Your Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex Home Inspection Experts
When you’re investing in a home in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex—the fourth-largest metropolitan area in the United States—you need inspectors who understand the unique challenges facing the region’s 8.3 million residents. Elite Inspection Group brings specialized knowledge of North Texas’s expansive clay soil, hail-prone climate, and diverse construction styles across this sprawling metroplex.
From Dallas’s historic neighborhoods to Fort Worth’s master-planned communities, from Plano and Frisco in Collin County to Southlake and Grapevine in the Mid-Cities, we’ve inspected thousands of homes and understand what makes this region different. We’re here to protect the biggest investment you’ll ever make and give you peace of mind.
Call 469-818-5500 to schedule your inspection today.
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Serving the Entire DFW Metroplex:
- Dallas: Highland Park, University Park, Uptown, Oak Lawn, Preston Hollow, Lake Highlands
- Fort Worth: Sundance Square, Cultural District, TCU Area, Tanglewood, Ridglea
- Collin County: Plano, Frisco, McKinney, Allen, Prosper, Celina
- Denton County: Denton, Lewisville, Flower Mound, Little Elm
- Tarrant County: Arlington, Grapevine, Southlake, Carrollton
Dallas Home Inspections: The Heart of the Metroplex
Dallas, founded in 1841 by John Neely Bryan at a natural ford on the Trinity River, has grown into a global economic powerhouse with 1.3 million residents. The city added over 30,000 new residents in 2024 alone, reflecting its continued appeal as a center for finance, technology, and corporate headquarters.
Dallas’s neighborhoods range from the ultra-affluent Park Cities (Highland Park and University Park with their top-rated Highland Park ISD schools) to the vibrant urban core of Uptown and Oak Lawn, from the artistic enclaves of Deep Ellum and Bishop Arts District to the family-friendly suburbs of Lake Highlands. Each area brings unique inspection considerations—from historic 1920s estates to brand-new high-rise condos.
The Dallas Arts District is the largest urban arts district in the United States, home to the Winspear Opera House, Meyerson Symphony Center, and numerous world-class museums. This cultural richness is matched by economic diversity, with Dallas serving as headquarters for corporations like AT&T, Southwest Airlines, and Texas Instruments.
Dallas-Specific Inspection Challenges
Dallas homes face particular challenges including severe foundation stress from expansive Blackland Prairie clay soil, hail damage from the city’s location in Hail Alley, and Trinity River flooding concerns affecting nearly 1 million residents in the floodplain. We inspect homes built by all major Dallas builders and understand the construction evolution from pre-war bungalows to modern master-planned developments.
Fort Worth Home Inspections: Where the West Begins
Fort Worth, established as Camp Worth in 1849 and incorporated in 1873, surpassed 1 million residents in 2024, making it one of America’s fastest-growing major cities. Known as “Where the West Begins,” Fort Worth maintains its Western heritage while embracing modern growth with world-class cultural institutions and thriving neighborhoods.
The Fort Worth Cultural District houses the renowned Kimbell Art Museum, Modern Art Museum, and the nation’s oldest continuously operating zoo. Downtown’s Sundance Square offers 35 blocks of entertainment, dining, and residential living with Bass Performance Hall as its crown jewel. The Historic Stockyards celebrate Fort Worth’s cattle-drive heritage with daily events and authentic Western atmosphere.
Fort Worth’s residential neighborhoods include everything from the university atmosphere around Texas Christian University (TCU Area with neighborhoods like Colonial and Park Hill) to upscale communities like Tanglewood and Ridglea (centered on its country club with two golf courses), from historic Westover Hills estates to newer developments spreading north and west.
Fort Worth-Specific Inspection Considerations
Fort Worth shares Dallas’s expansive clay soil challenges but adds unique factors including varying construction styles from historic to ultra-modern, diverse elevations across rolling terrain affecting drainage, and rapid growth areas with new construction. We understand Fort Worth’s specific building codes, neighborhood characteristics, and the importance of proper grading in this topographically varied city.
