Best Orange County CA Home Inspector 949-401-8996

Best Home Inspections In Orange County CA

Huntington Beach Short Term Rental Property Inspection

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What are Short Term Rental Property Inspections? 

 

Short Term Rental PropertHuntington Beach Short term rental property inspectiony Inspections

Short Term Rentals (STR) are incredibly popular as you know. A short term rental is defined as a residential unit that is rented for a term of thirty (30) or fewer consecutive nights. In the more recent years, cities throughout Orange County and Southern California are now requiring Short Term Rental owners to have a Certified Home Inspector Perform a short term rental property inspection.

A short term rental home inspection is a certification that is required to be submitted to confirm life/safety requirements.

Who should get a Short Term Property Inspection?

If you currently rent your property on third party sites such as AirBNB or you rent your home out privately for under 30 days at a time & the city where the STR is based out of requires an STR Home Inspection.  Huntington Beach and Sunset Beach both REQUIRE a short term rental home inspection in order to get a permit!

How much is a Short Term Rental Inspection?

The cost of Short Term Rental Property Inspections vary from city to city. Give us a call to get a price on your AirBNB or short term rental property at 949-396-9595.

Why Use Coastal Property Inspections for your Huntington Beach short term rental home inspection?

Coastal Property Inspections has handled many Huntington Beach Short Term Rental Property Inspections.  We will have a discussion over the phone about your property and help you to understand what you need to do to prepare for the STR inspection.  There is a checklist.  We will go through it, discuss it, and have you prepare for our inspection so all we have to do is inspect, check off the item and sign!  Other inspectors want to book and inspect and go.  We help you prepare and actually spend time with you.

What does a short term rental inspection consist of?

A short term rental property inspection will consist of checking for Electrical, Heating and Air Conditioning Safety, Fire Sprinklers, Evacuation Routes, Fire Extinguishers, Hazardous Conditions, Water Heating, Smoke Alarms, Window Functions, carbon monoxide sensors and much more.

Does my city require a short term rental inspection?

Your city may or may not legally require a Short term rental Home Inspection, however it’s highly recommended to ensure the safety of your tenants. As of now, here is a list of the cities we know require Short Term Rental Inspections: Huntington Beach, Sunset Beach. Here is the exact form the City Huntington Beach will require a certified home inspector to complete.

Huntington Beach Short Term Rental Property Inspection
City of Huntington Beach Short-Term Rental Permit Property Inspection Certification

What happens if my city requires an inspection for my short term rental property, and I don’t comply? 

If a complaint is made, cities typically visit the property to inspect the complaint with in a few hours of receiving the complaint. We have seen fines as high as $1,000 a day for each violation of any provision. If 3 violations are against the city’s guidelines for STR Regulations, the city may pull your Short Term Rental Permit.

If you have a short term rental property or AirBnB that needs to have a property inspection, give us a call!  949-396-9595 or 949-401-8996 (office)  We will walk you through the requirements and prepare you for the inspection so you can pass the first time around!

Thank you for your consideration!  Coastal Property Inspections

Home Inspections: The Key to Avoiding Hidden Costs

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Home Inspections: The Key to Avoiding Hidden Costs

Attention, all future homeowners! Do you want to avoid hidden costs and potential headaches when buying a new home? Of course, you do! And the best way to do that is with a home inspection!

Home Inspection: Avoiding Hidden Costs
What’s his red flag?

Think of a home inspection like a first date. You want to make sure everything looks good on the surface, but you also want to make sure there aren’t any hidden red flags lurking underneath. And trust me, just like on a first date, you don’t want any surprises popping up later.

The key to avoiding hidden costs during a home inspection, a professional inspector will take a close look at all the visible areas and systems of the home, just like you would on a first date. They’ll check out the roof, foundation, electrical, plumbing, heating, and cooling systems, attic and more. And just like on a first date, they might uncover some hidden quirks or issues that you didn’t notice before.

Some hidden costs may come from a slow plumbing leak behind a wall or roof issues.  This is why Chris, your inspector uses an infrared thermal imaging camera!  It detects excess moisture and heat that cannot be seen with the naked eye!  Chris has got you!

Avoid hidden costs
He’s looking for the red flags!

But don’t worry, future homeowners! A home inspection is not a deal-breaker. It’s a chance to address any issues before committing to the relationship (aka buying the home). And just like on a first date, communication is key! You can use the inspection report to negotiate with the seller on the price or ask them to fix any issues before closing.

