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!
