Your Southlake Home Inspection Experts
When you’re investing in a luxury home in Southlake, you need a home inspection that matches the caliber of your property. Elite Inspection Group brings professional home inspection services designed specifically for Southlake’s premium real estate market, where median home values exceed $1.2 million and buyers expect nothing less than excellence.
Founded by Garrett Hand and Mike Kemper—both former realtors who understand the unique pressures of real estate transactions—Elite Inspection Group bridges the gap between technical expertise and client service. We know that buying a home in Southlake represents one of the biggest investments you’ll ever make, and we’re here to give you the peace of mind you deserve.
Call 469-818-5500 to schedule your Southlake home inspection today.
Scheduling
Per Week
Warranty
Serving Southlake Neighborhoods:
- Timarron
- Carillon
- Stone Lakes
- The Reserve of Southlake
- Winding Creek
- Myers Meadow
- Southlake Woods
Deep Knowledge of Southlake’s Luxury Home Market
Southlake isn’t just another Dallas-Fort Worth suburb—it’s one of Texas’s most affluent communities, home to the nationally-recognized Carroll ISD and the iconic Southlake Town Square. Since its incorporation in 1956, this city has transformed from a quiet agricultural area into a luxury real estate destination where custom homes and master-planned communities define the landscape.
As your Southlake home inspector, we understand what makes this market unique. From the ultra-luxury estates in Timarron to the family-friendly neighborhoods of Carillon and the waterfront properties in Stone Lakes, each area has distinct characteristics that require specialized inspection knowledge.
Most Southlake homes fall into two categories: established properties built during the 1980s-1990s suburban boom, and luxury custom homes constructed in the 2000s through today. The newer construction often features work by prestigious builders like WillowTree Custom Homes, Toll Brothers, Maykus Homes, and Atwood Custom Homes, each with their own construction methods and design standards.
The Southlake Soil Challenge
Like all of North Texas, Southlake sits on expansive clay soil that can expand up to 25% when saturated with water and contract dramatically during dry periods. This soil movement is the leading cause of foundation issues in the area, making professional foundation inspection essential for every Southlake home purchase.
Home Inspection Services Designed for Southlake Homeowners
Pre-Purchase Inspections
Buying a home in Southlake is a significant investment. Our comprehensive pre-purchase inspections cover every major system and component, with special attention to foundation conditions using our Zip Level Pro-2000 technology. We measure foundation elevation to 1/10th of an inch accuracy—critical in an area with expansive clay soil.
We inspect the roof for hail damage (common in North Texas), evaluate HVAC systems for capacity appropriate to Texas heat, check drainage systems that protect foundations, and assess all the custom features that make luxury homes special.
Pre-Listing Inspections
Selling your Southlake home? A pre-listing inspection helps you identify and address issues before they become negotiation problems. In a luxury market where buyers expect perfection, knowing your home’s condition upfront gives you confidence and can expedite the sales process.
Our pre-listing inspections help you price accurately, make informed repair decisions, and demonstrate transparency that high-end buyers appreciate.
New Construction Inspections
Building with WillowTree Custom Homes, Dean & Co, or another luxury Southlake builder? Don’t skip the inspection just because it’s new. Even premium builders can have issues, and new construction inspections catch problems while they’re still covered by warranty.
We’re familiar with the construction methods used by Toll Brothers, Maykus Homes, PentaVia Custom Homes, and other local builders. We know what to look for in post-tensioned foundations, modern HVAC systems, and the custom amenities that define Southlake’s high-end homes.
Foundation-Focused Expertise for Expansive Clay Soil
Foundation issues are the number one concern for Southlake homeowners, and for good reason. The expansive clay soil beneath every home in this area expands when it absorbs moisture and contracts when it dries out. This constant movement puts tremendous stress on foundations.
That’s why we use the Zip Level Pro-2000 in every inspection—it’s the gold standard for detecting foundation elevation changes. While some inspectors rely on visual observation alone, we provide precise measurements that reveal even subtle foundation movement.
Our inspectors understand the difference between cosmetic cracks and structural concerns. We look for patterns of movement, check door and window operation, examine exterior grading and drainage, and provide clear guidance on whether a foundation specialist should be consulted.
