Your Collin County Home Inspection Experts
Serving all 30 cities across Collin County, Elite Inspection Group brings deep local expertise to every home inspection. From the historic neighborhoods of McKinney to the newest master-planned communities in Celina and Prosper, we understand the unique challenges of inspecting homes built on Collin County’s expansive clay soil.
As one of the fastest-growing counties in America—projected to double its population to over 2.4 million by 2060—Collin County presents a unique mix of century-old farmhouses, established suburban neighborhoods, and brand-new construction spanning 30 incorporated cities. Whether you’re buying a historic home in downtown McKinney, a luxury estate in Stonebridge Ranch, or new construction in Liberty Hills, we bring the specialized knowledge needed to protect your investment.
Founded by Garrett Hand and Mike Kemper, both former realtors who saw firsthand the gap between what homebuyers needed and what the industry provided, Elite Inspection Group delivers inspections designed for Collin County’s reality. We understand real estate timelines, we know the local builders, and we’re equipped to identify the foundation issues that plague this region’s expansive clay soil.
Call 469-818-5500 to schedule your inspection today.
Scheduling
Per Week
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Serving All Collin County Cities:
- McKinney (County Seat)
- Plano (Largest City)
- Frisco
- Allen
- Prosper
- Celina
- Anna
- Princeton
- Melissa
- Lucas
- Parker
- Lavon
- Plus 18 Additional Cities
Deep Knowledge of Collin County Homes

From Historic to Hypermodern
Founded in 1846 and named after Collin McKinney—one of the oldest signers of the Texas Declaration of Independence—Collin County has evolved from rural farmland to one of America’s most dynamic suburban regions. The county’s 30 cities span the full spectrum of Texas development.
In McKinney, the county seat, you’ll find historic homes dating to the 1870s alongside modern developments like Craig Ranch. Plano, the county’s largest city, experienced explosive growth in the 1980s-1990s and now houses over 285,000 residents. Frisco has become synonymous with master-planned living and corporate relocations, while northern cities like Celina and Prosper are experiencing unprecedented growth—Celina’s population skyrocketed 157.6% between 2023 and 2024 alone.
This diversity means Collin County home inspectors must understand everything from pier-and-beam construction in 1940s farmhouses to the latest building technologies in 2025 smart homes.

The Expansive Clay Challenge
Collin County sits squarely in the Blackland Prairie region, characterized by heavy, sticky clay soil that expands when wet and shrinks when dry. With over 50% clay content, Collin County has some of the most challenging soil conditions in Texas—ranking among the worst areas alongside Dallas, Tarrant, and Denton counties.
This expansive clay can swell up to 75% when saturated, causing continuous stress on foundations as the soil moves with seasonal moisture changes. According to the American Society of Civil Engineers, nearly one quarter of all homes in the United States have some foundation damage due to these soils, and Collin County experiences the problem acutely.
The financial impact is staggering—the shrink-swell behavior of Collin County’s soil leads to billions of dollars in damage to buildings and infrastructure annually. Whether you’re buying in established neighborhoods in Allen or new construction in Anna, foundation inspection isn’t optional—it’s essential.
Foundation Fact: Elite Inspection Group uses the Zip Level Pro-2000, which measures foundation elevation to 1/10th of an inch accuracy—critical for detecting the subtle foundation movement common in Collin County’s clay soil areas.
Major Master-Planned Communities We Serve
Collin County is home to some of the nation’s top-rated master-planned communities. We’re intimately familiar with the builders, construction methods, and specific inspection considerations in each development.
Stonebridge Ranch (McKinney)
5,000 acres | Since 1988
One of the nation’s most respected master-planned communities and consistently the #1 selling community in the DFW Metroplex. Features 70+ distinctive villages with homes ranging from the mid-$300s to over $2 million. We’ve inspected hundreds of homes across Stonebridge’s diverse neighborhoods, from the original 1988 phases to current construction.
Craig Ranch (McKinney)
2,200 acres | Mixed-use
Positioned where McKinney, Allen, Plano, and Frisco converge, this development features the TPC Championship Golf Course, extensive amenities, and mixed-use Town Center. Schools serve both Frisco ISD and Allen ISD. We understand the unique multi-jurisdictional aspects of this community.
Trinity Falls (McKinney)
1,700 acres | Modern amenities
Features over 450 acres of green space, lakes, 20 miles of trails, and 4 schools. This newer community represents the latest in master-planned living with cutting-edge home technology and sustainability features.
Light Farms (Celina)
Top 25 in Nation | 2014-2015
Named among the Top 25 Master-Planned Communities nationally, Light Farms offers fitness center, tennis and recreation facilities, and family-friendly amenities just off the Dallas North Tollway Extension north of Highway 380.
Liberty Hills (Anna)
1,035 acres | Opening 2027
Set to become one of Anna’s largest developments, with Grand Homes, Perry Homes, Shaddock Homes, and William Ryan Homes building 269 lots in phase one starting at $500,000. Construction begins fall 2025.