Comprehensive DFW Metroplex Coverage
The Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex spans 13 counties and includes dozens of cities and master-planned communities. Elite Inspection Group serves every corner of this vast metropolitan area with the same commitment to excellence and local expertise.
North of Dallas (Collin & Denton Counties)
The fastest-growing region in the metroplex, featuring award-winning master-planned communities and top-rated school districts. We serve Plano, Frisco, McKinney, Allen, Prosper, Celina, Anna, Melissa, Princeton, Lucas, Parker, and dozens more communities. This area features master-planned developments like Union Park, Windsong Ranch, and Harvest, with homes built by Toll Brothers, Highland Homes, and David Weekley.
Northeast (Collin & Rockwall Counties)
Established communities with excellent schools and lake access near Lake Lavon and Lake Ray Hubbard. We inspect homes in Rockwall, Wylie, Sachse, Rowlett, Garland, Richardson, Murphy, and Lavon. These areas feature mix of 1980s-2000s construction alongside newer developments, requiring careful attention to foundation settlement patterns and age-specific system concerns.
Northwest (Denton County)
Rapidly expanding region with university presence and diverse communities. We serve Denton (home to UNT and TWU), Lewisville, Flower Mound, Highland Village, Little Elm, The Colony, Aubrey, and surrounding areas. This region includes excellent master-planned communities and lake living near Lewisville Lake.
Mid-Cities (Tarrant County)
The 30-mile corridor between Dallas and Fort Worth including Arlington (home to AT&T Stadium and Globe Life Field), Irving, Grand Prairie, Euless, Bedford, Hurst, Colleyville, Grapevine, Southlake, Coppell, and Carrollton. These established communities offer central location, excellent schools, and proximity to DFW Airport.
Far North (Grayson County)
Communities near Lake Texoma offering small-town living with big-city access. We serve Sherman, Denison, Pottsboro, Van Alstyne, and surrounding areas. This region attracts those seeking affordability, lake recreation, and quieter pace while maintaining connection to DFW employment centers.
South & Southeast
Diverse communities including DeSoto, Cedar Hill, Duncanville, Lancaster, Mansfield, Midlothian, Waxahachie, and areas near Joe Pool Lake. These areas offer more affordable housing options while maintaining quality construction and good schools. We understand the specific challenges of homes in these growing regions.
Plus dozens more communities including Savannah, Providence Village, Caddo Mills, and every town across the 13-county metroplex.
The DFW Advantage: Growth, Economy, and Opportunity
The Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex is the fourth-largest metropolitan area in the United States with over 8.3 million residents and growing. The region added 177,922 residents from July 2023 to 2024, ranking as the third-fastest growing metro in the nation. Since 2020 alone, the metroplex has welcomed 650,000 new residents drawn by job opportunities, no state income tax, and high quality of life.
DFW International Airport, the world’s third-busiest airport, served 87.8 million passengers in 2024—a 7.4% increase from 2023, the highest growth rate among the world’s top three airports. With service to over 260 destinations including 73 international cities, DFW Airport serves as a global gateway and economic engine for the entire region.
The metroplex is home to 23 Fortune 500 companies including ExxonMobil, AT&T, American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and Texas Instruments. Economic diversity spans finance, technology, telecommunications, healthcare, defense, and energy sectors. Major universities including SMU, TCU, UNT, UT Dallas, and UT Arlington fuel innovation and provide educated workforce.
DFW Real Estate Market (2025)
- Median Home Price: $418,000 (metro average)
- Dallas Median: $425,000
- Fort Worth Median: $323,000
- Market Status: Transitioning to more balanced conditions after 2021-2022 boom
- Inventory: Up 50% over past year, more buyer-friendly
- Days on Market: Average 52 days
- Growth Projection: 4-6% measured appreciation expected
North Texas-Specific Home Challenges
The DFW Metroplex faces unique environmental challenges that significantly impact homes. Our inspectors are experts in identifying and explaining these region-specific concerns.
