You can find many gorgeous residences in California, but it can be hard to make an informed buying decision unless you have an expert by your side. That’s why you should book a detailed home inspection before purchasing a property in Del Mar, CA.

After taking a close look at the place, your inspector will tell you whether or not the property has any problems that make it a bad deal. But what exactly does the actual inspection entail? The following guide to property inspections in California will tell you just that. Read on to find out how the process works, how long it takes, and more!

What does a home inspection include in California?

So you’ve decided to schedule an in-depth house evaluation to make sure the property you want to buy is in good shape. In order to determine the condition of the place, your inspector will examine the following areas:

Outside of the house 

A detailed inspection of the exterior usually starts by examining the house for the following issues:

• Stucco cracks
• Flaking or blistering paint 
• Masonry cracks near the basement 
• Not enough clearing between the ground and siding (less than 6 inches)

While evaluating the exterior, your inspector can also take a look at the yard for the most common problems: 

• Badly trimmed shrubs or trees 
• Poorly constructed pathways 
• Cracks in retaining walls 
• Damaged railings or sheds

Plumbing 

To check if the plumbing is good, inspectors look for signs of water damage, like mold and wet carpets. They may also take a closer look at the pipes, water heaters, and drains using moisture meters and cameras. 

Inspecting the plumbing is essential, and it’s one of the main reasons not to skip the service. If your technician tells you the system looks good, it gives you peace of mind when buying a property, knowing you won’t have to pay for expensive repairs.

Foundation 

You shouldn’t have foundation issues if you’re in the market for new constructions, but older homes are prone to many problems. Here are the main ones on each inspector’s checklist: 

• Slab cracks
• Crooked walls
• Tilted doors and windows

Roof

Roof defects can be hard to repair, which is why you need to be aware of them before buying a house. The most common problems include:

• Missing or cracked shingles
• Damaged fascia
• Deteriorated flashing
• Loose gutters
• Unstable skylight or chimney

Electrical system 

A faulty electrical system is inconvenient and hazardous. Here are the signs inspectors look for to see if you’ll need to fix your grid before buying:

• Not enough outlets
• Malfunctioning HVAC or appliances (oven, fridge, dishwasher, etc.)
• Exposed wiring
• Bad switches
• Damaged panels
• Lack of ground-fault circuit interrupters

Rooms 

An inspector will go through each room to find various signs of damage: 

• Moldy ceilings
• Low-quality insulation 
• Leaks under the sink
• Drawers and cabinet doors not opening correctly
• Slow draining toilet
• Poorly fastened tub or shower

How long does a home inspection take in California?

A home inspection in California typically takes 2-3 hours. Several factors affect the duration of the service:

• Size of the home
• Number of inspectors
• Layout (e.g., number of hard-to-reach areas)

Looking for a comprehensive home inspection in Del Mar, CA?

When scheduling your house evaluation, it’s important to find a provider who will check all the areas listed above. That’s why you need an experienced team by your side, and it doesn’t get any better than The Inspectors Company.

Our experienced inspectors are committed to guiding you through the legal intricacies of property inspections, including your inspection rights and the regulatory requirements of home inspections. Whether it’s an apartment near Powerhouse Park or a house in Downtown Del Mar, we’ll examine the bathroom, foundation, room, electricity, and all other systems to help you make the right choice. Book your service today!

 

One of the main things you should do before you buy a house in Del Mar, CA, is to schedule a home inspection. An inspector will tell you whether the place is in good shape or needs large-scale renovations, allowing you to reach the right decision. 

However, in order to ensure the service pays off, you need to hire your provider correctly. This article will tell you how to do just that. Keep reading for a step-by-step guide to scheduling a home inspection. 

What is the first step in scheduling an inspection?

The first step in scheduling an inspection is to find the right provider. To do so, contact the company that seems to be the right fit and make sure they have the following qualities: 

• Experience: Avoid working with new companies that haven’t inspected any homes. Instead, find someone with years of experience under their belt because they know how to examine all types of properties. If possible, ask your provider for references. 
• Certifications: The best way for an inspector to demonstrate their expertise is to provide certificates. For instance, an InterNACHI-certified professional has undergone in-depth training and is up-to-date with the latest industry standards, allowing them to evaluate each home properly.
• Familiarity with different tools: Inspectors use an array of tools that enable them to perform a thorough investigation. The most common equipment includes electrical testers, infrared thermometers, moisture meters, and high-definition cameras. Make sure your provider knows how to use this gear since their services are more comprehensive. 

