California Property Inspection

The Property Inspection Checklist in California

A property inspection is generally not a requirement when you buy or sell a residential real estate or property in California. But most buyers do hire property inspectors to inspect and examine the present condition of the property they intend to buy. Those property inspectors that are not licensed by the California Licensing Board, use and follow a standard checklist to note items that are in need of a minor or major repair on the property.

Inspecting the Foundation

A licensed property or home inspector in California inspects the foundation of a building meticulously that includes; the framing system of the floor, its cripple wall bracing of its foundation and its anchoring. The inspector also inspects the separation of wood from the soil, its under-floor ventilation and insulation.

The Exterior Inspection

The California licensed property inspector also inspects the exterior of the property that includes; all doors and windows, as well as walls. The inspector continues to inspect any attached structures, such as decks, patios, porches, balconies, and stairways. Meticulously, the inspector will also inspect the walkways, the driveways adjacent to the building, and also the land in the property.

Inspecting the Roof and Attic

California inspection checklist includes the building or the structure’s roof, its drainage system from the roof area and any flashings and skylights thereat. The inspector continues to inspect and assess the framing system of any attic space, its ventilation and insulation. Damage parts are recorded and recommended for minor or major repairs.

The Plumbing System Inspection

The plumbing inspection of a building in California includes inspection of all water and gas supply plumbing systems installed into the structure and also includes the inspection of all the waste and drain disposal pipes that goes out of the building. Property inspectors meticulously examine the faucets, fixtures, and heaters, to record its functionality and condition.

Inspecting the Electrical System

California home inspectors also examine the electrical system of the structure. They include inspection on circuit wirings and panels as part of their inspection list. They also include in their inspection list the existing lighting fixtures, switches and outlets to record present condition and recommend repairs or replacements.

The Interior Inspection

Te interior property inspection in California typically covers a close and thorough examination of the building or structure’s interior. The checklist would include elements such as; the ceilings, the floors, all walls, the doors, all windows, handrails if there are any, the stairways, all cabinets, and also all permanently installed appliances, security alarm systems and safety alarms including smoke detectors. The property or home inspector also includes inspection of the garage doors and their mechanized opening systems.

Inspection of the Cooling and Heating System

A California property inspector includes the examination of all the structure’s central heating and cooling system, its equipment, the heaters and the ventilation systems. The inspector will include inspection of all the condensation drainage, including the energy sources, its connections towards the cooling and heating systems.

Inspection on the Fireplace and Chimney

As part of the inspection list, the California home inspector examines the chimney exterior, and continues to inspect the firebox, the damper and the spark arrestor. The inspector will examine the hearth but will not include the interior of the chimney. Repair and inspection of the chimney’s interior is done by specialty contractors. Property inspection only covers the above checklist and will recommend the minor and major repairs of its findings.