Expansive Clay Soil: The Foundation Challenge
North Texas sits on some of the most problematic soil in the United States. The region’s Blackland Prairie clay contains over 50% clay content in Dallas, Tarrant, Collin, and Denton counties. This high-plasticity clay can expand or shrink by up to 75% of its original volume depending on moisture content.
Foundation damage from expansive soils costs more annually than floods, hurricanes, earthquakes, and tornadoes combined nationwide. Nearly 25% of all U.S. homes have some foundation damage from expansive soils, with North Texas experiencing among the highest rates.
How it affects your home: When clay soil absorbs water, it swells dramatically, pushing up on foundations. During dry periods or drought, the soil contracts and pulls away, creating gaps and allowing foundations to settle unevenly. Different areas of soil under a home expand and contract at different rates, causing differential movement—the primary cause of foundation cracks, stuck doors and windows, and structural stress.
Elite Inspection Group uses the Zip Level Pro-2000 to measure foundation elevation to 1/10th of an inch accuracy, providing objective data about foundation performance critical for North Texas homes.
Hail Alley: Severe Storm Damage
The DFW Metroplex falls squarely within “Hail Alley,” a region stretching from Texas through Oklahoma and Colorado that experiences North America’s most frequent and severe hailstorms. DFW consistently ranks among the most hail-prone areas in the entire United States.
Recent devastating events: June 2023 storms caused $7-10 billion in insured losses across DFW, with 95% of damages from hail. Baseball and softball-sized hailstones damaged tens of thousands of homes. March 2025 brought quarter to egg-sized hail across the metroplex affecting Allen, McKinney, Frisco, and other communities.
The historic 1995 Mayfest Storm was the first hailstorm to exceed $1 billion in damage and remains one of the costliest non-tornadic storms in U.S. history. Texas leads the nation with 637,977 hail damage claims filed between 2017-2019 alone. In 2022, Texas experienced 14 separate storms each causing over $1 billion in damage—the highest ever recorded.
Peak hail season: March through May (primary) with secondary peak in fall. During inspections, we carefully examine roofs for hail damage including bruising, granule loss, and compromised integrity that may not be visible from ground level. Even minor hail damage can dramatically shorten roof lifespan.
Trinity River Flooding & Urban Drainage
The Trinity River flows through the heart of both Dallas and Fort Worth, creating flood risk for approximately 1 million residents living in the floodplain across Dallas, Tarrant, Collin, and Denton counties.
Dallas experienced its worst flood in May 1908 when the Trinity River reached 52.6 feet, killing five people and displacing 4,000. More recently, August 2022 flooding saw the Trinity rise six feet over flood stage after 14-16 inches of rain in some areas, causing billions in damages.
Rapid urban development increases impervious surfaces, leading to higher runoff volumes and more severe urban flooding. The Trinity River experiences extremes from low flows composed almost entirely of treated wastewater to massive floods threatening its 240-square-mile floodplain.
Current mitigation: The Army Corps of Engineers is investing $223 million to improve the Trinity River floodway, raise levees, and renovate pump stations. The Chain of Wetlands project is designed to reduce floodwater levels by four feet. During inspections, we assess drainage, grading, and flood risk factors specific to each property’s location.
Extreme Weather & Climate Factors
North Texas experiences dramatic weather extremes that stress homes in multiple ways:
Summer Heat: Temperatures routinely reach 95-100°F+ with high humidity, placing enormous strain on HVAC systems. We thoroughly test cooling systems during inspections, as premature HVAC failure is common in older or undersized units.
Winter Freezes: While rare, events like the February 2021 freeze caused catastrophic damage with widespread pipe bursts, HVAC failures, and power outages. We check insulation, freeze protection, and system winterization.
Tornadoes: The metroplex sits in Tornado Alley. While tornado damage is uncommon for individual properties, we inspect for proper structural anchoring and storm-related damage if present.
Drought Cycles: Extended droughts affect foundation stability as clay soil contracts. We assess foundation performance and recommend moisture management strategies.
