What is included in the inspection? Per ASHI and CREIA guidelines, an inspector’s main focus is the major systems, such as the roof, foundation, electrical, plumbing, and heating/air (excluding those that are covered by an HOA). We also do the interiors, which include doors, windows, outlets, bathrooms, water heaters, etc. For more information, check out […]

Why doesn’t the inspector comment on termites or other pests? The above are specialty inspections and not part of the standards of practice that general inspectors are required to follow as part of their certification. A general inspector may not even know what a termite looks like. Also, any pest control operator must be licensed by […]

Why won’t the inspectors light a pilot? Because he doesn’t know why the pilot went out. For all he knows, the gas company red tagged it and someone removed the tag. The pilot may have gone out for another reason, but he can’t risk lighting the pilot under potentially unsafe conditions. The gas company or […]

Due to power outages resulting from recent fires, some residents were unable to open their garage doors, then became trapped and perished. Law already existed requiring certain safety features, including that the door have an automatic reverse safety device. Beginning July 1, 2019, SB 969 requires that automatic garage door openers in a residence must […]

February brought record rainfall to Southern California. We experienced the wettest winter in decades! With excess water, surprise leaks can develop and possibly weaken your structure.   What to Watch For Your roof is the biggest deterrent to water intrusion. Make sure it gets checked for soft spots, gouges, loose shingles and defective flashings. If […]

Skylights are a wonderful architectural feature and serve many purposes. One benefit with both commercial and residential use is that they allow natural light. However, the  following are problems that could arise from poorly maintained skylights:  Improper installation of flashing* is a frequent source of roof leaks. Inadequate roof flashing.   Other common issues are […]

Find the handy booklet here which details the inspection sequence and preventative measures so that your escrow goes as smoothly as possible.   • Save time explaining the inspection process to your client by sending them to our website! • Feel free to download and distribute to your buyers and sellers.     See the booklet […]

Fires from clothes dryer vents and washing machines may not seem important since they are only a small percentage of total fires, but we can all agree that even one home destroyed or one life lost is too much. Here is an excerpt from the National Fire Protection Association: Dryers and washing machine firesBetween 2010-2014, […]

Only 15 more days to take advantage of the Holiday Discount! 10% off any inspection booked until January 15, 2019.*     Book By Jan 15 to get your discount! (818) 353-2885  We offer: • General physical inspection of houses, townhomes /condos. • Property Condition Assessments on all types of commercial properties. • Limited Building […]

Why do inspectors always recommend specialists? Our purpose as general inspectors is to look for defects, flag them and then recommend the appropriate specialist(s) for further evaluation. If we were to do the specialty inspection on every part of the structure, we would be there a good portion of the day and charge much more. […]