Property inspection is a visual examination of the building’s structure and major systems. It is most often purchased by the buyer for the purpose of discovering unknown defects or damaged items that significantly affect the property. A property inspection is different from a pest inspection and an appraisal.

A pest inspection is normally purchased by the seller under the terms of the real estate transaction agreement for the purpose of identifying wood destroying pests and organisms, such as termite damage and dry rot. An appraisal is an evaluation of the property’s present worth and is normally required by the buyer’s lender.

The cost of a professional inspection is incidental when compared to the price the home. Almost always, a professional inspection will uncover items that need repair or replacement. It is far better to discover these conditions now, than after the close of escrow.

All types of homes are inspected: Single-family homes, condominiums, townhouses, duplexes, and mobile homes. New homes are often inspected, especially custom-built new homes.

The inspection will last two to three hours for most homes. Less time is needed for condominiums and smaller newer homes. More time is needed for larger older homes.

The fee for a property inspection varies in different regions. The price to inspect a condominium is typically less than the price to inspect a single-family house. This is because a condominium association normally maintains the exteriors of the buildings, such as the roofs and exterior siding. Consequently, an inspection of a condo does not involve examination of the roof and other exterior components. The size and age of the property will affect the inspection fee. You should expect a higher fee for a larger and/or older home, than for a smaller and/or newer home.

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The inspection of real estate by a private party is an unlicensed industry in California. This means that the qualifications of the inspector and the standards of the inspection are not regulated. If you are quoted an inspection fee that is substantially less than ours, you should be leery of the inspector, his qualifications, and his scope of work. A cut-rate price is often an indication that the inspector is new in the business, does not carry E&O insurance, or does not perform a comprehensive inspection– or all of the above. InspectRite inspectors are professionals at what they do. They are certified members of the California Real Estate Inspections Association (CREIA) or American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI). InspectRite carries E&O insurance and we conduct inspections to the standards of practice set by CREIA.