Inspections for Home Purchase, Maintenance, New Construction, and Large Estates

As a home inspector, Bo is considered a "generalist" much like that of a primary physician. The primary physician will examine a patient for evidence or "symptoms", and then refer them to a specialist for proper care. Bo will also look for "symptoms" or evidence of defects in the home. He will then refer his client to a professional in the proper fields (ie; licensed, qualified electrician, plumber, contractor, etc.) for review, repair, and/or cost estimates. As a home inspector, it is beyond the scope of Bo's responsibilities to disassemble, repair, or offer estimates of repair on any home defect he might find.

What you need to know if you’re selling a home

Some of the ways you can prepare for a home inspection include the following:

  • Make sure that all the pilot lights are on for your furnace so the inspector can easily check all the appliances (such as heating), even if it’s in the summer.
  • Make sure your basement and attic are clean and unobstructed so the inspector can easily make their way to anything that needs inspecting.
  • Leave any keys out in plain sight for the inspector (such as for pantries or panels), and make sure they’re labeled.
  • Make sure bulbs are properly working. Otherwise, the inspector will have to determine if it’s a simple defect or something much more serious.
  • If you have any pets, take them off the property, if possible. If not, have them safely secured. Be ready to step away from your home with your family before the inspector shows up, and double check to ensure any areas that are normally secured are now unlocked for easy and unfettered access (including utility/electrical panels).

What is a home maintenance inspection?

It’s a Health Checkup for Your House
A home maintenance inspection will clear up any concerns you have about the health of your house. 
  • Worried your roof has been compromised?
  • Your foundation is a little worse for wear?
  • Little cracks appearing in your walls?
A home maintenance inspection gives you a full picture of any “below-the-radar” repairs that may need to be completed; 
  • Whether you just want to better protect your family,
  • Want to better understand the systems in your home,
  • You are planning to put your home up for sale.

FAQ

  • What is a home maintenance inspection?

    • As a CREIA Certified Inspector, we  review all the main systems of your home—roof, walls, foundation, HVAC, electrical, plumbing—and flags anything that might be (starting) to wear or malfunction.

    • A good inspector can see the little signs that something is starting to go: small cracks, uneven wearing, or even just appliances such as water heaters reaching the eventual end of their lives. They can also remind you of the regular maintenance you should be doing on your house.

    • Like an annual physical, a maintenance inspection can catch issues early and give you the peace of mind of a clean bill of health. "It's a way to keep little issues from turning into big issues.

    • Just like at a pre-purchase inspection, your inspector will walk you through the home, showing you what was found and explaining what it means. You’ll have a chance to ask questions or get clarifications, and the inspector will point out things you should be doing regularly to keep all of your home's systems functioning in tiptop shape.

    • On the same day, you'll get a written report detailing everything the inspector found.


  • What happens during a home maintenance inspection?

    Just like at a pre-purchase inspection, your inspector will walk you through the home, showing you what was found and explaining what it means. You’ll have a chance to ask questions or get clarifications, and the inspector will point out things you should be doing regularly to keep all of your home's systems functioning in tiptop shape.

    On the same day, you'll get a written report detailing everything the inspector found.

  • Do you need a home maintenance inspection?

    If you are unfamiliar with home systems, we suggest you should have a home inspector come out and do a maintenance inspection every five years.  We can help to turn you into an old pro, and you’ll learn to review your home yourself!

  • What are the advantage of a home maintenance inspection?

    The inspector provides an unbiased opinion. You'll want the person inspecting your home to not have any skin in the game, especially if the CREIA professional is evaluating things that are expensive to repair (e.g., your roof or foundation).

    If you do suspect something is in disrepair, it's wise to call in a home maintenance inspector before a repair company.  We’re not saying repair people are dishonest, but they have a vested interest in getting work, so you (may) have to take what they say with a grain of salt.   A home inspector isn't trying to sell you anything ... and isn't going to make any money off doing the repairs.  All we have to sell is the truth.

  • Who conducts the inspection and how much does it cost?

    CREIA Certified inspectors who do pre-purchase inspections will be qualified to do a maintenance inspection. It's exactly the same process as before a sale, only with a slightly different purpose, so the cost will also be the same.  (Prices vary depending on the area and size of the home, but the average range is $250–$400, depending on the home size/square footage).   Considering the fee for electrical, foundation, or roof repairs can be three to four times higher, that's a pretty great deal. When it comes down to it, a home maintenance inspection is a cost-effective way to keep your home in tiptop shape.

Schedule your home inspection today:  (916) 803-0756 
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