Temperature Swings: Rapid temperature changes cause expansion and contraction of building materials, contributing to caulk failures, HVAC issues, and stress on structures.
Home Inspection Services Designed for DFW Homeowners
Every Elite Inspection Group home inspection is tailored to address the unique challenges facing homes in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. We don’t use cookie-cutter approaches—our inspections account for North Texas’s specific soil, climate, and construction characteristics.
Pre-Purchase Inspections
Buying a home in the DFW Metroplex is a major investment. Our comprehensive pre-purchase inspections examine every accessible component with special attention to foundation performance using our Zip Level Pro-2000, hail damage assessment, HVAC system condition given the extreme summer heat, and drainage issues that could affect the expansive clay soil.
We inspect homes built by Toll Brothers, Highland Homes, David Weekley, Taylor Morrison, Lennar, Pulte, and all DFW builders. Whether you’re considering a historic Dallas bungalow, a Fort Worth craftsman, or a brand-new home in a Prosper master-planned community, we provide the information you need to make a confident decision.
Pre-Listing Inspections
Get ahead of buyer concerns by identifying issues before listing. In the competitive DFW market with inventory increasing and buyers becoming more selective, a pre-listing inspection demonstrates transparency and helps you price appropriately. We’ll identify foundation concerns, hail damage, HVAC issues, and other items that could derail a sale.
Addressing problems proactively prevents last-minute negotiations and keeps transactions on track. Many sellers use our reports to make strategic repairs that maximize return on investment.
New Construction Inspections
With massive growth across Frisco, McKinney, Celina, and other northern suburbs, new construction inspections are critical. Even quality builders can have subcontractor issues, material defects, or code violations. We inspect at multiple stages including pre-drywall and final walkthrough.
We’re familiar with construction practices in Union Park, Windsong Ranch, Harvest, Canyon Falls, and all major DFW developments. Our inspections verify proper installation, code compliance, and attention to drainage and foundation preparation critical in North Texas.
Foundation-Focused Expertise
Foundation inspection is included in every Elite Inspection Group home inspection—no separate fee required. Given North Texas’s expansive clay soil challenges, we use the Zip Level Pro-2000, which measures elevation to 1/10th of an inch accuracy across multiple points. This provides objective foundation performance data.
We examine foundation type (slab, pier and beam), visible cracking, differential settlement, drainage and grading, soil moisture management, and signs of past foundation repair. We explain findings in clear language and help you understand severity and remediation options. Foundation issues are common in DFW but vary dramatically in significance—we help you distinguish between minor cosmetic concerns and structural problems requiring attention.
Comprehensive Systems Check
Beyond foundation and structural concerns, we thoroughly evaluate all home systems including HVAC (crucial given DFW’s extreme heat), electrical systems, plumbing (checking for galvanized pipes common in pre-1980s homes), roofing (with careful hail damage assessment), attic ventilation and insulation, windows and doors, and water heaters.
We examine exterior drainage, gutters and downspouts, grading away from foundation, proper lot grading, and potential water intrusion points. Interior evaluation includes walls, ceilings, floors, built-in appliances, fireplaces, and all accessible areas. We document everything with photos and detailed descriptions.
Trusted by DFW Homeowners Since 2013
Elite Inspection Group was founded by Garrett Hand and Mike Kemper, both former realtors who saw firsthand how inadequate inspections left buyers and sellers frustrated. They built Elite Inspection Group on a simple principle: provide thorough, honest inspections in language people can understand, delivered with genuine care for protecting the biggest investment most people will ever make.
Our team lives and works throughout the DFW Metroplex. We understand this market because it’s our home too. We’ve inspected thousands of North Texas homes from historic Dallas estates to Fort Worth new builds, from Allen master-planned communities to Southlake luxury properties.
What Sets Elite Inspection Group Apart
- 48-Hour Guaranteed Scheduling: We know real estate moves fast in DFW. We guarantee inspection scheduling within 48 hours.
- 7 Days Per Week Availability: Including weekends and holidays to meet your transaction timeline.