Frisco Square represents Collin County’s modern urban planning approach
Home Inspection Services Designed for Collin County
Pre-Purchase Inspections
Buying a home in Collin County—whether it’s a $300,000 starter home in Princeton or a $2 million estate in Stonebridge Ranch—is likely the biggest investment you’ll ever make. Our pre-purchase inspections provide the peace of mind you need before closing.
We use the Zip Level Pro-2000 to measure foundation elevation to 1/10th of an inch accuracy, essential in Collin County’s expansive clay soil conditions. We evaluate drainage systems, check for previous foundation repair, assess HVAC sizing for Texas heat, and provide a comprehensive analysis of the home’s condition.
You’re welcome—encouraged, actually—to attend your inspection. We’ll walk you through our findings, explain what matters and what doesn’t, and help you understand the home you’re about to buy.
Pre-Listing Inspections
Selling a home in Collin County’s competitive market? A pre-listing inspection identifies issues before potential buyers do, allowing you to address problems on your timeline rather than during negotiations. In a market where homes now take 55 days to sell (up from 36 days last year), being inspection-ready gives you a significant advantage.
New Construction Inspections
With 359 new home communities and 2,291 quick move-in homes across Collin County, new construction is everywhere. But “new” doesn’t mean “perfect.” We inspect homes by all major builders including:
- Highland Homes
- Toll Brothers
- David Weekley Homes
- Shaddock Homes
- Grand Homes
- Perry Homes
- William Ryan Homes
- Lennar
- Meritage Homes
- Ashton Woods
- Bloomfield Homes
- And 100+ more builders
New construction in Collin County requires special attention to foundation preparation on expansive clay, proper drainage installation, HVAC sizing, and builder-specific construction practices.

Foundation-Focused Expertise
Collin County’s expansive clay soil isn’t just a minor concern—it’s the primary threat to your home’s structural integrity. Every Elite Inspection Group inspection includes comprehensive foundation evaluation with precision elevation measurements, drainage assessment, and analysis of soil moisture management systems.
Comprehensive Systems Check
- Foundation (Zip Level Pro-2000)
- Structural components
- Roof and attic
- HVAC systems
- Plumbing systems
- Electrical systems
- Exterior drainage
- Interior components
- Insulation and ventilation
Cities We Serve in Collin County
We provide professional home inspection services throughout all of Collin County. Click on any city below to learn more about our services in that specific area:
Major Cities (Dedicated Pages):
- McKinney Home Inspections – County Seat
- Plano Home Inspections – Largest City
- Frisco Home Inspections – Sports & Corporate Hub
- Allen Home Inspections – Family-Friendly
- Prosper Home Inspections – Fast Growth
- Celina Home Inspections – Rapid Expansion
- Anna Home Inspections – Northern Growth
- Princeton Home Inspections
- Melissa Home Inspections
- Parker Home Inspections
- Lucas Home Inspections
- Lavon Home Inspections
Additional Cities We Serve:
- Fairview
- Murphy
- Wylie (Collin County portion)
- Richardson (Collin County portion)
- Farmersville
- Blue Ridge
- Nevada
- Josephine
- Lowry Crossing
- Saint Paul
- Van Alstyne
- Sachse (Collin County portion)
- Royse City (Collin County portion)
- Carrollton (Collin County portion)
- Dallas (Collin County portion)
Don’t see your city listed?
We serve all areas of Collin County. Call 469-818-5500 to confirm service availability.
Trusted by Collin County Homeowners