Hiring a reliable provider is essential. After all, you want to work with someone who knows every stage of the process and leaves no stone unturned when inspecting a property for damage. This will put you in a better position as a buyer and prevent the risks that come if you don’t book the service, like paying for expensive repairs.

Once you find the right fit, move on to the remaining steps: 

Ask the company what the service includes 

When looking for your next home, you might be worried about the condition of certain areas, such as the roof, walls, and ceilings. That’s why you want to be sure your inspector will evaluate them during the service. Thankfully, most companies examine these parts as well as many other critical areas: 

• Plumbing 
• Electrical system 
• HVAC unit 
• Drywall 
• Foundation 
• Basement 
• Floors 
• Doors and windows 

Get a specific quote 

Once you find out what the service includes, ask the inspector about the cost. The price depends on many factors, like the company you work with, but here are the main considerations that influence the number: 

• Size of the house: the larger the place, the higher the cost. 
• Hard-to-reach areas: if the provider has a hard time inspecting some of the areas, such as the roof, they may charge extra. 
• Additional services: radon testing, termite inspections, and many other services are often considered premium. 

Schedule the service 

If you agree on the price, all that’s left is to choose a suitable time and date. Depending on your arrangement, you’ll either pay upfront or after the inspection. 

Where in Del Mar, CA, can I book a top-tier home inspection?

Working with an inspector when buying a property is crucial. Even if you’ve found a house near Seagrove Park that looks amazing, having it examined before the purchase ensures you won’t regret your decision. That’s exactly what The Inspector Company can provide.

In addition to our detailed inspection report, we’ll provide insights into the legal aspects of property inspections, including your inspection rights and whether property inspections are required by law. Once we’re done, you’ll get a detailed report that will tell you whether or not you should buy the place. Book the leading home inspectors in Del Mar today!

 

A flood can strike when you least expect it and leave disastrous consequences. Unless you have a background in flood damage remediation, the key to minimizing the damages is to avoid handling the flood damage repair on your own. Instead, you should hire a reputable company in San Diego to handle it for you.

But why is this the case? What exactly does this service include? We’re happy you asked because we’ve prepared a breakdown of the 5 steps flood restoration companies follow to minimize flood-related damages. Read on!

 

 

 

How do you deal with flood damage?

As previously mentioned, you shouldn’t deal with floods by yourself. Leave the work to a certified expert who will first examine your house from top to bottom to determine what needs to be done. From there, if you’ve hired the right restoration team, they’ll typically take the following steps to fix your property:

1. Assess the situation 

The first thing experts do is to identify the type of water damage you’re dealing with: 

• White water (little-to-no contamination and comes from sinks, pipes, water heaters, or bathtubs)
• Gray water (some contamination and comes from dishwashers or washing machines) 
• Black water (severely contaminated and comes from toilets or sewage) 

They also determine the percentage of porous materials affected by the flooding, so they can come up with the right dehumidification strategy. 

2. Extract standing water 

The next step is to extract any standing water with various machines, such as submersible pumps and industrial vacuums. Afterward, technicians remove lingering water with portable wet/dry vacuums and often use thermal cameras to detect hidden moisture under your floorboards or behind walls. 

3. Dehumidify 

Specialists dry and dehumidify your house using commercial dehumidifiers and air movers. In addition, they also open doors and windows to boost air circulation. 

4. Clean and disinfect

Once experts dehumidify your property, they sanitize the place with antimicrobial solutions and high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) vacuums and/or air scrubbers while wearing high-quality safety equipment: 

• Protective overalls or disposable clothes 
• Rubber boots 
• Goggles
• Gloves
• N-95 masks

5. Repair 

At this point, professionals have set the stage for their repairs: 

• Deep-cleaning or replacing carpets 
• Reusing/replacing floorboards
• Fixing drywall 

Keep in mind that some parts of your house may be unsalvageable if the flood was intense or if they had been exposed to moisture for a long time before you scheduled your service.