- Zip Level Pro-2000 Technology: Objective foundation measurement to 1/10th inch accuracy—critical for North Texas homes.
- Former Realtors: We understand transaction dynamics and communicate effectively with all parties.
- 120-Day Warranty: Comprehensive warranty coverage for peace of mind.
- Same-Day Reports: Digital reports delivered within 24 hours with photos and clear explanations.
- Client Attendance Encouraged: We want you there to ask questions and learn about your potential home.
Why DFW Homebuyers Choose Elite Inspection Group
- Local Expertise: Deep knowledge of North Texas-specific challenges
- Technology-Driven: Advanced tools provide objective data
- Clear Communication: Reports you can understand and share
- Thorough Inspections: 3-5 hour comprehensive evaluations
- Foundation Specialists: Expert assessment of expansive clay soil impacts
- Responsive Service: Easy scheduling and quick turnaround
Frequently Asked Questions About DFW Home Inspections
How long does a home inspection take in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex?
A typical home inspection in the DFW Metroplex takes 3 to 5 hours, depending on the home’s size, age, and location. Larger homes over 4,000 square feet or older homes built before 1970 may require 5+ hours due to more complex systems and increased potential for age-related issues common in North Texas homes.
Factors affecting inspection duration include property size and layout, age and construction type, accessibility of systems (attic, crawl space, electrical panel), presence of foundation concerns requiring detailed elevation measurements, number of HVAC systems and water heaters, and overall condition. We never rush inspections—thoroughness is more important than speed when protecting your investment.
What are the most common issues found in DFW Metroplex homes?
The most common issues in DFW homes include:
- Foundation settlement from expansive clay soil: North Texas sits on highly reactive Blackland Prairie clay that can expand or shrink up to 75% based on moisture content. This causes foundation cracking, differential settlement, stuck doors and windows, and structural stress. Nearly every older home shows some degree of foundation movement.
- Hail damage to roofs: DFW’s location in Hail Alley means frequent severe storms. We often find hail damage including bruising, granule loss, and compromised shingle integrity requiring roof replacement.
- HVAC strain and premature failure: Extreme summer heat with temperatures routinely exceeding 95-100°F places enormous stress on cooling systems. Undersized, aging, or poorly maintained HVAC systems fail prematurely.
- Drainage problems affecting foundations: Poor grading, inadequate gutters, or improper lot drainage cause uneven soil moisture, exacerbating foundation issues.
- Plumbing issues in older homes: Galvanized pipes (common pre-1980) corrode internally, and clay sewer lines (pre-1970) crack from soil movement.
Do you inspect homes built by Toll Brothers, Highland Homes, and David Weekley in DFW?
Yes, we inspect homes by Toll Brothers, Highland Homes, David Weekley, and all major DFW builders. These builders are prominent across the metroplex’s master-planned communities including Union Park, Windsong Ranch, Harvest, Canyon Falls, and developments throughout Frisco, Prosper, Celina, and McKinney.
Our inspectors are intimately familiar with these builders’ construction practices, common issues specific to their work, and how they address North Texas’s expansive clay soil challenges. We also inspect homes by Taylor Morrison, Lennar, Pulte, KB Home, and dozens of regional and custom builders. New construction inspection is crucial—even quality builders can have subcontractor issues, material defects, or oversights that should be identified before closing.
Should I get a foundation inspection separately in the DFW Metroplex?
Foundation inspection is included in every Elite Inspection Group home inspection at no additional cost. We use the Zip Level Pro-2000, which measures foundation elevation to 1/10th of an inch accuracy across multiple points around and inside the home. This provides objective data about foundation performance.
Given DFW’s expansive clay soil that can expand up to 75% when saturated and contract dramatically during drought, foundation assessment is critical for every home in the metroplex. We examine foundation type, visible cracking patterns, differential settlement measurements, drainage and grading, signs of past repairs, and recommend structural engineers when concerns warrant detailed evaluation. You don’t need a separate foundation inspection—our comprehensive service includes thorough foundation assessment with professional-grade technology.