Founded by Realtors Who Saw a Better Way
Elite Inspection Group was founded by Garrett Hand and Mike Kemper, both former real estate agents who experienced the home inspection industry from the inside. They saw the gap between what buyers needed and what most inspection companies delivered—and decided to bridge it.
As former realtors, Garrett and Mike understand real estate timelines, agent relationships, and the stress of home transactions. They built Elite Inspection Group on a simple principle: deliver inspections that genuinely help homebuyers make informed decisions, explained in language they can understand.
What Makes Us Different
- Local Expertise: We’ve inspected thousands of Collin County homes across all 30 cities
- Advanced Technology: Zip Level Pro-2000 foundation measurement system
- Real Estate Background: We understand timelines and speak your language
- Education-Focused: We explain findings in terms you can understand
- Client Attendance Encouraged: We want you at the inspection learning about your home
- Same-Day Scheduling Available: 48-hour guarantee, often same or next day
- 120-Day Warranty: We stand behind our work
- 7 Days a Week: Inspections every day including weekends and holidays
Frequently Asked Questions About Collin County Home Inspections
How long does a home inspection take in Collin County?
A typical home inspection in Collin County takes 3 to 5 hours, depending on the home’s size, age, and location within the county. Homes over 3,500 square feet or built before 1980 may take closer to 5-6 hours due to more complex systems and the need for thorough foundation evaluation in areas with expansive clay soil.
The inspection duration also varies by city and construction type. A brand-new home in Celina’s Liberty Hills might take 3 hours, while a 1970s ranch in established McKinney neighborhoods could require 5 hours. Master-planned community homes typically fall in the 3.5-4 hour range.
We never rush. Given Collin County’s foundation challenges, taking adequate time for thorough elevation measurements and drainage evaluation is essential.
What are the most common issues found in Collin County homes?
The most common issues in Collin County homes include:
- Foundation settlement from expansive clay soil: Affecting nearly 25% of homes according to the American Society of Civil Engineers. Collin County sits in the Blackland Prairie with some of the most challenging soil in Texas, causing billions in annual damage.
- HVAC inefficiency and premature failure: North Texas summers averaging 95-100°F strain HVAC systems, particularly in homes where systems are undersized or aging. This is especially common in Plano and McKinney homes built in the 1980s-1990s.
- Roof damage from hail storms: North Texas experiences frequent severe thunderstorms with hail, compromising roof shingles and requiring periodic replacement. This affects all areas of the county equally.
- Drainage problems causing uneven foundation stress: Improper grading, clogged gutters, or inadequate drainage systems create uneven soil moisture around foundations, accelerating differential settlement. Critical in all new developments.
- Plumbing issues in older established neighborhoods: Homes in older sections of Plano, McKinney, Allen, and Richardson may have galvanized pipes, slab leaks, or freeze damage from occasional hard winter freezes.
The expansive clay issue is county-wide and non-negotiable—every Collin County home requires thorough foundation evaluation.
Do you inspect homes built by major Collin County builders?
Yes, we inspect homes by all major Collin County builders including Highland Homes, Toll Brothers, David Weekley Homes, Shaddock Homes, Grand Homes, Perry Homes, William Ryan Homes, Lennar, Meritage Homes, Ashton Woods, Bloomfield Homes, and over 100 other builders active across the county’s 30 cities and 359 new home communities.
We’re especially familiar with construction practices in major master-planned communities like Stonebridge Ranch (McKinney), Craig Ranch (McKinney), Trinity Falls (McKinney), Light Farms (Celina), and the upcoming Liberty Hills (Anna). Each builder has specific construction methods, and we know what to look for with each.
New construction inspection is critical even with reputable builders. We frequently find issues with HVAC installation, drainage grading, foundation preparation on expansive clay, and finishing details that need correction before your builder warranty expires.
Should I get a foundation inspection separately in Collin County?
Foundation inspection is included in every Elite Inspection Group home inspection in Collin County—no separate inspection needed. We use the Zip Level Pro-2000, which measures foundation elevation to 1/10th of an inch accuracy, essential for detecting the subtle foundation movement common in Collin County’s expansive clay soil areas.
Given that Collin County’s shrink-swell soil behavior causes billions of dollars in foundation damage annually and affects nearly 25% of all homes, thorough foundation evaluation isn’t optional—it’s mandatory. Our comprehensive foundation inspection includes:
- Precise elevation readings at multiple points using Zip Level Pro-2000
- Analysis of cracks, settlement patterns, and differential movement
- Drainage and grading evaluation
- Soil moisture management assessment
- Evidence of previous foundation repair
- Door and window operation (indicators of movement)
This level of foundation analysis is standard in every inspection we perform—whether you’re buying in historic McKinney or new construction in Prosper.
Do you serve all cities in Collin County?
Yes, we serve all 30 incorporated cities in Collin County including McKinney (county seat), Plano (largest city), Frisco, Allen, Prosper, Celina, Anna, Princeton, Melissa, Lucas, Parker, Lavon, Fairview, Murphy, Wylie, Richardson, Farmersville, Blue Ridge, Nevada, Josephine, Sachse, Royse City, Lowry Crossing, Saint Paul, Van Alstyne, Carrollton, Dallas, and all unincorporated areas.
We offer 48-hour guaranteed scheduling throughout the entire county and are available seven days a week including weekends and holidays. Many inspections can be scheduled same-day or next-day depending on availability.
Whether you’re in the southern urbanized areas (Plano, Frisco, Allen, McKinney) or the rapidly growing northern cities (Celina, Prosper, Anna), we provide the same thorough inspection with the same advanced technology and local expertise.
What happens after my Collin County home inspection?
Within 24 hours of your inspection, you receive a comprehensive digital report with detailed photos, explanations written in plain language, and clear recommendations for each issue found.
The report includes specific attention to Collin County concerns:
- Foundation elevation readings from the Zip Level Pro-2000 with analysis
- Drainage evaluation and recommendations for soil moisture management
- HVAC performance assessment critical for North Texas climate
- Roof condition including any hail damage evidence
- Plumbing system evaluation with freeze protection assessment
- Priority categorization of issues (immediate, near-term, monitor)
We’re available after the inspection to answer questions, explain findings in more detail, or discuss your options. We believe in education, not fear—our goal is to help you make informed decisions about your biggest investment.
Many buyers use our report to negotiate repairs with sellers or to budget for future maintenance. Either way, you’ll have a clear picture of what you’re buying.
Collin County Homeowner Resources

