When choosing a home inspection company, most people focus on experience, reviews, and pricing.

But there’s another critical factor that often gets overlooked: insurance coverage.

At Cornerstone Property Inspection, we carry multiple layers of insurance protection—not just the minimum required in Texas—because we regularly work with professional home builders across North Texas.

What Do TREC Home Inspector Insurance Requirements Include?

In Texas, the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) requires licensed home inspectors to carry:

• Errors & Omissions (E&O) Insurance

That’s it.

While E&O is essential, it only covers a portion of the risk involved in real-world inspection scenarios—especially on active construction sites.

The 3 Types of Insurance We Carry (And Why It Matters)

1. Errors & Omissions (E&O) Insurance

(Required by TREC)

E&O insurance covers situations where something may have been:

• Missed in an inspection
• Incorrectly reported
• Misinterpreted

This protects both:

• The client
• The inspector

It’s the baseline—and every licensed inspector should have it.

2. General Liability Insurance

(Not required—but critical)

General liability insurance covers accidental damage or injury that could happen during an inspection.

Examples include:

• Accidental property damage
• On-site injuries
• Unexpected incidents during the inspection process

For builders especially, this is a non-negotiable requirement to allow vendors on-site.

3. Workers’ Compensation Insurance

(Builder-required in many cases)

Workers’ comp provides coverage if someone working on behalf of our company is injured while performing job duties.

Even though many inspection companies operate as sole proprietors or with independent contractors, builders often require this to:

• Reduce liability exposure
• Ensure jobsite compliance
• Protect everyone involved

This is one of the biggest ways we’ve aligned our business with production builder standards.

Why Insurance Coverage Matters for Builders

Builders in North Texas need vendors who:

• Meet strict insurance coverage requirements
• Can operate seamlessly within active construction environments
• Won’t create risk or delays

Because we carry E&O, General Liability, and Workers’ Comp, we:

• Get approved faster
• Avoid compliance issues
• Maintain strong builder relationships

Why This Matters for Real Estate Agents

As an agent, your reputation is tied to who you recommend.

Working with a fully insured company like Cornerstone Property Inspection means:

• Fewer surprises
• Reduced liability concerns
• A smoother transaction for your clients

It’s one more layer of professionalism you can confidently stand behind.

Why Insurance Coverage Matters for Homebuyers

Most buyers don’t ask about insurance coverage—but they should.

Our expanded coverage means:

• You’re protected beyond the minimum standard
• We operate with a higher level of accountability
• You’re working with a company trusted by builders

How Our Insurance Coverage Compares to the Typical Inspector

Typical Texas Inspector:

• E&O insurance only (meets minimum requirement)

Cornerstone Property Inspection:

• E&O ✔
• General Liability ✔
• Workers’ Compensation ✔

That difference reflects how we operate—not just as inspectors, but as a professional inspection company built to serve both builders and homeowners at a high level.

The Bottom Line

Carrying additional insurance coverage isn’t just about compliance—it’s about:

• Protecting our clients
• Supporting builder requirements
• Operating with professionalism and integrity
• Delivering a more reliable inspection experience

At Cornerstone Property Inspection, we believe doing things the right way should never be optional.

Looking for a Trusted Home Inspector in North Texas?

If you’re searching for:

• Home inspector in Prosper, TX
• New construction inspection McKinney
• Phase inspections in Celina or Aubrey
• New construction inspection Celina
• Quality Assurance Denton County

We’d love to serve you.

👉 Schedule your inspection

Building a new home is exciting — but “brand new” does not always mean “problem-free.”

Many homebuyers assume that city or municipal inspections catch everything during construction. In reality, those inspections are limited in scope, time, and responsibility. That’s where phase inspections come in across Collin, Denton and surrounding North Texas counties.

In North Texas, where expansive clay soils, high winds, and fast-paced production building are common, third-party phase inspections can make a significant difference in the quality and long-term performance of your home.

What Is a Phase Inspection?

A phase inspection is a series of inspections performed at key stages of construction — before components are covered up and become difficult or expensive to fix.

The most common phases include:

1. Foundation / Pre-Pour Inspection

This inspection occurs before concrete is poured and focuses on:

• Rebar placement and spacing
• Post-tension cables
• Formwork and embedments
• Plumbing components beneath the slab

Issues caught at this stage are far easier to correct than after the slab is poured.

2. Framing / Mechanical / Electrical / Plumbing (MEP) Inspection

This phase occurs before insulation and drywall and is one of the most important inspections during construction.

