Materials (visual Scan) | Ventilation |
| Insulation and Energy Conservation | Termites & Other Damaging Wood Borers |
| Foundation and Settling | Girders, Floor Joists, and Rafters |
| Drainage | Basement Water Problems |
| Heating System | Air Conditioning System |
| Domestic Hot Water | Exterior Walls |
| Roof Surfacing (From Ground) | Gutters and Downspouts |
| Ventilation and Condensation | Wood Rot |
| Storm Windows | Sidewalks, Driveways, and Patio |
| Interior, leaks, floors, stairs, tilework | Plumbing and Waste System |
| Windows, Caulking, and Putty | Environmental |
| Security |
Related Services:
| Radon Testing | Bacteria & Chemical Water Testing |
| Structural Inspections | New Construction Monitoring |
| Moisture Investigations | Energy Ratings |
| Forensic Engineering | Insurance Inspections |
| Warranty Inspections | Foundation Inspections |
| Second Opinion Inspections | Structural and Machanical Consultations |
| Pre-Construction Plan Examination | In-Progress Construction Inspections |
| Relocation Inspections | Bank/Lender Inspections |
| Realtor Pre-Listing Inspections | PSMA Septic Inspections |
| Structural Inspections | Insurance Services |
| Expert Witness Testimony | Single Component Inspections |
| Remodel Inspections | Maintenance Inspections |
| Energy Audits | Foreclosed Home Inspections |
| HVAC Evaluations | HUD Compliance Inspections |
At Criterium-Yancy Engineers, we don't just give a standard report. We provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the condition of your home. If you shop around, compare our services with what other home inspections include.
Our detailed narrative report is tailored to the property and your needs. Many inspection companies give you a check list or a generic reference that does not provide you with a true understanding of the home.
Within 2 business days, you will receive a 20-25 page report consisting of:
- Summary of major systems & deficiencies of the home.
- System-by-system description of the home.
- Elevation survey of the foundation or slab.
- Computer generated drawing of the foundation or slab with our measurements.
- General repair suggestions.
- Photos of deficiencies.
What is the difference between a full home inspection and a structural inspection?
Criterium-Yancy Engineer's full home inspection is a “home inspection plus a structural inspection” all in one visit.
Our full home inspection includes:
- Mechanical engineering inspection.
- Structural engineering inspection.
- Detailed report, elevation survey & computer generated drawing of foundation with our measurements.
- Pool and spa inspection.
- Landscape sprinkler inspection.
How is this different from other home inspection companies?
Only a licensed Professional Engineer can render an opinion as to the structural integrity of the home.
Avoids scheduling of additional home inspections. When a TREC home inspector identifies structural problems, they refer to a Professional Engineer for an additional inspection - makes sense to get one comprehensive inspection the first time.
Saves money for the buyer with one inclusive inspection and Professional Engineer's report.
Assists in eliminating delays and gets the house to closing faster .
Gives you piece of mind of having one of largest and most important investments thoroughly inspected by a licensed Professional Engineer.
We understand that this is one of the most important decisions you will ever make in a lifetime. We do not rush through the inspection or the report writing. We encourage our clients to come along with us on the home inspection, to ask us questions and to take full advantage of our knowledge and expertise.
When you leave the inspection, you will have an understanding of the condition of the home you are about to purchase. This gives you time to start making your decisions.
Shortly afterwards, you will receive your comprehensive, narrative report. You are welcome to call us after you receive the report for any additional questions you might have. We are there for you. It is all part of our commitment to you.
Remember, a great home starts with a good foundation.
For a Home Inspection quote, simply call us (281) 491-1262
Three Shortcomings of the Current Definition of Home Inspection in Texas
Ask most home inspectors what the standard definition of a home inspection is and you will hear something like: "An evaluation of the current condition of the home based on visual evidence." That definition fairly characterized the practice for many years. But as more people entered the field, many with little or no relevant training or experience, that standard definition has been found to have several shortcomings.
10 Ways to Get the Most Out of Your Engineering Inspection
Accompany the engineer on the inspection. You will see our engineer look at all the major systems to gain an understanding of how they work together in your home. This is an opportunity to see what they see, including any defects.