Buyer's inspection
Full home inspection before you buy
A top-to-bottom visual inspection of the house you're about to buy, from the roof covering down to the crawlspace, written up so you know what you're taking on.
Who it's for
You're in escrow, or about to make an offer, and want an independent look at the house before the contingency period ends.
It also suits anyone who wants a full picture of a home's condition: a family member's house, a property you're inheriting, or a home you've rented and are thinking of buying.
What gets looked at, top to bottom
What's covered
- RoofRoof covering, flashing, gutters, downspouts and the roof's penetrations, viewed by the safest method the roof allows.
- ExteriorSiding, trim, windows and doors, decks, porches, stairs and railings, and grading and drainage next to the house.
- StructureFoundation, framing and the crawlspace, where it can be entered safely.
- AtticRoof framing seen from below, insulation and attic ventilation.
- PlumbingSupply and drain lines that can be seen, fixtures run with normal controls, and the water heater, its seismic straps and venting.
- ElectricalService entrance, main panel, and a representative sample of outlets, switches and fixtures.
- Heating and coolingEquipment run with normal controls, and ducts where they can be seen.
- InteriorWalls, ceilings, floors, stairs, doors and a sample of windows.
Inside the house
What you get
- Report within 24 hours.
- A written report that describes what was inspected, what was observed, and which items may need repair, monitoring or a closer look by a specialist.
- Plain language you can take to your agent, a contractor or the seller.
- A chance to call and ask about anything in the report.
Details inside and out
Honest notes
The inspection is visual and non-invasive. Furniture, stored belongings and finished walls are not moved or opened, so some areas can't be seen.
It isn't a code inspection and it isn't a warranty on the house.
Some things need their own specialist: a pest (termite) inspection, a sewer line camera inspection, well and septic systems, and pools. The report will say when something deserves one.
Home inspections follow the InterNACHI Standards of Practice: a visual, non-invasive look at the readily accessible parts of the house.
Questions
Can I come to the inspection?
Yes, you're welcome to attend. It's a good way to see the house through an inspector's eyes.
How long does a full home inspection take?
It depends on the size, age and layout of the house and how easy it is to get into the attic and crawlspace. Ask when you book and Michael will give you an idea for your house.
Do you go into the attic and crawlspace?
Yes, when they can be entered safely. If an area can't be entered, the report says so and why, so you know what wasn't seen.
Is this the same as a pest or termite report?
No. In California a wood-destroying pest inspection is a separate report done by a pest control company. Many buyers order both.
Related services
Free instant quote
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Rather talk it through? Call (707) 533-7579, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, or email [email protected].