It often includes:

• Roof and wall framing
• Structural connections and bracing
• HVAC duct installation
• Electrical and plumbing rough-ins
• Fire blocking and safety items

This is also the last opportunity to identify issues before they are concealed behind walls.

3. Final Inspection

The final phase evaluates:

• Installed systems and components
• Drainage and grading
• Doors, windows, and finishes
• Overall workmanship and safety concerns

Even new homes can have overlooked or incomplete items at final completion.

What City Inspections Do — and Don’t — Cover

Municipal inspections are important, but they are designed to enforce minimum code standards, not to protect your personal investment.

City inspections typically:

• Are brief and checklist-based
• Focus on limited code items
• Do not evaluate overall workmanship or performance
• Are not responsible for long-term durability or comfort

A third-party phase inspection provides an independent, more detailed review with the homeowner’s interests in mind.

Common Issues We See in North Texas New Construction

During phase inspections, some of the most frequent concerns we encounter include:

• Improper roof or gable bracing in high-wind areas
• Drainage and grading problems around the foundation
• Missing or incomplete fire blocking
• Airflow restrictions to ductwork
• Structural connections that are incomplete or improperly installed

Many of these issues are not visible once construction is complete — which is why timing matters.

Why Phase Inspections Save Money (and Stress)

Catching issues early:

• Reduces costly repairs after move-in
• Minimizes disputes with builders later
• Helps keep construction on schedule
• Improves long-term performance and durability

Most builders are willing to correct issues when they’re identified early and clearly documented.

Who Should Consider Phase Inspections?

Phase inspections are especially beneficial for:

• First-time homebuyers
• Production or tract homes
• Custom homes
• Homes built in areas with expansive soils or high winds
• Buyers who want peace of mind during construction

Even well-known builders can benefit from an extra set of trained eyes during the build process.

Final Thoughts

Phase inspections are not about slowing down construction or creating conflict — they’re about ensuring your home is built as intended, before small issues turn into long-term problems.

If you’re building a home in North Texas and want independent, third-party inspections during construction, our team provides phase inspections designed to protect your investment at every stage. Schedule your new construction phase inspection today!

Does your home have solar panels? Are you currently working with a client who is purchasing or selling a home with solar panels?

Solar adds value, but it also adds complexity. Our North Texas specific solar diagnostics catch hidden issues up front, reducing issues with appraisals and closing, and give buyers clear confidence (and sellers leverage).

Why inspecting solar panels matters (especially in North Texas)

Between hail, extreme heat, high UV, dust and wind, North Texas is tough on roofs and solar equipment. Add in older attics, leaky ducts and under-insulated spaces and energy performance can vary widely from house to house. A targeted solar panel inspection answers the questions asked at contract time:

• Is the solar system safe and performing as expected?
• Are there roof penetrations, flashings, or wiring issues that will cause leaks or safety problems?
• What maintenance or replacement is coming (inverter, optimizers, wiring, mounting hardware)?
• What’s the realistic utility impact for the next owner?

What we inspect on a solar PV system

We perform a non-invasive, standards based assessment with photos, measurements and clear recommendations:

• Roof and Mounting
  • roof condition under/arround arrays, flashing and penetrations, racking stability, wind uplift risk
  • hail/impact indicators and sealant/UV degradation
• Electrical and Safety
  • exposed wiring/conduit, junction boxes, grounding/bonding, disconnects
  • rapid shutdown/labeling visibility and compliance markers
  • inverter(s) and optimizers: age indicators, error codes, cooling/placement noise and visible wear
• Performance Snapshot
  • basic production checks (when monitoring access is provided), shading/soiling notes, obvious string issues
  • thermal imaging to identify potential hot spots at modules, connections or inverters
• Documentation and Transfer
  • serial numbers (when accessible), warranty terms, ownership/lease/PPA notes and transfer steps for the next owner

Benefits by audience

For Listing Agents (and sellers)

• pre-list confidence- avoid last minute solar or roof surprises that derail negotiations
• appraiser friendly documentation
• marketable upgrades
• faster closings, fewer concessions

For Buyer’s Agents (and buyers)

• protect the purchase – verify mounting, wiring, inverter health and roof penetration before option ends
• negotiation clarity – objective findings help target credits (ex. aging inverter, failing flashings, leaky ducts)
• realistic expectations- understand true comfort and utility performance

For Homeowners

• safety and longevity – catch issues before they cause leaks or electrical hazards
• warranty and transfer help – we document what is needed to keep coverage intact for the next owner
• lower bills, better comfort

Contact us today for more information or to answer any questions you may have!

