Residential inspections are the most common of inspections. Conducted after the home purchaser is in escrow but before closing, this inspection helps the purchaser make
an educated decision about the home and negotiate credits or repairs prior to closing.
Home Inspection Basics
A “home inspection” is a noninvasive, physical examination of the mechanical, electrical, plumbing systems or the structural and essential components of a residential dwelling of one to four units designed to identify material defects in those systems, structures and components (style or aesthetics shall not be considered in determining whether a system, structure, or component is defective). A “material defect” is a condition that significantly affects the value, desirability, habitability, or safety of the dwelling.
Home Inspection Reports
San Diego Home Inspection takes the extra effort to make sure your report is both an easy to understand and comprehensive.
Many of our competitors still use handwritten reports. an oversight caused by not being able to understand a report like this could cost you $20 or $20,000. Can you afford to take the risk by hiring one of the lower cost inspection companies?
Home Inspection Checklist
Items inspected will include:
Foundation Inspection – Also includes Basements and Under-Floor Areas
- Foundation and other support components
- Under-floor ventilation
- Location of under-floor access opening(s)
- Wood separation from soil
- Presence of drainage systems or sump pumps within foundation footprint
- Presence or absence of seismic anchoring and bracing components
Exterior Inspection
- Surface grade, hardscaping and drainage within six feet of the inspected building or associate
- primary parking structure
- Wall cladding, veneers, flashing, trim, eaves, soffits and fascias
- Exterior portions of a representative sampling of doors and windows
- Attached decks, porches, balconies, stairs, columns, walkways, guard-rails and handrails
Roof Inspection
- Roof coverings
- Flashing, vents, skylights and other penetrations
- Roof drainage systems
Attic Areas and Roof Framing Inspection
- Framing and sheathing
- Access opening(s) and accessibility
- Insulation material(s)
- Ventilation
Plumbing Inspection
- Supply, waste, and vent piping
- Fixtures, faucets and drains
- Water heating equipment, including combustion air, venting, connections, energy sources,
- seismic bracing, and temperature-pressure relief valves
- Functional flow of water supply and functional drainage at fixtures
- Gas piping and connectors
- Cross-connections
Electrical Systems Inspection
- Service conductors, equipment, and capacity
- Panels and overcurrent protection devices
- Service and equipment grounding
- Wiring types and methods
- A representative sampling of switches, receptacles, and light fixtures
- Ground-fault circuit-interrupters
Heating Systems Inspection
- Heating equipment and operation using normal user controls
- Venting systems
- Combustion and ventilating air
- Energy source and connections
- Heating distribution system(s) including a representative sampling of ducting, duct insulation outlets, radiators, piping systems and valves
Central Cooling Systems Inspection
- Cooling equipment and operation using normal user controls
- Cooling distribution system(s) including a representative sampling of ducting, duct insulation,
- outlets, piping systems and valves
- Energy source and connections
- Condensate drains
Fireplace and Chimneys Inspection
- Chimneys, flues, dampers and associated components
- Fireboxes, hearth extensions and permanently installed accessory components
- Manufactured solid-fuel or gas-burning appliances
Building Interior Inspection
- Walls, ceilings and floors
- Security bars, ventilation components, and a representative sampling of doors and windows
- Stairs, handrails, and guardrails
- Permanently installed cabinet and countertop surfaces
- Safety glazing in locations subject to human impact