What is Included in a typical San Diego Home Inspection?

A general inspection covers all essential systems and visible structural components of the home.

The average single family home inspection takes approximately 3 - 4 hours, depending on the size, age and general condition of the property.

Inspecting a Condo or Townhome takes less time. The Homeowners Association owns the building structure, exterior cladding, roofing, common areas and walkways. Since you are not purchasing any of these items they are typically not included in this type of inspection; however, if any deficiencies are noted which affect the property you are buying, they will be included within the report.

Items inspected are as follows:

Foundations - Basements - Crawlspaces

• Under-floor ventilation
• Location of under-floor access opening(s)
• Wood separation from soil
• Presence of drainage systems or sump pumps within foundation area
• Presence or absence of seismic anchoring or bracing
 

Exteriors

• Driveway, walkways, surface grade, hardscape, retaining walls and drainage.
• Wall cladding, veneers, flashing, trim, eaves, soffits and fascias.
• Exterior conditions of doors, windows and security bars.
• Decks, fencing & gates, porches, balconies, stairs, columns, guard-rails and handrails
 

Roof Coverings

• Roofing materials and condition
• Flashing, vents, skylights and other penetrations
• Roof drainage systems
Attic Areas and Roof Framing
• Framing and sheathing
• Access opening(s) and accessibility
• Insulation material(s)
• Ventilation
 

Plumbing

• 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

• Service conductors, equipment, and capacity
• Panels and over-current 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

• 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

• 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
 

Fireplaces and Chimneys

• Chimneys, flues, dampers and associated components
• Fireboxes, hearth extensions and permanently installed accessory components
• Manufactured solid-fuel or gas-burning appliances
 

Building Interior

• Walls, ceilings and floors
• Doors, windows and trims.
• Stairs, handrails, and guardrails
• All cabinets and countertop surfaces
• Laundry area and hook-ups
 

Built in Appliances

• Kitchen Appliances and Ventilation
• Washer / Dryer
 

Pool and Spa

• Pool / Spa body
• Filtering Equipment, plumbing & electrical components.
• Heating Equipment, plumbing and electrical
• Decking, Walks & Coping
• Fencing / Gates