So, if you want to avoid any unpleasant surprises or hidden costs, don’t skip out on the home inspection! Think of it as a chance to get to know your potential home better and make sure it’s a good match for you. Who knows, maybe it’ll be love at first sight!

For more information about the home inspection process or to speak directly with Chris Knappett, your Certified Professional Inspector, give us a call at 949-401-8996.  We look forward to meeting you and assisting you on your new home purchase!

Don’t Buy a Lemon! Why CPI is Your Best Bet for Home Inspections

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 “Don’t Buy a Lemon: Why Coastal Property Inspections is Your Best Bet for Home Inspections”

Buying a home can be an exciting and nerve-wracking experience. After all, it’s one of the biggest investments you’ll ever make. That’s why it’s important to have a trusted partner in your corner to help you navigate the process. And when it comes to home inspections, there’s no better partner than Coastal Property Inspections in Orange County, CA.

At Coastal Property Inspections, we’re passionate about helping our clients make informed decisions about their homes. We know that every home is unique, and we take the time to thoroughly inspect every nook and cranny to ensure that you have a comprehensive understanding of the property’s condition.

Chris Knappett, Certified InterNACHI Professional Home Inspector
Chris Knappett

Our Certified Professional Inspector, Chris Knappett,  uses state-of-the-art equipment to identify any potential issues with your home, from faulty wiring to leaky pipes. We’re not just looking for cosmetic flaws; we’re digging deep to make sure that your investment is sound.

We use the latest in technology to uncover hidden issues!  Tools such as Infrared Thermal Imaging and drones for the roof inspection to name a few.   Check out how these tools will assist the home inspector  help detect what could be very costly to you if gone undetected without the use of these tools so you don’t buy a lemon!  Read about Drone and Thermal Imaging Technology

Rest assured, after Chris inspects your new home, you will know the condition and can make an educated, informed decision on whether or not you want to buy the home.  He uncovers the issues you so you don’t buy a lemon!

But don’t just take our word for it. Our clients rave about the quality of our service and the thoroughness of our inspections. Here’s what one happy homeowner had to say:

“I was blown away by the level of detail in Coastal Property Inspections’ report. They caught things that I never would have noticed, and their recommendations saved me thousands of dollars in repairs down the road. I highly recommend them to anyone in the market for a home inspection.”

And speaking of saving money, Coastal Property Inspections offers some of the most competitive pricing in the industry. We know that buying a home is already an expensive proposition, so we’re committed to providing affordable inspections that won’t break the bank.

But perhaps the best part of working with Coastal Property Inspections is our sense of humor. We know that home inspections can be dry and boring, so we do our best to inject a little bit of levity into the process. From silly jokes to fun anecdotes, we’ll keep you laughing even as we’re pointing out potential problem areas. If you meet Chris, you’ll see what we mean.

So if you’re in the market for a home inspection, don’t settle for anything less than the best. Choose Coastal Property Inspections and rest easy knowing that you’ve made a smart investment in your home.

We can be reached at 949-401-8996 and service all of Orange County, San Diego County, Temecula and the surrounding areas.

Why Get A Pre-Listing Home Inspection

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Pre-Listing Home Inspection

Introduction

Using Infrared Thermal Imaging Camera
Infrared Thermal Imaging Camera

Pre-listing home inspections are an important part of selling homes. They protect both buyers and sellers while helping you get top dollar for your listing!

A Pre-Listing Inspection is an analysis of the property before it goes on the market, providing information on defects that may have an impact on the value of your home. The homeowner/seller can choose to make corrections and repairs to show buyers that the home has been well-taken care of and is in good condition. It’s easier to go through the home inspection phase of the purchase contract when the seller has made most of the repairs and knows about any material defects prior to the buyer’s inspection.

A pre-listing home inspection is an analysis of the property before it goes on the market, providing information on defects that may have an impact on the value of your home. The homeowner/seller can choose to make corrections and repairs to show buyers that the home has been well-taken care of and is in good condition. It’s easier to go through the home inspection phase of the purchase contract when the seller has made most of the repairs and knows about any material defects prior to the buyer’s inspection. A pre-listing home inspection should be performed by a certified home inspector.

A pre-listing home inspection should be performed by a certified home inspector. The purpose of this inspection is to ensure that the seller has addressed any issues that might affect the value and marketability of their property.

It’s important for buyers to know what they’re getting into before they sign on the dotted line. A pre-listing inspection will help you determine if there are any major problems with your house and provide insight into how much money is needed to spend on repairs and maintenance. Once the buyer has performed their own inspection, you won’t have any surprises! You’ll already know what was called out on the pre-listing inspection. Sometimes the home buyer can be offered your report in lieu of getting their own inspection.

