What Are California Home Inspections?
After a home goes into escrow, an essential part of the closing process in California is home inspections. Inspecting your future home is a primary security measure to ensure that you are aware of the condition of the property you are purchasing. Home inspections are an essential part of the home-buying process in California. Some home Inspections are required by law, while others are an optional measure to assess the condition of the property.
While California law requires sellers to provide certain disclosures about a property’s condition, disclosures are not a substitute for professional inspections. Home inspections give buyers an independent assessment of the home’s major systems, safety concerns, and potential repair needs.
Some inspections are commonly recommended for nearly every transaction, while others depend on the property’s age, location, and unique characteristics.
Types of Home Inspections in California
- General inspection
- Foundation inspection
- Plumbing inspection
- Septic tank inspection
- Termite inspection
- Mold inspection
- Chimney inspection
General Home Inspection:
A general home inspection is typically the first step in evaluating a property’s condition. The inspection is conducted by a licensed home inspector and generally takes between 2 and 4 hours, depending on the size, age, and complexity of the home.
Your real estate agent can usually recommend qualified inspectors who are familiar with your local market and housing stock.s a general inspection include?
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Exterior
- Exterior walls and siding
- Porches, decks, and balconies
- Driveways and walkways
- Drainage and grading around the home
Interior
- Ceilings, walls, and floors
- Doors and windows
- Electrical outlets and switches
- Staircases and railings
- Fireplaces and ventilation systems
Plumbing
- Visible water supply lines
- Drain and waste lines
- Water heaters
- Toilets, sinks, and fixtures
Major Systems
- Roof
- Foundation
- Electrical system
- HVAC (heating and air conditioning)
How much does a general home inspection cost?
A home inspection generally costs between $400-900, usually toward the lower end of that range; according to data from HomeAdvisor, the average cost of a home inspection in the U.S. is $338.The buyer pays for the home inspection since their lender will use it to confirm the home is a solid investment.
Home inspections are typically paid for by the buyer and are considered a valuable investment before completing a purchase.
Foundation Inspection:
A general home inspector may identify signs of foundation movement or structural concerns, including:
- Cracks in walls or flooring
- Uneven floors
- Doors or windows that stick
- Separation between walls, ceilings, and floors
- Visible settlement around the property
When these issues are present, buyers often hire a structural engineer or foundation specialist for a more detailed evaluation.
What Does a Foundation Inspection Include?
- Structural assessment
- Floor elevation measurements
- Evaluation of drainage and grading
- Inspection of crawl spaces or basements
- Assessment of soil-related movement
Cost
Foundation inspections in California typically range from $500 to $1,500+, depending on whether a structural engineer’s report is required.
Plumbing Inspection ( Sewer Camera Inspection)
Plumbing Inspections assess the condition and quality of your plumbing and sewer system and prevent future costly water damage. Especially in older buildings, where plumbing systems are likely to have deteriorated, we highly recommend a thorough plumbing inspection. A Plumbing Inspector can conduct both visual and camera inspections. A visual inspection will examine the indoor and outdoor plumbing pipes, including supply lines and sewage lines.
- Hose bibs, both outdoors and in the laundry room
- Sinks and bathtubs
- Faucets and showers
- Toilets
- Water heaters
The next step is a camera inspection which will determine the exact location of any damage, diagnose the type of damage, and provide a thorough report. Plumbing inspections are done by licensed plumbers. The average cost for a plumbing inspection is about $200, but if a camera inspection is required the price can be around $500.
Septic Tank Inspection
If you’re considering a home with a septic tank system, it is legally required to conduct an inspection. Septic tanks are prevalent in California’s hillside homes. A replacement of the septic system can run upwards of $30,000, so make sure your inspector is professional, thorough, and competent. The inspection’s duration depends on the age and location of the tank.
The cost of a septic inspection will vary depending on a few factors. The tank size affects the price, as does the qualifications and licensing required by the inspector. The average septic inspection prices range from around $300 to over $1000.
Termite Inspection:
Termite inspections remain one of the most common inspections requested by California homebuyers.
California’s climate creates favorable conditions for both drywood and subterranean termites, which can cause extensive structural damage if left untreated.
Signs of Termite Activity
- Damaged or hollow-sounding wood
- Discarded wings
- Mud tubes
- Bubbling paint
- Frass (termite droppings)
Cost
Most termite inspections cost between $100 and $400, although costs vary by region and property size.
A termite report may also be required by certain lenders or requested during negotiations.
Inspection times generally range from 30 minutes to 1.5 hours.
Mold Inspection:
A general home inspection often identifies signs that warrant a more specialized mold evaluation.
Potential warning signs include:
- Musty odors
- Water stains
- Recent water damage
- Visible mold growth
- Excess moisture around windows, bathrooms, or under sinks
What Does a Mold Inspection Include?
- Moisture meter testing
- Thermal imaging
- Air sampling
- Surface testing
- Identification of moisture sources
Cost
Mold inspections in California generally range from $300 to $1,000+, depending on the size of the property and the extent of testing required.
Most inspections take between 2 and 4 hours.
Chimney Inspection:
Before buying a home in California, it is worthwhile to ensure that the chimney is in functioning and good condition.
The most crucial detail to look out for in a chimney inspection is the presence of creosote. Creosote is a byproduct of burning wood or fossil fuels and can build up inside a chimney. It is one of the most common causes of chimney fires that can be dangerous to the structure of the chimney and the home.
A chimney inspector can determine whether the chimney has too much soot or creosote buildup and may recommend cleaning before the fireplace is safe to use. The inspector will check all portions of the chimney exterior and interior, including areas within accessible attics, crawl spaces, and basements. Often, a video camera is put through the chimney to get a comprehensive view of the inner portion of the chimney.
Common Questions Regarding Home Inspections in California:
What Is An Inspection Contingency?
An inspection contingency is a clause in the purchase agreement that gives the buyer the right to have a home inspection done.
What happens if I Uncover Damage During My Inspection Period?
If problems are discovered during inspections, the inspection contingency gives the home buyer the power to negotiate repairs with the seller, taking a cut off the purchase price.
Do I have to be present at home inspections?
Although your presence is not required, it is recommended to have someone supervising the home inspector to ensure no aspect of the home is left unnoticed. Observing the home inspector also allows you to ask questions and gain clarity on the cost of repairs, and the true state of any issue that exists. At The Bienstock Group, we ensure that a professional member of our team is present at every home inspection.
About The Bienstock Group:
The Bienstock Group, led by Sheri Bienstock, is an expert real estate group in Los Angeles, Hancock Park, and Miracle Mile. Sheri is committed to her clients and will invest all her effort to get you the best results possible. Sheri has 235+ five-star reviews on Zillow, and has been ranked #1 listing agent in 90036 since 2009 and in Hancock Park since 2016.