How long does it take to repair everything after a flood?

The time it takes to repair your house after a flood depends on many factors: 

• Type and amount of water 
• How long your home’s been exposed to water
• Size of the place
• Number of people performing the repairs

In general, it can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks to fix everything. This might sound too long, but remember: it’ll take you much longer to go over everything if you take the DIY route, especially if you make a mistake when repairing your home. Therefore, don’t take a chance. Let a trustworthy professional handle the situation. 

Where can I find a team for flood damage repair in San Diego? 

With years of experience and absolute commitment, The Inspectors Company is the go-to team for fixing flood-related problems in San Diego. If there’s been an accident in your home, just give us a call, and we’ll be at your doorstep in no time. 

All our technicians are InterNACHI-certified, meaning they use industry-leading methods and equipment to fix your house. We also have next-level attention to detail, which allows us to identify and eliminate moisture problems throughout your property.  

Once we take over, your water damage will be history. You’ll go back to enjoying the marine life at Birch Aquarium without worrying about the condition of your house. Schedule your remediation service today!

Water and flood damage restoration is a complex task that requires specialized tools and knowledge in order to be carried out properly. Unfortunately, many San Diego residents aren’t aware of this or are looking to cut down costs and attempt DIY solutions that ultimately cause additional damages to their property. 

In the following article, we’ll delve deeper into this topic by discussing the top 5 biggest mistakes people make after their properties have suffered flood or water damage. Keep reading to learn more!

 

 

 

What not to do after water damage?

The main thing you shouldn’t do after your property has suffered water or flood damage is try to handle the situation on your own. Unless you work with a seasoned professional who takes the repair process seriously, you’ll likely make one of these 5 severe mistakes: 

 

1. Not understanding the cause 

Drying wet carpets or painting over moldy walls isn’t too difficult, but it doesn’t address the cause of your problem. It’s merely a temporary fix for an issue that will come back unless you handle the main culprit, such as a burst pipe, outdated plumbing, and foundation slab cracks.

2. Overlooking hidden damage 

Some forms of water damage aren’t always obvious. Be it a pipe leaking behind your walls or somewhere in the attic, you can easily miss it if you don’t check every corner of your house.

That’s why you should partner with a trained expert. They have special equipment that detects residual moisture in your floors, walls, and other surfaces. On top of that, they can recognize and patch up any structural flaws that are easy to miss but often lie at the heart of your problem.

3. Salvaging or discarding wrong items 

Your first instinct during a flood is usually to salvage anything you get your hands on. And we know where you’re coming from, especially if the items have a sentimental value. That said, don’t forget that the objects might be contaminated with floodwater, which often carries bacteria. As a result, they might be beyond repair or require disinfection before you can use them again.

On the other end of the spectrum, you may discard belongings automatically without considering their condition. To avoid making a hasty decision, contact a professional who will establish beyond any doubt whether or not you should throw the affected items away.

4. Ignoring safety

Safety comes first during these procedures, but many people forget about this rule and jump right into the restoration. From contaminated water and broken pipes to potential electrical fires and shattered glass, all sorts of risks lurk in a flooded house. So, never start the repairs without appropriate safety gear:

• Rubber boots 
• Helmet
• Mask 
• Glasses
• Gloves

5. Using ineffective equipment

Mops, towels, brushes, and buckets are great for everyday tidying, but flooding requires a heavy-duty approach. Unless you have top-quality dehumidifiers, air scrubbers, air movers, fans, moisture meters, industrial vacuums, and other special tools, leave the restoration to an expert.

Who offers top-rated flood damage restoration in San Diego? 

Rather than attempt a risky DIY repair and do more harm than good, reach out to The Inspectors Company, the finest restoration provider in San Diego. We use state-of-the-art tools and methods to return your property to its former glory. Plus, all our technicians are insured and certified, giving you much-needed peace of mind in such a dire situation.