Dion Coomber

Cornerstone Property Inspection

214-680-5111

Looking for a trusted home inspector in Prosper, McKinney, Princeton, Anna or anywhere in DFW? See how partnering with Cornerstone Property Inspection helps realtors protect clients, save time and close faster.

Why Realtors Need the Right Home Inspector in Collin County and all of DFW

As a North Texas realtor, your reputation depends on more than just finding the perfect home. You need reliable vendor partners who make transactions smooth for your clients– and that is where the right home inspector comes in.

At Cornerstone Property Inspection, we work with realtors across Collin County, Grayson, Hunt and all of the surrounding areas in Dallas Fort Worth to protect your clients. Here are three ways we can help make your job easier:

1. Protecting Your Clients
   • A thorough home inspection helps buyers feel confident in their investment. When your clients understand and trust the home inspection process, they also trust you– the agent who referred them.
2. Saving You Time During Negotiations
   • Messy reports can often lead to messy closings. Our reports are clear, photo-rich and delivered the same day as your client’s inspection. This means fewer misunderstandings, faster negotiations, and a smoother path to closings.
3. Building a Trusted Vendor Partner List
   • Your clients see you as their guide, and they rely on your recommendations. Having a go to home inspection partner makes you look like the ultimate professional.

We are proud to partner with realtors throughout North Texas who want inspectors that:

• Deliver same-day, easy-to-read reports
• Offer new construction phase inspections and 11 month warranty inspections
• Utilize relevant technology/tools during home inspection
  • Zip-level Foundation Evaluation
  • Thermal Imaging Inspection
  • Sewer Scope Inspection
  • Wood Destroying Insect Inspection

Ready to parter with a Trusted North Texas Home Inspector?

Follow us on Instagram for real estate inspection tips and finds.

Add us to your vendor partner list – or let’s grab coffee soon to connect!

Serving Allen, Prosper, McKinney, Frisco, Plano, Dallas, Aubrey, Anna, Princeton, Melissa and all of Dallas Fort Worth Metroplex.

What Sets Cornerstone Apart for Buyer’s Agents and their Clients

When it comes to inspecting homes, not all inspectors are created equally. At Cornerstone Property Inspection, we specialize in providing detailed inspections that give buyer’s agents and their clients peace of mind.

In the video above, Inspector Dion shares what makes us a trusted resource across Collin County and beyond:

• Extensive New Construction Experience
  • We have walked thousands of new builds and understand the phases, timelines, and common pitfalls that builders, agents and homeowners face.
• Code-Certified Expertise
  • ICC Residential Building Inspector Certified along with TREC licensed. This means we are not guessing, we are experts in our field.
• Clear Communication
  • Our reports are detailed, but not overwhelming. We explain findings in a way that supports confident decision making without drama.
• On-Time, Every Time
  • We know how tight timelines can be. That’s why we prioritize responsiveness and professionalism with every contact and provide reports on the same day as the inspection.

We would love to have the opportunity to be added to your trusted vendor list. Watch our video, then reach out to schedule your next inspection. You can find more of our latest home inspection finds and content by following along with us on Instagram or YouTube, as well.

1. What do inspectors look for during an inspections?
   • As a TREC inspector: Standards require a 3rd party inspector to notate issues with the foundation, grading & drainage, windows/walls/doors/floors, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, insulation, framing and roof.
   • As an IRC code inspector: Standards require an inspector to look for anything code related that is visible or accessible according to the code year standard the house was built to (i.e. 2021 IRC). These inspections are generally performed at frame stage/shear wall/ post sheathing, after MEP have been installed, and at final (when house is complete).

2. What are the most common items found during new construction inspections? 
   • All types of items are found regularly.  Since 2020, there tend to be more issues due to the increased housing demand and lack of experienced labor.
     • If a build is inspected at intervals during the build process at (foundation/rough, Frame & MEP, and final) a lot of items can be caught up front. This will mitigate a builder’s liability for warranty issues as well as improve brand’s image in the marketplace.

3. What are some misconceptions about 3rd party inspectors?
   • 3rd Party inspectors just want to call out the builder to appear to be worth the money spent.
     • In truth, an inspector is an extra set of eyes to help a builder deliver the best product they can to the client. A lot of times, the inspector is an advocate for the builder. The inspector is able to objectively help explain to the buyer all of the various trades and systems that go into the build project.
   • Inspectors do not know what they are talking about and make the builders look bad. 
     • Inspectors are all licensed by TREC in the State of Texas. Every inspector has to have a general understanding of the systems in a home or commercial building. However, the inspector’s personal experience can vary greatly.

