While looking for a new home or buying a home for the first time, buyers may need to consider renovations, repairs and inspections. Although inspections are not required for homeowners, inspections allow them to learn about potential damage of faulty systems in their newly purchased home, said Patrick Cadogan, founder of Performance Roofing and Construction.

Read on to learn about ways you can navigate the home inspection process and the differences between new build homes and older homes.

Why do people need home inspections? Homeowners, especially new buyers, gain permanent knowledge of preventative maintenance habits and what we’re looking at if something is wrong or damaged.

How should new or first-time homeowners approach inspections? I think new homeowners should always be asking questions during inspections, documenting everything, and taking videos.

A new urgent care clinic has opened in New Braunfels.

The present: Quality Urgent Care opened a new location April 15 at 692 S. Walnut Ave. in New Braunfels, just off of I-35 and next to Swig.

The urgent care clinic accepts walk-ins and offers preventative care, telemedicine and X-rays, according to its website. There are now 10 clinics open across the region, with another recently opening in nearby Castroville.

• 692 S. Walnut Ave., New Braunfels

One key part of home ownership is plumbing. While this includes water systems, sinks and water heaters, Ott Plumbing co-owner Dallas Ott said this can also include gas lines and systems commonly found in homes.

Some details: Ott Plumbing, locally owned by husband-and-wife duo Bryan and Dallas Ott, has serviced the New Braunfels community for over 85 years beginning in 1940. Community Impact spoke to Dallas Ott and Ott Plumbing Service Manager David Fetters to learn more about what homeowners should keep an eye out for when it comes to their plumbing.

Texas residents are increasingly facing damaging storms that drive up home insurance rates and other housing costs. Ahead of the state's 2027 legislative session, consumer advocates and insurance industry representatives are urging lawmakers to consider affordability solutions.

What's happening: The average Texas home insurance premium—the amount paid to an insurance company—was $3,291 in 2024, according to the latest Texas Department of Insurance data. In total, premiums rose about 50% between 2022-24.

Texas’ high propensity for natural disasters has been “the No. 1 driver” behind recent rate increases, said Rich Johnson, a spokesperson for the Insurance Council of Texas.

Stay tuned: While Texas can't legislate itself out of weather risks, lawmakers have considered some policy changes to increase disaster resiliency and boost regulatory oversight of the insurance industry. Proposals range from creating grants to help residents weather-proof their homes to placing limits on future rate hikes.