We also take pride in our detailed approach. Regardless of the size of your property, we’ll inspect every nook and cranny of your house and fix each affected surface. Once we step in, you’ll be able to enjoy your hikes to Mount Soledad, knowing your place is in great hands. Give us a call today!

You’re in the market for a stunning house, but you don’t want to overpay for the property. However, this can easily happen if you fall in love with the place at first sight and overlook some of the issues that can help you negotiate a lower price. 

There’s a simple way to keep this from happening: have the property in Escondido, CA, examined from top to bottom by reputable home inspectors. These professionals have a keen eye for all kinds of flaws to ensure you get a better deal. This article will explain the role of inspectors during negotiations. Read on for some of the problems they can uncover and how you can use these to your advantage.

Can you negotiate after a home inspection?

Absolutely. You can negotiate after a home inspection. In fact, you should always negotiate after an inspection, not before one, since it gives you insights into the condition of the property. This eliminates the risk of making a hasty purchase. 

This holds true for any type of house, whether you want to purchase an aging property with lots of weaknesses for a bargain price or don’t mind paying extra for a modern, smart home with cutting-edge features. With seasoned inspectors by your side, you’re far more likely to make the right buying decision.

What fixes are mandatory after a home inspection?

The key to successful negotiations after a property investigation is to point out all the issues discovered during the examination. If you insist on urgent repairs, the seller will be more likely to agree to your price.

But what are these mandatory fixes? Here are the main ones: 

1. Electrical panel problems 

Many electrical panel issues are a hazard, which is why you should add them to your repair list. These can range from exposed wires to faulty connections. 

Additionally, your inspector may uncover outdated outlets in the bathroom, kitchen, or outside the house. If so, they’ll recommend upgrading to GFCI outlets to make your electrical system safer and more reliable. 

2. Roof damage 

You’re generally better off replacing an aging roof, but it might not be necessary if it’s in good shape. That said, you’ll need to repair the structure if the inspector notices the following deficiencies: 

• Missing or broken shingles 
• Cracked ridge vents 
• Damaged flashing 
• Chimney holes 
• Deteriorated gutters and downspouts

3. Poor AC and window seals 

Your AC and window seals play a pivotal role in maintaining comfortable temperatures all year long. So, it makes sense why you should fix them if an inspector identifies a malfunction. 

On the one hand, deteriorated window seals allow moisture to linger between the panes, which leads to condensation. On the other hand, a faulty AC can’t circulate air properly, resulting in uneven temperatures in different parts of the household. 

4. Foundation cracks 

Buying a house with foundation cracks is ill-advised, but if you go ahead with the purchase, fix the gaps as soon as possible. Otherwise, you may deal with mold, structural issues, and other types of severe water damage. 

5. Wood rot 

Large-scale wood rot on support beams shouldn’t be ignored. Unless you fix the issue, timber and many other materials may collapse. 

Where in Escondido, CA, can I find trustworthy home inspectors? 

Buying a house is tricky, which is why you shouldn’t be alone during this process. Unless you investigate a property in depth, you can never know if it requires extensive renovations, even if it’s a huge house near Frances Ryan Park that looks great on the outside. That’s where The Inspectors Company comes in. 

We are a certified house inspection team with a proven track record of examining different types of properties. From apartments and condos to farmhouses, cabins, and mansions, we have the next-level attention to detail and expertise to detect even the tiniest of problems. 

So, rest assured, knowing you’ll be well familiar with the condition of the place before the purchase. Give us a call today and schedule top-rated inspection services in Escondido.

Buying your first home can be intimidating. You may not know what to look for while viewing the property, giving experienced sellers an edge during the negotiations. If you make a hasty decision, you risk overpaying the house or purchasing a home that’s unsuitable for you and your family. 

But there’s a simple way to prevent this: all you need to do is hire the finest home inspectors in Escondido, CA. By investigating a property in detail before you buy the place, they can tell you whether it’s the right fit or needs large-scale renovations. Keep reading to learn more about property inspections and why they’re so important for every first-time home buyer.

What is the biggest red flag in a home inspection?