Collin County Government Resources
Building Permits (McKinney)
McKinney Permits Office
221 North Tennessee Street
McKinney, TX 75069
Phone: 972-547-7400
Website: mckinneytexas.org/permits
Collin County Development Services
Engineering & Development
Website: collincountytx.gov
Online Portal: Engineering Citizen Self-Service available
Collin County Clerk
2300 Bloomdale Road
McKinney, TX 75071
Phone: 972-548-4139
Note: Each of Collin County’s 30 cities maintains its own building permit office. Contact your specific city for local permit requirements.
Utilities in Collin County
Electric Service
Collin County is in Texas’s deregulated electric market, meaning you can choose your retail electric provider (REP). Primary transmission companies include:
- Oncor Electric: 800-242-9113
- Coserv Electric: Certain areas
- Grayson-Collin Electric Cooperative: 903-482-5231 (northern areas)
Natural Gas
Atmos Energy Corporation
Phone: 888-286-6700
Nation’s largest fully regulated natural gas-only distributor
Water Service
Water service varies by municipality. Each city operates its own water utility or contracts with specific providers. Contact your city’s utility department for service information.
Foundation Maintenance Tips for Collin County
Critical for Expansive Clay Soil:
- Maintain consistent soil moisture around foundation perimeter
- Keep gutters clean and downspouts directing water away from foundation
- Grade soil to slope away from foundation (6 inches over 10 feet)
- Consider soaker hoses during drought periods
- Install root barriers if large trees are near foundation
- Monitor for new cracks or changes in door/window operation
- Have foundation evaluated every 3-5 years in high-risk areas
Seasonal Maintenance for Collin County Homes
Spring
- Check for foundation movement after winter moisture
- Inspect roof for hail damage from spring storms
- Service HVAC before summer heat
- Check drainage and grading
Summer
- Monitor HVAC performance during peak heat
- Water foundation during drought periods
- Check attic ventilation and insulation
- Inspect for signs of foundation stress
Fall
- Prepare for winter freeze protection
- Inspect foundation after summer heat
- Clean gutters before winter rains
- Service heating systems
Winter
- Protect pipes during hard freezes
- Check heating systems and insulation
- Monitor for ice damage
- Maintain consistent foundation moisture
Understanding Collin County’s Real Estate Market
With a median home price of $480,000 and median household income of $117,588, Collin County represents one of the most affluent and desirable markets in Texas. The county’s population has grown from 1,066,331 in 2020 to over 1.25 million in 2024, with projections to reach 2.4 million by 2060.
Current market conditions show homes taking an average of 55 days to sell (up from 36 days last year), indicating a cooling but still competitive market. Prices have moderated 2-6% year-over-year depending on location and price range.
Northern cities like Celina (157.6% growth) and Prosper (40.6% growth) are experiencing explosive expansion, while established markets in Plano, Frisco, Allen, and McKinney offer more inventory and stabilized pricing.

Schedule Your Collin County Home Inspection Today
Serving all 30 cities across Collin County with the local expertise and advanced technology you need for peace of mind. Whether you’re buying in McKinney, Plano, Frisco, Allen, Prosper, Celina, Anna, or anywhere else in the county, we’re here to help you make the biggest investment of your life with confidence.
Call 469-818-5500
48-Hour Guaranteed Scheduling | 7 Days a Week | 120-Day Warranty
Serving the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex Since 2013 | Licensed & Insured
