Home inspection questions, answered.
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A home inspection is an objective visual examination of the physical structure and systems of a house, from the roof to the foundation.
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Buying a home could be the largest single investment you will ever make. To minimize unpleasant surprises and unexpected difficulties, you'll want to learn as much as you can about the newly constructed or existing house before you buy it. A home inspection may identify the need for major repairs or builder oversights, as well as the need for maintenance to keep it in good shape. After the inspection, you will know more about the house, which will allow you to make decisions with confidence. If you already are a homeowner, a home inspection can identify problems in the making and suggest preventive measures that might help you avoid costly future repairs. If you are planning to sell your home, a home inspection can give you the opportunity to make repairs that will put the house in better selling condition.
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Most clients are matched with a certified inspector within 24 hours of submitting our booking form. The inspection itself can often be scheduled within two to three days, which fits comfortably inside a typical inspection contingency period. If you're on a tight deadline, choose "As soon as possible" on the form and we'll prioritize your request.
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The standard home inspector's report will cover the condition of the home's heating system; central air conditioning system (temperature permitting); interior plumbing and electrical systems; the roof, attic and visible insulation; walls, ceilings, floors, windows and doors; and the foundation, basement and structural components. The American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) publishes a Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics that outlines what you should expect to be covered in your home inspection report. -
A condo inspection covers the parts of the property you own and maintain. That includes electrical, plumbing, the water heater, heating and cooling, appliances, windows and doors, interior finishes, safety detectors, and any patio, balcony, or garage assigned to your unit. We also note visible concerns in shared areas that could affect your home.
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Usually not, because most Southern California HOAs maintain the roof, exterior, and common areas. If your association assigns any of those to individual owners, let us know when you book and we'll include them.
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California doesn't issue a state license for home inspectors, so certification is the credential to look for. Our inspectors hold certifications through CREIA, ASHI, and InterNACHI, follow their Standards of Practice, and are [fully insured??].
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Pricing depends mainly on the size and type of home. Inspections start at $299, and you'll get an exact quote based on the details you share when you book.
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You'll receive your full report with photos within 24 hours of your inspection. It's delivered by email in a format that's easy to share with your agent.
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We encourage it. Joining for the last 30 minutes lets you walk through the findings with your inspector and ask questions while you're standing in the home.
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Absolutely. Agents can book on behalf of their clients using the same form. To keep every inspection independent, we never pay referral fees, and we don't inspect properties our own brokerage is involved in.
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We serve all of Orange County, including:
Aliso Viejo, Anaheim, Brea, Buena Park, Costa Mesa, Coto de Caza, Corona Del Mar, Cypress, Dana Point, Fountain Valley, Fullerton, Garden Grove, Huntington Beach, Irvine, La Habra, La Palma, Ladera Ranch, Laguna Beach, Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Woods, Lake Forest, Los Alamitos, Mission Viejo, Newport Beach, Orange, Placentia, Rancho Mission Viejo, Rancho Santa Margarita, San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano, Santa Ana, Seal Beach, Stanton, Tustin, Trabuco Canyon, Villa Park, Westminster, Yorba Linda -
It depends on the size, age, and condition of the home, but most residential inspections take a few hours. You're welcome to join us at the end so we can walk you through what we found.
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Typically, a home inspector is contacted immediately after the contract or purchase agreement has been signed. Before you sign, be sure there is an inspection clause in the sales contract, making your final purchase obligation contingent on the findings of a professional home inspection. This clause should specify the terms and conditions to which both the buyer and seller are obligated. -
We don't, and that's on purpose. We carry high-limit insurance and operate with integrity. If we ever make a mistake, we own it and take care of it directly, rather than pointing you to fine print.
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Absolutely. Because our inspectors come from the trades, they know how to properly evaluate high-end finishes, systems, and construction.
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Of course. Agents book with us all the time. Just have them call or use the online scheduler, and we'll keep everyone in the loop.