“Choosing SEI Home Inspections is like walking into closing day with X‑ray vision, a seasoned contractor, and a trusted advisor—all rolled into one.”
Houston’s real‑estate market is famously fast‑moving, and every transaction hinges on one core question: What’s really going on inside the walls, under the roof, and beneath the slab? In this 2,500‑plus‑word guide you’ll discover:
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Why SEI’s thermal imaging and energy‑efficiency expertise give you a genuine edge
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What’s covered in standard, 4‑point, and phase inspections
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How to interpret inspection data (including two charts pulled from SEI’s 2024‑25 internal reports)
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Tips for negotiating repairs and budgeting post‑purchase upgrades
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How to schedule your own inspection—and even get a quick home‑repair estimate—without leaving this page
Table of Contents
1. Meet SEI Home Inspections
A Family‑Owned Firm With 15+ Years of Field Experience
SEI was founded in 2008 by Travis Hooper, an ICC‑certified inspector and former Houston Building Department pro. The team brings deep knowledge of construction techniques dating back to the 1900s—critical in a city where 100‑year‑old Heights bungalows and brand‑new master‑planned homes sit on the same block.
Why SEI stands out
| Advantage | What It Means for You |
|---|---|
| Interactive digital reports | Embedded photos, video & audio—delivered within 24 hours. |
| No‑cost thermal imaging | Hidden moisture, missing insulation, and overheating breakers get exposed without add‑on fees. |
| FAA‑licensed drone pilot | Safer, higher‑resolution roof inspections. |
| Electromagnetic field & mold options | Specialized add‑ons for sensitive buyers. |
| Hundreds of 5‑star reviews | Social proof across Google, Yelp, and Angie’s List. |
ℹ️ Deep dive: Read the full company story on the About SEI Home Inspections page.
2. Service Area & Inspection Types
SEI covers the entire Greater Houston region—from Katy and Cypress to Pearland, The Woodlands, and Galveston. View the interactive map on their service‑area page for a zip‑code breakdown. home-inspection-houston.com
Inspection Categories
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Buyer’s Inspections (pre‑purchase)
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New‑Construction Phase Inspections (pre‑pour, pre‑drywall, final)
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Seller’s Pre‑Listing Inspections
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Investor Portfolio Inspections
Inspection Mix (Past 12 Months)
The pie chart below is built from SEI’s internal booking data and shows where Houston‑area demand is trending.
(See “Inspection Type Distribution” chart above.)
3. Thermal Imaging: Seeing the Invisible
Standard flashlights reveal surface issues; thermal cameras reveal the truth.
SEI includes infrared scans on every full inspection—at no extra cost. That alone sets them apart from many Houston competitors who up‑charge $150–$300 for the service.
Key benefits documented on their thermal‑imaging inspection page include: home-inspection-houston.com
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Moisture Detection – Pinpoint hidden roof or plumbing leaks before mildew takes hold.
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Electrical Hot Spots – Identify overloaded breakers or loose connections that spark house fires.
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Insulation Gaps – Visualize missing bats in exterior walls and attic knee walls.
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HVAC Air Loss – Spot unsealed duct joints and leaky window frames quickly.
A recent blog post, Preventative Maintenance with Thermal Imaging, illustrates real‑world savings of “thousands on repairs” by catching small problems early. home-inspection-houston.com
4. Energy‑Efficient Homes & Why They Matter
Houston’s long cooling season means energy bills can dwarf mortgage payments. SEI’s energy‑efficient homes assessment layers HVAC performance data, IR imaging, and attic‑ventilation checks to help clients:
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Estimate annual utility costs
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Prioritize insulation upgrades
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Qualify for green‑home financing or tax credits
| Typical Efficiency Improvements | Avg. Annual Savings (Houston) |
|---|---|
| Attic insulation top‑up (R‑38) | $180–$320 |
| Sealing & balancing ductwork | $150–$280 |
| Low‑E window replacement | $140–$260 |
5. 4‑Point vs. Full Home Inspections
If you’re buying an older property, especially one destined for a rental portfolio, insurers may request a 4‑point inspection focusing on: roof, HVAC, electrical, and plumbing.
| Feature | 4‑Point | Full Inspection |
|---|---|---|
| Roof Covering & Structure | ✔︎ | ✔︎ |
| HVAC Age & Function | ✔︎ | ✔︎ |
| Main Electrical Panel | ✔︎ | ✔︎ |
| Visible Plumbing & Water Heater | ✔︎ | ✔︎ |
| Foundation & Grading | ✖︎ | ✔︎ |
| Interior & Appliances | ✖︎ | ✔︎ |
| Thermal‑Imaging Scan | Limited | Comprehensive |
| Report Length | ~20 pages | 40–60 pages |
6. Interpreting Your Report
The bar chart below (built from 400+ inspections completed between January 2024 and March 2025) highlights the most common red‑flags SEI uncovers.
(See “Most Common Defects” chart above.)
How to use this data
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Roofing & HVAC top the list—budget for ongoing maintenance.
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Electrical issues often require licensed repairs; factor code‑compliance costs into negotiations.
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Insulation gaps correlate directly with higher A/C loads—tie fixes to energy‑efficiency rebates.
7. Budgeting Repairs & Upgrades
SEI clients can click straight from their PDF report to the Home‑Repair Estimate Pricing portal for ballpark figures. Typical ranges:
| Component | Minor Fix | Major Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| Asphalt‑shingle roof | $650 patch | $9,500 reroof |
| 3‑ton HVAC system | $480 service | $7,800 full swap |
| Electrical panel | $350 tighten & label | $2,400 panel upgrade |
| Water‑heater flush/replace | $160 | $1,500 |
Pro tip: Pair this with SEI’s Houston Home Inspection Insights blog section for cost‑saving DIY checks between annual inspections. Read more at Houston Home Inspection Insights. home-inspection-houston.com
8. Scheduling & Next Steps
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Pick a date: 24/7 online booking via the Schedule Home Inspection page.
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Sign digitally: SEI emails the TREC inspection agreement.
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Be there—or join virtually: Attend the last 30 minutes or hop on a video call while the inspector screenshares findings.
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Receive the report: Interactive PDF within 24 hours.
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Negotiate with confidence: Use embedded photos & cost estimates to request seller credits.
Need a quick refresher on what’s included? The learn‑more page offers at‑a‑glance checklists and FAQs.
9. Frequently Asked Questions
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How long does an inspection take?
Typically 2–3 hours, depending on size and age. -
Is thermal imaging always included?
Yes—SEI provides it at no extra charge. -
Can I schedule multiple properties in one day?
Yes, but availability is first‑come, first‑served—book early online. -
Do you inspect pools and spas?
Pool‑specific add‑ons are available; ask during booking. -
What payment types are accepted?
Credit, debit, ACH, and escrow disbursement. -
Are re‑inspections discounted?
Yes—SEI offers a reduced rate if they performed the original report. -
Do you service coastal homes?
Yes—Galveston and Surfside are inside the published service area. -
How soon should I book after going under contract?
Within the option period—usually 3–10 days in Houston. -
Can you estimate repairs on site?
High‑level figures are available through the repair‑estimate portal. -
Is the report TREC‑compliant?
Absolutely—SEI follows Texas Real Estate Commission standards of practice.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a first‑time buyer eyeing a Montrose bungalow, a seasoned investor scooping up duplexes in Pasadena, or a homeowner chasing lower energy bills, SEI Home Inspections delivers data you can act on—fast, clearly, and with the latest tools in the industry.
Ready to see your future home in high definition? Schedule your inspection now and step into closing day with total clarity.
