Home Inspection Services in The Colony, TX

How long does a home inspection take in The Colony, TX?

A typical home inspection in The Colony takes 2.5 to 4 hours, depending on the home’s size, age, and condition. Homes over 3,000 square feet or lakefront properties with additional moisture concerns may take closer to 4-5 hours due to more thorough drainage and foundation assessments.

Larger estates in The Tribute or properties with extensive outdoor amenities require additional time to inspect properly. We never rush an inspection to meet a schedule—your peace of mind is worth the thoroughness. We encourage buyers to attend the inspection, especially the final walkthrough where we review key findings and answer questions.

What are the most common issues found in The Colony homes?

The most common issues include foundation movement from expansive clay soil that expands and contracts with moisture changes, drainage problems especially in lakeside properties near Lake Lewisville, HVAC strain from North Texas heat and humidity, roof damage from severe hail storms, and plumbing stress caused by foundation movement.

In older homes from The Colony’s original 1980s-1990s development, we often find aging HVAC systems, outdated electrical panels, and foundation settling typical of homes built on expansive clay. In newer construction, the most common issues are drainage-related, especially in homes built on sloped lots or near the lake. Proper grading and drainage installation is critical but sometimes overlooked during construction.

Hail damage is common across all The Colony homes due to North Texas’s severe storm activity. Many roofs have been replaced multiple times due to hail, and insurance claims should be disclosed during home sales.

Do you inspect homes built by American Legend Homes and D.R. Horton in The Colony?

Yes, we inspect homes by American Legend Homes, D.R. Horton, Mattamy Homes, Ashton Woods, Normandy Homes, and all builders active in The Colony. We’re particularly familiar with construction in The Tribute, Legends, and other master-planned communities, providing specialized attention to foundation systems given the area’s expansive clay soil.

Each builder has different construction methods, warranty terms, and common issues. American Legend Homes, for example, builds many of The Tribute’s luxury properties and typically includes engineered foundation systems designed for clay soil. D.R. Horton focuses on entry-to-mid-level homes with more standardized construction. We know what to look for with each builder and can help you understand warranty coverage and builder responsibilities.

New construction inspection is especially valuable in The Colony because even quality builders can miss drainage details that become critical in expansive clay soil. Our 11-month warranty inspection helps catch these issues before the builder warranty expires.

Should I get a foundation inspection separately in The Colony?

Foundation inspection is included in every Elite Inspection Group home inspection. We use the Zip Level Pro-2000, which measures foundation elevation to 1/10th of an inch accuracy, essential for detecting movement in The Colony’s expansive clay soil conditions. This technology helps identify settlement issues before they become major problems.

Unlike visual-only foundation assessments, the Zip Level Pro-2000 provides objective elevation data across the foundation, revealing patterns that indicate ongoing movement. This is the same technology foundation repair companies use for diagnosis, and we include it as standard equipment because foundation issues are so prevalent in North Texas clay soil.

If our inspection reveals significant foundation concerns, we may recommend a structural engineer evaluation for detailed repair recommendations and cost estimates. But for most home purchases, our included foundation assessment provides the information you need to make an informed decision.

Do you also inspect homes in Lewisville, Frisco, and Plano?

Yes, we serve The Colony and surrounding areas including Lewisville, Frisco, Plano, Little Elm, and Carrollton throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. We offer 48-hour guaranteed scheduling, seven days a week, making it easy to fit inspections into tight real estate timelines.

Our service area covers all of Denton County and Collin County, from established suburbs to new master-planned communities. Whether you’re buying in The Colony’s lakeside neighborhoods or considering homes in nearby cities, we bring the same comprehensive approach and local expertise to every inspection.

The entire North Texas region shares similar clay soil challenges, but each city has unique characteristics. Our team understands these local differences and adjusts inspection focus accordingly.

What happens after the inspection?

Within 24 hours, you receive a comprehensive digital report with photos, detailed findings, and clear explanations in terms you can understand. The report covers all major systems, identifies safety concerns, and provides maintenance recommendations. We’re available to answer questions and help you understand what the findings mean for your investment.

Our reports include hundreds of photos documenting conditions throughout the home, from foundation measurements to roof condition to HVAC performance. Each finding is categorized by severity, helping you prioritize which issues need immediate attention and which are routine maintenance items.

Many clients use our report during negotiations to request repairs or price adjustments. We’re happy to clarify findings for your real estate agent or participate in discussions about repair estimates. Our goal is to give you the information you need to make confident decisions about your The Colony home purchase.