The most important purpose of a pre-listing inspection is to identify any issues that might affect a buyer’s interest in purchasing the home.

The most important purpose of a pre-listing inspection is to identify any issues that might affect a buyer’s interest in purchasing the home. A home inspector will perform an extensive examination of your property and provide you with an objective evaluation of its condition, including any defects or deficiencies that may exist.

A thorough report will include:

  • A visual summary of all major systems and components in the house (e.g., electrical system, heating/cooling system, plumbing).
  • Photos showing any problems found during the inspection process such as cracked walls or floors; damaged or missing shingles on roofs; broken windows; leaking faucets etc..
  • What’s included in a home inspection

Your clients will have questions about their future home’s condition and performance before signing on the dotted line.

You’ll be the first person to tell your clients that their new home is going to need some work. But before they can get started on the renovations and repairs, they need to know what exactly needs attention.

You can help by providing a thorough inspection of their future property. This will ensure that there are no surprises when it comes time for closing and move-in day!

Pre-listing inspections are an important part of selling homes; they protect both buyers and sellers while helping you get top dollar for your listing!

As a seller, you want to get the most money possible for your home. As a buyer, you want to find the best value for your money.

Ideally, both parties will be happy with their decisions after completing a successful sale or purchase. But when an inspection reveals that repairs are needed before listing or buying can take place, things can get dicey very quickly! That’s why it’s essential for sellers and buyers alike to understand what pre-listing inspections are all about–and why they’re so important in today’s market.

An inspection of a home prior to listing can be very beneficial for both sellers and buyers.

An inspection of a home prior to listing can be very beneficial for both sellers and buyers. This is especially true when time is of the essence, such as when you’re trying to sell your house quickly or if you’re buying a new place with an eye toward moving in within a few months.

For sellers, it allows them to make sure that everything is up-to-date before they list their property on the market (and therefore avoid spending money on repairs after it’s sold). It also gives them confidence in their asking price so they don’t feel pressured into lowering it later on because there are issues that need fixing before someone else makes an offer.

For buyers, this type of inspection provides peace of mind knowing exactly what kind of shape everything inside and outside their new home is in before they buy–saving them from surprises down the road!

Pre-Listing Inspections can help sellers save time and money.

Pre-Listing Inspections can help sellers save time and money.

Home inspections are an important step in the home buying process, but they’re especially crucial for sellers who want to ensure their property is ready for the market. A pre-listing inspection will give you a detailed report of any issues with your home’s structure or systems–and it’ll give you a chance to address those problems before they become an issue for potential buyers. Plus, having done the repairs prior to finding your buyer will alleviate a lot of stress when the buyer has their own home inspection.

Conclusion

We hope this article has helped you understand why pre-listing home inspections are so important and how they can benefit both buyers and sellers. If you’re interested in learning more about how we can help with your next home purchase or sale, please contact us today! 949-401-8996

Hire A Certified Orange County Home Inspector

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Orange County Home Inspector

Introduction

When you’re buying a home, it can be difficult to determine if the house is in good condition. This is where an Orange County home inspector comes in. A home inspection allows you to see the structure of the house, inside and out. If there are problems with your new home, they will be revealed during this process.

Orange County Home Inspectors

Orange County Home Inspector
Chris, Certified InterNACHI Inspector

Orange County is home to many home inspectors, but not all of them are created equal. Some are better than others, some are more experienced than others, and some are more thorough than others. You may have heard that you get what you pay for; this is definitely true when it comes to hiring an Orange County home inspector!

It’s important for you as a homeowner or buyer to know what makes one inspector different from another so that you can hire the right person for your job. In California, home inspectors DO NOT need to be licensed!  This means Uncle Jerry could be the home inspector.  Yikes.  However, if you hire a CERTIFIED InterNACHI Professional Home Inspector, you can feel assured the inspector has gone through many classes and passed a final exam as well as been out in the field with a tenured inspector prior to doing an actual home inspection!

What to Expect from a Home Inspection

When you hire a home inspector, you’re getting an expert to evaluate your property from top to bottom. A good inspector will look at everything from the roofing materials to the electrical wiring and plumbing–and everything in between.

A good inspection should take at least 2- 4 hours, but it could take longer if your home is larger, is older than average, if the owners or other people are in the property during the inspection or if there is a lot of clutter impeding the inspection of critical areas. At the end of the inspection, the home inspector will review with the buyers and their agent a summary of their findings. Usually, the inspector will walk through the summary and the actual items in question with the buyers so they can see what the issues are. A full home inspection report will be emailed to the home buyer and their agent although the time it takes is up to the actual home inspector but some will provide it within 24 hours. Visit this page or more information on what to expect from a home inspection.