Whether you’re looking to buy an older property for a low price or a high-end smart home with many bells and whistles, you need to schedule an inspection beforehand. That’s because professional inspectors can discover the biggest red flag of today’s houses, which is foundation damage, which can come from different sources: 

• Earthquakes 
• Erosion 
• Settling soil 
• Rogue tree roots 
• Flooding 

Whatever the cause, foundation damage is a serious issue because it can destabilize the rest of the house. For instance, cracks in the concrete slab usually expand over time, allowing the moisture from the surrounding soil to enter the home and wreak havoc on the interior. Left unchecked, the crack can compromise the walls, ceilings, and other structural elements. 

The good news is that home inspectors can easily pick up foundation problems. Using visual checks, cameras, and other tests, they have quite a few methods to assess the condition of the foundation. 

In addition to foundation issues, there are a few more major red flags that can be identified during a property examination: 

1. Mold 

The last thing you want as a first-time home buyer is to purchase a moldy place. It might not look too ominous, but mold can further compromise the structural integrity of the house by weakening support beams and other essential components.

On top of that, mold can be a serious health hazard. If you’re sensitive to the fungus, the following symptoms are nearly inevitable: 

• Coughing 
• Sneezing 
• Difficulty breathing 
• Headaches 

To avoid dealing with mold, schedule a comprehensive property inspection. 

2. Roof problems 

A trained house inspector also specializes in identifying various roofing problems: 

• Cracked or blown-off shingles 
• Sagging roof 
• Flashing and decking damage 
• Improper gutter and downspout drainage 

3. Malfunctioning electrical system 

Repairing a malfunctioning electrical system can cost tens of thousands of dollars. Instead of forking out this much money, hire a professional inspector to detect the following red flags: 

• Poor connections 
• Sparks 
• Loose-fitting plugs 
• Flickering lights 
• Overheating appliances 

Can you fail a home inspection?

Now you know a bit more about house investigations, but what happens once your property inspection is over? More specifically, can you fail a home inspection? Technically, no. There isn’t an official pass/fail grade assigned after an inspection.

This doesn’t lessen the importance of an investigation since it offers crucial information about the condition of a property, which is the key factor to consider as a buyer.

Looking for detail-oriented home inspectors in Escondido, CA?

Buying a house without an inspection is a shot in the dark, even if it’s an upscale property near Queen Califia’s Magical Circle. Rather than take a chance and regret your decision, get in touch with The Inspectors Company.

We’re the number-one house inspectors in Escondido and beyond, providing all kinds of investigation services. Has a cozy 2-bedroom apartment caught your eye? Or are you looking to settle in a massive family home? Either way, rely on us, and we’ll tell you for sure if the place is in good condition. Contact us today and let our seasoned inspectors help you make a smart buy.

Every water damage restoration in San Diego starts with an inspection. It’s one of the most (if not the most) important steps in getting back to normal life after your property has been flooded or otherwise suffered water damage. 

But how can you tell which water damage inspection and repair company is reputable? What sets one such company apart from another? In this article, we’ll help you determine just that by providing you with 5 questions you should ask your water damage repair company before hiring them. Read on!

What to ask water damage inspectors?

Ask each provider you contact these X questions to make sure you book the finest remediation specialist available:

1. How long have you been in the business? 

Only an experienced team knows how to inspect your property in detail, covering even hard-to-reach areas where some forms of flooding damage tend to hide. That’s why you should only work with a company that’s inspected a large number of properties over the years. They know exactly what to look for in each flooded house: 

• Moldy walls and ceilings
• Buckling or warped floors 
• Discoloration 
• Rust 
• Wood rot

Booking a seasoned provider is also important because it ensures you don’t work with someone who skips 2 or 3 steps of the repair process, which is a costly mistake that can lead to even more harm. So, don’t take a chance. Hire a professional who’s been in the business for at least a few years.

2. Do you offer repair services? 

Having your house inspected won’t matter much unless you repair the place afterward. Yes, you could book 2 different companies, but why waste money and time when you can partner with a team that offers both services? 

For this reason, ask your inspector if they also provide repairs. You won’t have to worry about hiring multiple companies and risk even more damage by the time you make all the appointments. 

