Longhorn
Inspections, Inc.

The Inspection Process

HOW AN INSPECTION WORKS

• Scheduling the Inspection: Danny schedules inspections by phone, and is usually available within a day or two notice. He will ask you about the size, age, and features of the property, as well as about some specific characteristics. Be sure to have the following information handy: 

  • Square Feet

  • Foundation Type

  • Additional Features

    • sprinkler system in the yard

    • pool or hot tub

    • spa tubs (usually in the master bath)

    • more than one air conditioner

    • central vacuum cleaner

• The Inspection: Danny's inspections last a minimum of 4 hours, and for larger houses or commercial buildings, he could be inspecting all day - or even multiple days. Many inspectors are in and out in an hour or two even for larger houses, as they only look at the minimum required components based on the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) standards. Danny applies his construction knowledge to each and every inspection, far exceeding the TREC standards. The list of potential issues he is looking for is 21 pages long! Check out the sample residential and sample commercial inspection reports to see for yourself. 

• Inspection Consultation: Danny prefers that his clients are present during the inspection, or at least at the end of the inspection so that he can review all of his notes with you. This is a great opportunity to ask questions and to see the items that will be noted in the report in person.   

• Inspection Report: After the inspection, Danny will send you a typed report - including pictures - of his inspection notes. Depending on how long the inspection lasted, you will either receive it later that same day, or the following day. 

–

HOW DO I USE MY INSPECTION REPORT?

You should use your inspection report to help you determine if you want to move forward with the purchase of your property. If it turns out that your prospective home or building has a few issues, that doesn't mean that it is a bad investment. If the price is right, even a building with major problems could be worth the investment. But, it's important to know about potential issues before you buy so that you can make an informed decision.

WHY GET An INSPECTION

There are many benefits to getting a property inspection before you buy. Two of the top reasons why you may want to consider an inspection are to identify problems and create a maintenance plan:

• Identify Problems: An inspection helps determine whether there are major problems in the structural or mechanical elements of the property. Knowing about these issues will help you decide whether or not you want to buy the property.

• Create a Maintenance Plan: An inspection helps protect your investment over the long term. You will receive a great deal of information about minor problems, which you can use to create a maintenance plan to keep your home or commercial building in top shape!

What You get when you choose us

Excellent Service

Danny provides you with excellent service for the price. Inspections are based on Danny's 22 years of experience as co-owner of Pitts and Prince Construction Company, where he managed all of the company’s construction sites. Such a background allows him to identify often overlooked problems, such as improper roof flashing and improper roof bracing. These two mistakes are found in over half the houses and buildings he inspects. You are encouraged to be present during the inspection or at the end of the inspection so that Danny can review each and every item that he noted with you and answer your questions. There is a lot of technical jargon in the construction world. He will ensure that you fully understand the results of your inspection.

Look for this problem when walking through a property: stair-step cracks in the bricks or rock, or diagonal cracks in interior drywall. This is a common indicator of foundation issues, which should be checked out during an inspection.

About

It all started when…

Danny Pitts was born and raised in Fort Worth, and moved to Austin in 1966 to attend college at the University of Texas. He went on to graduate Phi Beta Kappa with a B.A. in Psychology, and attended graduate school at the University of the Americas near Puebla, Mexico. He moved back to Austin and went on to become a carpenter and contractor in the Austin area.

–

Construction Experience

Danny spent 22 years as a general contractor and co-owned Pitts and Prince Construction Company, where he was in charge of all of the company’s construction sites. Danny worked on a variety of residential and commercial projects. Residential projects included spec single family homes, custom homes, and home additions, as well as rehab of apartment buildings, the largest of which contained 60 units. Additionally, Danny has experience in the development of rural acreage for residential uses, including utility installation and road construction. Danny’s experience in commercial construction includes buildings up to 10,000 square feet in size, with uses including office, warehouse, and restaurant.

–

Inspection Experience

Danny retired from the construction business in 1998 and shifted his focus to real estate inspections. He learned the business by working with Clue So's Inspections, Inc., then founded Longhorn Inspections in 2003. For the past 21 years, Danny has been inspecting houses and commercial buildings for individuals who consider their investment an important one and prefer someone with experience, a keen eye, and the diligence to provide them with a sound evaluation of their potential investment. Danny has conducted more than 4,820 inspections, including single family homes, condos, commercial strip centers, restaurants, churches, offices, and specialty use buildings.

–

Continuing Education

Danny regularly completes continuing education courses to stay current on his knowledge. Danny has completed over 40 continuing education courses on topics ranging from efficient attic insulation to pool inspections and everything in between:

• General Inspection Procedures

• Framing Inspections

• Identifying Moisture Risk

• Electrical Components and Bonding

• Plumbing

• Review of the International Residential Code

• Inspecting Air Quality: Mold and Mildew

• Pool Inspections

• Effective Pest Management

• Phase Inspections

• Efficient Attic Systems

• Stucco and Manufactured Stone

• Retaining Walls

–

Hobbies & Family

Danny lives together with his dog, Barney, in Lockhart, which is just south of Austin. He enjoys going for walks with Barney and working in his vegetable garden. Danny has two kids, whom he loves greatly, and he always looks forward to spending time with them.

We’re on HGTV!

See Danny in action on HGTV’s
My First Place - East Austin City Limits
(EPISODE 1810)