Should You Get a Home Inspection?
How long does a home inspection take in California?
Typically, home inspections take 2-3 hours. There are factors affecting the timeliness of the inspection; these are important to take into account before you start scheduling.
On average, home inspections in California range from $300 to $700. This cost may vary considerably based on the home's location, size, and age.
While the buyer hires the home inspector, real estate agents play a supportive role in the process. A good agent will recommend reputable inspectors, help schedule the inspection, and assist with negotiations based on the report.
For sellers, a pre-listing inspection can help your house stand out in the fast-paced market and allow you to focus on potential deal breakers before putting the house on the market. Attract more interest, sell your home more quickly, and potentially get higher offers, all by having a pre-listing evaluation available for potential buyers to review.
What does a home inspection not cover?
A standard report also does not cover items like a well and septic system, mold (outside of a visual check), asbestos, radon, or pests, but these are often available as add-ons.
What does a home inspection include in California?
A certified home inspector actively assesses various sections of the house during a home inspection in California. The exterior and interior elements, such as the roof, gutters, foundation, walls, windows, doors, and flooring, are all examined in this process.
The inspector examines the structural aspects of the home, heating and cooling systems, plumbing, electrical work, water and sewage to ensure they are all functioning properly. The overall condition of the property is also assessed for fire and safety issues, damages and anything else that can affect its value.
Although negotiating home repairs is quite common, it's important to note that these repairs are not mandatory, and sellers cannot be forced to fix anything. If issues are found, the buyer can request repairs or an allowance for the repairs, but if the seller refuses, it is up to the buyer to decide whether to move forward with the purchase or cancel.
New Construction Inspections
Unlike with resale, with new construction you may have many opportunities to conduct pre-purchase inspections that you will never have to the chance to do with resale:
Ideally, you should do multiple home inspections on new construction.
1. Pre-Construction Inspection:
• The first inspection should ideally be done by a foundation inspector in coordination with a proper quality assurance expert. You should do this before the concrete is laid to ensure that the foundation is properly leveled and adequate drainage and stormwater management procedures are in place.
2. Frame Inspection:
• Inspect the home’s frame before the walls are enclosed. This crucial step allows you to examine the structural components, plumbing, electrical wiring, and insulation. By inspecting the frame, you can identify any potential issues that may be hidden once drywall is installed, such as improperly installed utilities or structural deficiencies.
3. Mechanical Systems Inspection:
• Once the major structural components are in place, conduct an inspection of the mechanical systems. This includes hiring a licensed professional for the following: HVAC systems, plumbing fixtures, electrical outlets, and appliances to ensure that they are being installed correctly and functioning before proceeding to the next stages of construction.
4. Pre-Drywall Inspection:
• Before drywall installation, perform a comprehensive inspection of the home’s interior. Check for proper insulation, soundproofing measures, and the correct placement of electrical outlets and switches. Inspect ceilings, walls, and floors for any signs of damage or defects that may require correction before finishing touches are applied.
5. Final Walkthrough Inspection:
• With most builders, just before closing on the home, they will conduct a final walkthrough inspection with you. This is your last opportunity to verify that all agreed-upon repairs and adjustments have been completed to your satisfaction. Ensure that cosmetic finishes, such as paint, flooring, and trim, meet your expectations and are free of defects.
Check with your new construction home builder to ask if they also conduct a post-move in walk through and what types of "fit and finish" warranties they offer for the first years of living in the property. Some builders will allow the new homeowner to make "warranty requests" to allow the builder to come in during the first year and remedy any issues that may be noticed after closing. Additionally, there could be the standard 10 year transferrable structural warranties in place allowing you to address with the builder any structural issues that you may notice during the first 10 years of ownership.
Land Surveys
When buying larger properties, it is highly recommended to get a land survey done before finalizing the purchase as it provides crucial information about the exact boundaries of your property, potential encroachments, easements, and any discrepancies between legal descriptions and the actual land, helping you avoid legal issues and ensuring you understand exactly what you are buying.