Comprehensive Systems Check
Beyond the foundation, we thoroughly inspect every major system in your Southlake home:
Roofing Systems
North Texas hailstorms are frequent and damaging. We inspect for impact damage, evaluate remaining lifespan, check flashing and penetrations, and assess attic ventilation.
HVAC Systems
Texas heat is brutal on air conditioning systems. We verify proper sizing for your home’s square footage, test cooling performance, check ductwork, and evaluate system age and maintenance history.
Plumbing Systems
From the main water line to every fixture, we check for leaks, evaluate water pressure, inspect water heaters, and assess drain function. In luxury homes, this includes multiple water heaters and complex plumbing systems.
Electrical Systems
We inspect the main panel, verify proper grounding, test GFCI outlets, check for safety hazards, and ensure the electrical capacity meets the demands of a modern luxury home.
Trusted by Southlake Homeowners
Founded by Former Realtors Who Understand Your Needs
Elite Inspection Group was founded by Garrett Hand and Mike Kemper, both former real estate agents who saw a gap in the home inspection industry. They understood that buyers needed more than just technical reports—they needed inspectors who could explain complex issues in plain language and who respected the time pressures of real estate transactions.
That real estate background means we understand that you’re not just buying a house—you’re making a life decision. We’re here to provide the information you need to make that decision confidently.
What Sets Us Apart
- Guaranteed 48-hour scheduling: Real estate timelines don’t wait. We schedule your inspection within 48 hours, seven days a week, including weekends and holidays.
- Advanced technology: Our Zip Level Pro-2000 foundation measurement system provides precise elevation data that most inspectors can’t match.
- Luxury home expertise: We understand the unique features and potential issues in Southlake’s high-end properties, from post-tensioned foundations to complex HVAC systems.
- You’re encouraged to attend: We believe the best inspections are educational. Walk through with us, ask questions, and learn about your future home.
- Clear, detailed reports: Within 24 hours, you receive a comprehensive digital report with photos and explanations written in terms you can understand—not just technical jargon.
- 120-day warranty: Our work is backed by a 120-day warranty for your peace of mind.
Local Commitment
We’ve served the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex since 2013, conducting thousands of inspections throughout Southlake, Grapevine, Keller, Colleyville, Westlake, and surrounding communities. We’re not a national franchise—we’re local professionals who understand North Texas homes and the people who live in them.
Frequently Asked Questions About Southlake Home Inspections
How long does a home inspection take in Southlake?
A typical home inspection in Southlake takes 3 to 5 hours, depending on the home’s size, age, and custom features. Luxury homes over 4,000 square feet or properties with extensive custom amenities may take 5-6 hours to thoroughly inspect all systems and components. We never rush—your investment deserves careful attention to every detail.
What are the most common issues found in Southlake homes?
The most common issues in Southlake homes include:
- Foundation movement from expansive clay soil: The blackland prairie clay beneath Southlake expands and contracts with moisture changes, causing stress on foundations. This is the number one concern we see.
- HVAC system strain from extreme heat: Texas summers put enormous demand on air conditioning systems. Undersized or aging units struggle to keep large homes comfortable.
- Roof damage from frequent hailstorms: North Texas experiences regular severe weather that damages shingles and shortens roof lifespan.
- Drainage problems affecting foundation stability: Poor grading or clogged gutters create uneven soil moisture that accelerates foundation movement.
- Post-tensioned cable slab issues in newer construction: Some luxury homes use post-tensioned concrete slabs that can develop unique issues if not properly installed.
Do you inspect homes built by WillowTree, Toll Brothers, and other Southlake luxury builders?
Yes, we inspect homes built by WillowTree Custom Homes, Toll Brothers, Maykus Homes, Atwood Custom Homes, Dean & Co, PentaVia Custom Homes, and all other luxury builders in Southlake. We’re familiar with the construction methods, custom features, and potential concerns specific to each builder’s work. Even premium builders can have issues, and new construction should always be inspected before the builder’s warranty period begins.
Should I get a foundation inspection separately in Southlake?