4. What experience should a builder look for in an inspector who is performing an inspection on the builders behalf?
   • Code certification (IRC)
   • TREC certification
   • Experience in a building trade or general contracting
   • Length or type of inspection experience
   • Familiarity with new construction or remodeling.

5. Is the builder required to make corrections to what is called out in the 3rd party inspectors report? 
   • The scope of a 3rd party inspection as defined by TREC is a limited visual survey and basic performance evaluation of the systems and components of a building using normal controls that provides information regarding the general condition of a residence at the time of inspection.
   • While an inspector should be calling out items that are not operating properly or have been installed poorly or improperly, each item is not required to be corrected. It is advised to take each item and on a case by case basis and make corrections as agreed upon per your contract.

These were clearly just a few top questions for builders about 3rd party inspections. If you have any further questions or are in need of consulting or inspection services, we would love to have the opportunity to serve you and your clients. 

Dion Coomber

Cornerstone Property Inspection

214-680-5111

dion@cornerstone-usa.com

cornerstone-usa.com

When you are working with a builder or general contractor, there are so many decisions to make and things to remember. Hardwood vs tile? What level of carpet should you get? Does the carpet pad make a difference? Granite countertops or quartz? No wonder it is so easy to get overwhelmed! Unfortunately, this means it is also easy to forget about features or additions that might be super helpful in your new home.

We have connected with several local real estate agents and new homeowners in the DFW metroplex to put together a list of must haves in new construction homes. This is our latest working draft of must haves — we would love to add more, so please provide any additional #housegoals you have below.

1. Outlets under the sink in bathrooms
2. Height of shower head (important for tall people)
3. Upgrade the carpet pad vs the carpet — padding makes all the difference
4. Outlets in the master closet
5. Make sure the ceiling fans/lights are on different switches
6. If possible, add outlets to floors in living room for lamps
7. Outlets in the island for large appliances
8. If at all possible in the budget, add crown molding to living spaces and master bedroom
9. Pot filler in the kitchen
10. Double oven
11. More exterior lights
12. Consider adding an extra gate to the side
13. Lighting in general (uplights, cabinet lighting, light fixtures, etc.)
14. Slab on concrete on the side of house for trash cans
15. Placement of shelves/height
16. Extra outlets everywhere
17. Typical new builds only come with one water hose connection outside. Make sure there is one on the front and back and one in the backyard area so a soaker hose can be used during the HOT summer months.
18. Water spouts near the flower beds in the front and back
19. Add electrical under the front eves of house to plug in Christmas lights
20. Add electrical to the top of fireplace mantle for Christmas lights or decorative lighting year round
21. Add water plumbing to the garage for a garage sink
22. Add 4 ft of extra garage space to extend garage
23. Additional canned lighting in other areas too
24. Add some security lights that are low voltage.
25. Maximize hard flooring in attic spaces for extra storage — extra decking is often readily available
26. Outlets in nooks- especially those that are up high
27. If possible, have space between you and your neighbors.
28. Irrigation lines for future/current landscaping or gardening
29. Irrigation lines to ensure foundation is properly maintained and you don’t have issues later on.

As stated above, this is a working list/resource for our audience and we welcome any additional items you would recommend! Contact us with any questions or if you have any inspection needs we can help with during your build or renovation process. We are always a text, phone call or email away!

This post is to help our new texas residents learn how to protect their home’s foundation. Below you will find some essential tips for foundation watering during dry months.

If you have moved here to the North Texas area recently, you may not be aware of the fact that we have expansive clay soil here. If you have heard this, you still may not know what this means for you as a homeowner? Cornerstone Property Inspection is here to help. As a new Texas resident, you may hear friends or neighbors talk about watering their foundations.

Here in North Texas, we do what is called watering our foundations. Since we have seasonally dry conditions during the hot, summer months, we have to help the soil around our homes stay damp.  This is especially important for approximately twelve inches out around the perimeter of your foundation. We can do this using a sprinkler system, drip system or by hand watering around the perimeter of our foundations.

When the soil is dry, it shrinks and pulls away from the structure of your home. This is not ideal for the stability of your home’s foundation. However, when the clay remains damp, it supports your home and helps avoid future foundation issues.  For all of you parents or grandparents out there, It may help to think of our soil like Play Doh. Many of us are quite familiar with how quickly a tub of this stuff can dry out!

When it comes to the soil around your home, we don’t want to overwater or let the soil dry completely out. Our goal is to maintain a consistently damp status. Foundation settlement occurs naturally no matter where you live, but our soil here in North Texas needs a little extra attention in our dry months of the year.

If you have any questions or could use the assistance of a licensed home inspector here in Texas, contact us today!