Do you inspect homes throughout the entire DFW Metroplex?
Yes, we serve the entire Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex including all major cities and surrounding communities. Our service area spans all 13 counties including Collin, Dallas, Denton, Tarrant, Rockwall, and beyond. We regularly inspect homes in Dallas, Fort Worth, Arlington, Plano, Frisco, McKinney, Allen, Irving, Grand Prairie, Lewisville, Denton, Southlake, Grapevine, and dozens more communities.
We also serve outlying areas including Prosper, Celina, Anna, Sherman, Denison, Rockwall, and the entire metroplex. We offer 48-hour guaranteed scheduling and are available 7 days per week throughout the region.
What happens after the inspection in the DFW Metroplex?
Within 24 hours of your inspection, you receive a comprehensive digital report with detailed findings, photos, and recommendations specific to North Texas homes. Our reports are organized by system and component, making them easy to navigate and share with your realtor, contractors, or family members.
Each finding includes description of the issue, why it matters, photo documentation, and recommendations for repair or monitoring. We explain severity—distinguishing between safety concerns requiring immediate attention, significant defects affecting value or habitability, and minor maintenance items. For DFW-specific concerns like foundation issues, hail damage, or HVAC problems, we provide context about what’s typical for the area versus what requires action. You can call us anytime after receiving your report with questions—we’re here to help you understand your home.
DFW Homeowner Resources
City of Dallas Resources
Building Inspections & Permits:
- Main Office: 320 East Jefferson Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75203
- Phone: 214-948-4480
- Email: permits@dallascityhall.com
- Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
District Offices:
- NE: 11910 Greenville Ave. #100 | 214-670-7278
- NW: 7610 N. Stemmons Fwy #180 | 214-671-0720
- SE: 725 Jim Miller Rd. | 214-670-8160
- SW: 2730 Coombs Creek Dr. | 214-671-1531
City Hall: 1500 Marilla Street, Dallas, TX 75201 | 214-670-4054
City of Fort Worth Resources
Development Services & Permits:
- Main Office: 817-392-8037
- Building Official: 817-392-2867
- Inspection Scheduling: 817-392-6370
- Online Portal: Accela Citizen Access
City Hall: 200 Texas Street, Fort Worth, TX 76102 | 817-392-6118
Foundation Maintenance Tips for North Texas
Protecting your foundation in DFW’s expansive clay soil environment requires active maintenance:
- Maintain Consistent Soil Moisture: Use soaker hoses or foundation watering system during dry periods to prevent extreme soil contraction
- Proper Drainage: Ensure gutters function properly and downspouts direct water at least 5 feet from foundation
- Grading: Maintain positive slope away from foundation (minimum 6 inches drop over 10 feet)
- Tree Management: Large trees near foundation can extract enormous amounts of water from clay soil; maintain root barriers or remove problem trees
- Address Plumbing Leaks Immediately: Slab leaks or drainage problems create uneven soil moisture causing differential settlement
- Regular Inspections: Have foundation evaluated periodically, especially after severe weather or drought
Seasonal Maintenance for DFW Homes
- Spring: Inspect roof for hail damage after storms, check foundation after winter moisture, service AC before summer heat
- Summer: Monitor foundation watering, check HVAC performance, inspect for drought-related foundation stress
- Fall: Clean gutters, prepare for winter, secondary hail season roof inspection, weatherization
- Winter: Protect pipes from freezing, check heating system, monitor foundation gaps from soil contraction
Schedule Your Dallas-Fort Worth Home Inspection Today
Whether you’re buying in Dallas, Fort Worth, or anywhere across the metroplex, Elite Inspection Group provides the thorough, professional inspection you need. We understand North Texas homes, expansive clay soil challenges, hail damage concerns, and every other factor affecting properties in this dynamic region.
With 48-hour guaranteed scheduling, 7-day-per-week availability, and comprehensive inspections backed by our 120-day warranty, we make the process easy and give you peace of mind.
Call 469-818-5500
Serving the Entire Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex Since 2013 | Licensed & Insured