Foundation inspection is included in every Elite Inspection Group home inspection using the Zip Level Pro-2000, which measures foundation elevation to 1/10th of an inch accuracy. Given Southlake’s expansive clay soil, this technology is essential for detecting even minor foundation movement that could indicate larger issues. If our inspection reveals significant concerns, we’ll recommend a structural engineer or foundation specialist for further evaluation, but you don’t need to pay for a separate foundation inspection upfront.
Do you also inspect homes in Grapevine, Keller, Colleyville, and Westlake?
Yes, we serve Southlake and all surrounding communities including Grapevine, Keller, Colleyville, Westlake, Trophy Club, and the greater Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. We offer 48-hour guaranteed scheduling seven days a week throughout the region. Whether you’re buying in downtown Southlake near Town Square or in neighboring communities, we bring the same level of expertise and service to every inspection.
What happens after the inspection?
Within 24 hours of your inspection, you receive a comprehensive digital report with detailed findings, high-resolution photos, and clear explanations written in terms you can understand. The report includes specific observations about your Southlake home’s condition, recommended repairs, and maintenance guidance for dealing with local challenges like clay soil and extreme weather. You can access the report from any device, share it with your realtor or family, and refer back to it anytime. We’re also available by phone if you have follow-up questions—we believe in ongoing support, not just delivering a report and disappearing.
Southlake Homeowner Resources
City of Southlake Resources
Building Inspections Department
1400 Main Street, Suite 250
Southlake, TX 76092
Phone: 817-748-8236 or 817-748-8237
Building Permits & Inspections
The City of Southlake requires building permits for major renovations and additions. The online EP&L Civic Access portal makes applying for permits and scheduling inspections straightforward.
City Hall
1400 Main Street, Southlake, TX 76092
Phone: 817-748-8000
www.cityofsouthlake.com
Utilities
- Water & Sewer: City of Southlake Water Utilities
- Electric: Oncor (distribution) with choice of retail providers
- Gas: Deregulated market with multiple providers
- Trash & Recycling: City of Southlake services
Foundation Maintenance Tips for Southlake Homeowners
Given Southlake’s expansive clay soil, proper foundation maintenance is crucial:
- Maintain consistent soil moisture: Water your foundation during dry periods to prevent excessive soil shrinkage. A soaker hose placed 12-18 inches from the foundation works well.
- Ensure proper drainage: Keep gutters clean and extend downspouts at least 5 feet from the foundation. Water pooling near your home accelerates foundation problems.
- Monitor for warning signs: Watch for doors and windows that stick, cracks in walls or ceilings, gaps between walls and floors, or exterior cracks.
- Maintain consistent grading: Soil should slope away from your home’s foundation to prevent water accumulation.
Seasonal Maintenance for North Texas
- Spring: Check for foundation movement after winter rains, clean gutters, inspect roof for winter damage
- Summer: Water foundation during drought, have HVAC serviced before peak heat, monitor AC performance
- Fall: Clean gutters before winter, inspect roof after storm season, prepare heating system
- Winter: Protect pipes from freezes, check heating system efficiency, inspect insulation
Understanding Southlake’s Real Estate Market
With median home values exceeding $1.2 million and properties regularly selling above $1.4 million, Southlake represents one of Texas’s most exclusive markets. The combination of Carroll ISD schools, proximity to DFW Airport, and Southlake Town Square creates sustained demand for luxury homes. Whether you’re buying in Timarron’s estates, Carillon’s family neighborhoods, or Stone Lakes’ waterfront properties, a thorough inspection protects your significant investment.
Schedule Your Southlake Home Inspection Today
Whether you’re buying a luxury estate in The Reserve, a family home in Carillon, or a custom build by one of Southlake’s premier builders, Elite Inspection Group provides the thorough inspection and clear communication you need. We understand the local market, the challenges of expansive clay soil, and what it takes to properly evaluate a high-end property.
Call 469-818-5500
Serving Southlake, Grapevine, Keller, Colleyville, Westlake, and the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex Since 2013
Licensed & Insured | 48-Hour Scheduling | 120-Day Warranty