3. What tools do you use? 

Another important question is what tools a professional uses to assess your home for flooding damage. If the provider lists most (if not all) of these items, chances are, they’ll do the job correctly: 

• Hygrometer 
• Moisture meters
• Infrared cameras
• Mold testing kits
• Video pipe cameras

4. How long will the inspection and repairs take? 

If you want to prepare for your service adequately, you need to know how long the process will take. When it comes to inspections, it usually takes providers about 1-3 hours to examine a property in-depth. The duration of repairs, on the other hand, can be anywhere from 2-3 days to 2-3 weeks, depending on the size of your home and the severity of the situation. 

5. How many technicians do you have? 

A one-man inspection and repair company can take months to examine and fix your home. Look for a provider with at least 2-3 technicians to speed things up. 

Looking for top-tier water damage restoration in San Diego? 

Your home might have suffered a lot of harm, losing you a lot of money and keeping you from enjoying the sunset at the sandy La Jolla Cove. The longer you search for your provider, the more severe the consequences, so don’t waste a second longer. Book The Inspectors Company, the finest water damage remediation and home inspection team in San Diego. 

The moment you reach out to us, we’ll pack our advanced equipment and reach your home in record time. We’ll then examine the place carefully and perform every necessary repair to return your property to its former condition. A comprehensive cleanup is guaranteed. Book today!

Floods are some of the worst things that can happen to you as a homeowner. Unfortunately, they’re common in California, which is why you may need professional water damage repair in San Diego to save the day. A trained expert can fix some of the worst kinds of moisture-related issues, but before they start the remediation, they first have to inspect your property. 

In this article, we’ll look at the water damage inspection process and provide some pointers on what to look for if you suspect your property may have suffered water damage. Read on.

How do they check for water damage?

Once you reach out to a certified flooding restoration provider, they’ll typically assess the situation using this checklist:

Examine the walls 

The walls are often in harm’s way when it comes to flooding, which is why experts prioritize them when scanning your property for signs of moisture. The main thing experts look for are wet spots or watermarks because they indicate the area has been exposed to too much water and requires in-depth repairs.

Another important detail professionals check for is discoloration. More specifically, walls tend to develop brownish stains when soaked, which tells your inspector the surface has suffered a lot of damage.

On top of that, mold is a major indicator of large-scale flooding. It generally means the affected area has been exposed to moisture for 24-48 hours, allowing this microorganism to grow and spread to the surrounding walls.

Check the attic and ceiling 

Not all floods come from a burst pipe in the bathroom or kitchen. Some may also be caused by a roof leak, leaving the attic and ceiling as the first line of defense. Once they absorb too much water, they show several signs of flooding-related deterioration: 

• Stains and discoloration 
• Wood rot 
• Mold 
• Peeling ceiling paint 
• Bulging parts of the ceiling 

If your provider is thorough, they may also climb the ceiling to look for warped or buckling boards, both of which require immediate attention. 

Examine the crawlspace, ducts, and the outside 

After combing the obvious parts of your home, inspectors may move on to hard-to-reach areas where more forms of damage could be lurking. The list includes the crawlspace, ducts, and the outside of your house:

• Garage 
• Shed 
• Gutters and downspouts 

Besides mold and buckling sections, experts normally scan these areas for rust on metal materials. Corroded surfaces are hardly salvageable and need comprehensive repairs. Keep in mind that some professionals may skip this process, especially if they’re inexperienced.

That’s why you need to make sure you hire the right company that won’t make one of the many mistakes associated with inadequate flood repairs, such as ignoring hidden problems. So, ask your provider to describe their examination procedure from start to finish.

Who offers comprehensive water damage repair in San Diego? 

A flood is a serious issue, even if it seems insignificant at first. The longer you postpone the repairs, the greater the harm. To avoid large-scale damage, get in touch with The Inspectors Company as soon as you notice your house is affected. 

Once you contact us, we’ll be at your address in no time, fully equipped and ready to scan your property from top to bottom. From there, we’ll go to great lengths to fix every impacted surface, so you can re-enter your place safely, enjoy a dry home, and watch exciting baseball games at Petco Park without worrying about moisture in your house. 

Schedule our services today. We guarantee the finest inspection and remediation in San Diego and the surrounding communities.