Home Inspection Services in Princeton, TX

How long does a home inspection take in Princeton, TX?

A typical home inspection in Princeton takes 2.5 to 4 hours, depending on the home’s size, age, and condition. Many of Princeton’s newer homes built in the 2020s take closer to 2.5-3 hours, while older homes from the 2000s or earlier may require 3.5-4 hours for a thorough inspection.

Larger homes over 3,000 square feet or properties with complex systems (pools, outbuildings, extensive landscaping) may take longer. We never rush inspections to hit a schedule – your biggest investment deserves our full attention and thoroughness.

You’re welcome to attend your inspection. Many Princeton buyers appreciate walking through with us to learn about their potential home’s systems, maintenance needs, and any concerns we identify.

What are the most common issues found in Princeton homes?

The most common issues in Princeton homes include foundation settlement from Collin County’s expansive clay soil, HVAC strain from extreme Texas summer heat, roof damage from North Texas hail storms, drainage problems affecting foundation stability, and new construction warranty concerns in rapidly built neighborhoods.

Let’s break these down:

• Foundation settlement – Collin County’s blackland prairie clay expands when wet and contracts when dry, creating constant stress on foundations. We see cracks, gaps, sticking doors, and elevation changes that signal foundation movement.
• HVAC inefficiency – Texas summers routinely hit 95-100°F. Undersized or aging HVAC systems struggle to cool Princeton homes, leading to comfort issues and high utility bills.
• Roof damage – North Texas experiences frequent severe storms with hail. We inspect for damaged or missing shingles, compromised flashing, and signs of previous repairs that may indicate ongoing vulnerability.
• Drainage problems – Improper grading around foundations allows water to pool near your home, exacerbating soil movement and increasing foundation stress.
• New construction quality – With rapid development and builder volume, quality control varies. We find installation shortcuts, warranty items to document, and issues best addressed before closing.

Do you inspect homes built by D.R. Horton, Ashton Woods, and other Princeton builders?

Yes, we inspect homes by D.R. Horton, Ashton Woods, Centex, Lennar, Pulte, M/I Homes, Cavender Homes, and all builders active in Princeton. With 16 builders working in 36+ communities, we understand each builder’s construction methods and common concerns specific to Princeton’s rapid-growth environment.

We’ve inspected thousands of homes across the DFW Metroplex and know what to look for in each builder’s work. D.R. Horton’s Winchester Crossing homes have different typical issues than Ashton Woods’ Monticello Park properties. Centex’s affordable builds require different scrutiny than Pulte’s move-up homes.

Our builder-specific knowledge means we catch issues other inspectors miss. We know where shortcuts typically occur, which systems need extra attention, and what warranty items to document before your builder’s coverage period expires.

Should I get a foundation inspection separately in Princeton?

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 in Princeton where Collin County’s expansive clay soil can cause significant foundation movement.

Many inspectors rely on visual observation alone, noting cracks and sticking doors but providing little quantitative data about actual foundation performance. Our Zip Level technology provides precise elevation measurements across your foundation, revealing settlement patterns that visual inspection cannot detect.

This precision matters because foundation repairs in Princeton can cost $5,000-$15,000 or significantly more for severe issues. Understanding your foundation’s current condition – and whether problems are active or stabilized – is critical to your purchasing decision.

If our inspection reveals significant foundation concerns, we may recommend a structural engineer’s evaluation for deeper analysis. But for most Princeton homes, our included foundation inspection with Zip Level technology provides the detailed assessment you need.

Do you also inspect homes in McKinney, Allen, Farmersville, and other nearby cities?

Yes, we serve Princeton and surrounding Collin County cities including McKinney, Allen, Farmersville, Lavon, Wylie, and the entire Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. We offer 48-hour guaranteed scheduling and are open seven days a week.

Princeton’s location just 8 miles from McKinney and 40 miles northeast of Dallas means many homebuyers consider multiple communities. We understand the characteristics, challenges, and market conditions across the region, helping you compare properties intelligently.

Whether you’re looking at a new build in Princeton’s Winchester Crossing, an established home in McKinney, or comparing options across Collin County, we provide consistent, thorough inspections with the same attention to detail and customer service.

Call 469-818-5500 to schedule your inspection anywhere in the DFW area.

What happens after the inspection?

Within 24 hours of your Princeton home inspection, you receive a comprehensive digital report with photos, detailed findings, and clear explanations in terms you can understand. The report covers all major systems and identifies any concerns with your potential home, helping you make an informed decision.

Our reports are organized by system and severity, making it easy to distinguish between major concerns requiring immediate attention and minor maintenance items. Each issue includes photos showing exactly what we found, an explanation of why it matters, and recommendations for next steps.

You’ll understand:

• What issues are safety concerns requiring immediate attention
• What repairs you should negotiate with the seller
• What items are normal maintenance for a home of this age
• What systems may need replacement in the next few years
• How to maintain your home to prevent future problems

After receiving your report, you can call us with questions. We’re here to help you understand your inspection results and make the best decision for your situation. Many Princeton buyers use our report to negotiate repairs or pricing adjustments before closing.