There is no legal requirement for either the buyer or the seller to pay for a land survey. In general, the party who wants the survey is the one who pays
Land surveys are usually valid 5 to 10 years after they're completed. If the previous survey was done a long time ago, it's probably a good idea to get a new one done even if you locate the official document.
When the survey is complete, they will provide you with a map that details the property’s boundaries, as well as a legal description, the location of buildings and adjacent properties, and any right-of-ways or easements associated with the property. Those details ensure the property described in the closing documents is actually the property you intend to buy.
How Does the Title Company Assist with the Survey?
While the title company may not directly order the survey, they play an essential role in the overall process:
• In many cases, the title company does not directly order the survey. Instead, the title company’s primary role is to conduct a title search and issue a title insurance policy to protect the buyer and lender from potential title defects or claims. However, a title company may recommend or coordinate with a surveyor if the buyer or lender requests it. Title companies often work closely with surveyors and may have preferred surveyors they recommend to their clients. In this way, the title company acts as a facilitator rather than the party responsible for ordering the survey.
• Reviewing the Survey: Once the survey is completed, the title company will review the survey report as part of the title search process. They check for any discrepancies between the property’s legal description and the survey findings.
• Addressing Title Issues: If the survey reveals any potential issues—such as encroachments, easements, or boundary disputes—the title company will work to resolve these issues before closing. This may involve coordinating with the seller, buyer, or surveyor to clear any title defects.
• Updating the Title Insurance Policy: Based on the survey results, the title company may update the title insurance policy to cover any additional risks or ensure the policy accurately reflects the property’s legal description.
Below are a couple of our most trusted, reliable, and highly rated inspection companies to compare in the Greater Sacramento Area:
UPI
United Property Inspectors provide a comprehensive inspection followed by a clear narrative report within 24 hours. United Property Inspectors (UPI) will inform you of any potential problems ahead of time, and will also give you the information necessary to decide whether or not to proceed with an offer and determine if further negotiations are needed.
• Comprehensive inspections
• Pre-listing inspections
• Walk-and-talk inspections
• Report within 24 hours
• All types of properties
At United Property Inspectors (UPI), not only do their certified inspectors perform top-quality home and commercial building inspections, they also take pride in focusing on their clients, providing excellent customer service, and inspecting to a higher standard. Contact them today at (916) 788-1111 to schedule an inspection and concierge services, and take the worry out of any real-estate transaction in Sacramento, Rocklin, Roseville, or nearby.
Do you still have unanswered questions about our home inspections or specialty inspections in the Sacramento area and how they benefit buyers and sellers? Browse through their frequently asked questions, or call the knowledgeable staff at United Property Inspectors (UPI) at:
(916) 788-1111
https://www.unitedpropertyinspectors.net
Finley Home Services
In addition to home inspections, the professional, licensed, and bonded termite inspectors at Finley Home Services will identify wood-destroying organisms and make the best recommendations for treatment and/ or repair. Trust our professionals to help you make informed decisions during the process. Your Finley Termite inspector will be prompt, professional, and helpful by phone, text, or email.
In Sacramento, termite infestations can quickly turn into nightmares, especially during the spring months when termite swarms are a common sight. These swarming termites, often mistaken for flying ants, clearly indicate a termite infestation nearby. At Finley Home Services, they understand the termite problem and stand by Sacramento residents, offering professional termite control services to remove your worries and protect your homes.
Their termite inspectors are friendly, experienced, and licensed professionals who:
• Offer quick and reliable termite control service along with personal attention.
• Work for you and serve your best interests.
• Perform a complete inspection to determine specific needs and/or points of infestation, if any.
• They will make sure you are present during the inspection process and help answer any questions.
ORDER INSPECTION:
Call 916.741.2847 ext. 2
Text 916.602.3869
http://www.finleyhomeservices.com
