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Why Choose Harmony Home Inspections?

Ben stands out due to commitment to thorough inspections and detailed reporting. As a TREC and InterNACHI-certified professional inspector, I ensure no aspect of a property is overlooked. Services cover structural systems, exteriors, HVAC, plumbing, fireplaces, lawn irrigation, and more, providing comprehensive assessments that empower clients to make informed decisions. I only schedule one inspection per day, and allow for a 5 hour window. This allows me to go through the home and not rush any aspect of the inspection.

Frequently Asked Questions

I complete one inspection per day to maintain focus and precision. Each inspection involves three main tasks: examining the home, communicating with the client, and preparing the report. Performing all three simultaneously on-site would compromise the quality of each task. Therefore, I do not complete the report on-site. Instead, I focus on your home and use equipment to conduct a thorough assessment. For most houses, I spend around three hours on the inspection. After inspecting, I spend another two to three hours documenting the findings. Including travel time, this fills a full day. I do not perform evening inspections, as this is a full-time job, and I prioritize time at home with my family. Some companies handle two to three inspections in a day, which typically results in one to two hours spent at each property. Moving quickly between jobs can lead to missed issues, which may later become problems for the homeowner. My approach ensures I examine each home carefully and completely.

Yes, I encourage clients to attend the home inspection. Attending allows you to observe the process, ask questions, and gain a better understanding of the property’s condition. It is one thing to read a written report, but the real value is having the conversation about the issues in the home and discussing those issues with the home inspector when everything is right in front of you. It’s an excellent opportunity to learn about maintenance and potential issues firsthand. If you cannot attend in person, you can still participate by scheduling a remote video walkthrough with me. I aim to make the inspection process as transparent and informative as possible to ensure your peace of mind. My duty is to the home, and to my client.

I make every attempt to walk on a roof. It’s just the best way to inspect it. Sometimes, however, this is not an option. Height, slope, snow, winds, and rain can make going on the roof dangerous. If I cannot walk on the roof, I will take a series of high-resolution pictures from different angles so I can document the conditions. I will do what I can to get the best pictures of the roof.

Absolutely. This tool is designed for seeing temperature differentials between different objects. You might be thinking “soooo, what does that mean?” Let me tell you. This is the best way to scan a large areas to find water leaks and missing insulation. When water is present, it will evaporate. The water will absorb heat during the evaporation process and allow me to easily see where that water is located. We confirm, or deny the “suspected” water presence with a moisture meter.

I scan exterior walls, exterior ceilings, ceilings under bathrooms, and ceilings under kitchens. If I find cold spots with the thermal imagers, or water stains, I will place the moisture meter in those locations to prove, or disprove an active water leak. The readings will be documented in my report. My goal is to give you a definitive knowledge of any problems. An example would be if the roof was leaking and I saw stains in the drywall. If it rained recently and the area is dry, I can safely say that it was repaired. If moisture is there, well, then it wasn’t.

This is one of my biggest pet peeves in our profession. This is in our state law that we must do at least one of the above items in each room and at least one of the above items on each exterior wall. But “representative sample is the BARE MINIMUM. The reason for this limitation being in our standards is to provide an excuse for not testing items behind a china cabinet. Taking a chance on damaging property is also not that smart. I will test every outlet, switch, window, and door that I can get to. I assure you that the one that I don’t test is the one that will need to be repaired. And quite frankly, that is our job. To tell you the condition of your property. Nobody can see everything, neither can I. But that doesn’t mean you should just ignore it and do the minimum. Be cautious if someone answers yes to the representative sample question.

The State of Texas uses the term “Representative Sample”. This means one per room. Many inspectors only do the minimum of one per room. As this is not acceptable for me each outlet will be tested and documented. Improperly wired outlets can be dangerous and my report will indicate which are wired incorrectly.  Again, there are limitations. If there is furniture in front of the outlet, it will not be tested. If I can reach it, I will test it.

The State of Texas uses the term “Representative Sample”. This means one per room. Many inspectors only do the minimum of one per room. This is not acceptable for me. Windows are too expensive and in that each one needs to be tested and documented if it doesn’t work correctly. Naturally, there are limitations. If there is a china cabinet in front of the window, I will not move the cabinet. If I can reach it, I will open it.

Most home inspectors only use the gas detector when they smell gas. On every inspection I will use a gas detector to test the joints out in the open. I cannot check for pipes that are behind drywall, but I will at least check the pipes that are out in the open.

Meet Your Inspector

With over 30 years combined in construction, fine furniture, and leatherworking, Ben Gardner, provides a unique perspective and deep understanding of home construction.
Ben’s hands-on experience has given him invaluable insights into the potential pitfalls of both new and older homes. This knowledge, combined with his genuine care for clients, ensures that each inspection is treated with the same meticulous attention as if it were his own home or family’s.