Inspectors generally don’t provide advice on how much repairs should cost unless asked directly by clients; instead they focus on identifying problems so homeowners know what needs attention before purchasing their next property or moving into one currently owned by someone else.

The Process of a Home Inspection

A home inspection is a thorough review of your property. It’s typically conducted by a licensed or certified professional who will evaluate the condition of the home and determine if it meets certain standards for safe living. The process usually includes:

  • A visual inspection of the exterior, interior, mechanical systems and other features of your house or condo
  • Inspection of attic, crawlspace if applicable. Add on inspections such as radon, sewer scope and pool inspections are available at an additional cost

Inspectors may also recommend additional tests such as lead paint testing if they suspect that there might be lead-based paint in your home; termite inspections if you live in an area where termites are common; mold sampling if you have experienced water damage; smoke detector testing if you have any concerns about smoke detectors being operational.

Reviewing the Home Inspection Report with your Inspector

When you are reviewing the report with your inspector, it is important that they will be able to explain the report to you and answer any questions that may arise. A good home inspector should also be able to help you understand what needs to be done in order for them to fix any problems found during the course of their inspection.

A home inspection is an excellent way to see the condition of your home before buying.

A home inspection is an excellent way to see the condition of your home before buying. A trained inspector will examine the property for structural problems, faulty wiring and plumbing, code violations and more. The cost of a home inspection varies depending on where you live but it’s usually around $325-$450 per house.

The benefits of having a professional check out your prospective new home include:

  • Avoiding costly repairs after moving in – There are many hidden costs associated with purchasing a house that can add up quickly if they’re not addressed during the purchase process (i.e., roof damage, non-working furnace/AC). Having someone check out everything before purchase will help ensure that these issues aren’t overlooked later on down the road when they become more expensive fixes than initially anticipated. Making sure nothing was missed during previous inspections – Some buyers may think their houses are in good condition only because previous owners didn’t disclose any problems or defects on their own accord; however this isn’t always true! Inspectors provide unbiased opinions about what needs fixing so there won’t be any surprises down line when things start breaking down unexpectedly.

Conclusion

The home inspection is an excellent way to see the condition of your home before buying. It’s also a good idea to have one done before selling (home maintenance inspection), so that you can make sure everything is up to code and ready for sale. The process of a home inspection can seem complicated at first glance, but once you know what to expect from the inspector and how things work with them, it will be much easier on both parties involved!

For more information on Orange County Home Inspections, call Coastal Property Inspections at 949-396-9595.

Biggest Red Flags During a Home Inspection

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Biggest Red Flags During a Home Inspection
Biggest Red Flags During a Home Inspection

What are the BIGGEST Red Flags During A Home Inspection?

So, you found yourself a home, put in an offer and negotiated the price and terms.  Congratulations!  That is the first step! Now, you send your earnest money deposit to escrow and then schedule your inspections.

Did you know that the inspection phase is one of the steps where most deals fall apart?  You will have a specific timeframe to get your home inspection, termite inspection and any other investigations on the property completed.

It’s recommended that you do not waive your home inspection!  It’s the most sensitive and vital part of your transaction next to getting your loan. Find out what’s included in your home inspection:  Biggest Red Flags During A Home Inspection

While there could be many potential issues with any home, here are a few of the biggest red flags during a home inspection:

Foundation and Drainage

A buyer won’t know how to assess a building’s foundation, and that’s why it’s one of the most important aspects of an inspection. Your home inspector will look closely at any cracks and abnormalities in the foundation.
Easily-fixed foundation or drainage issues generally aren’t reasons to pass on a house, but  if there are piling issues in the foundation, that might be a safety problem, and safety issues are often non-starters.

As for drainage, houses should be mounted higher than the street level, so that there’s a pitch and the water drains properly. We also want to make sure the gutters are pitched correctly, so that water cascades away from the house.”  Sometimes the drain system can be clogged with roots and debris which can cause the property to flood during a rainstorm.

 Mold

Mold sounds scarier than it really is, and is normally associated with water damage, which is common in many houses or apartments. Mold may not be an unusual addition to an inspection report, and can often be remediated.

Failure to remove contaminated materials and to reduce moisture and humidity can present serious long-term health risks. Standing water and wet materials are a breeding ground for micro-organisms, such as viruses, bacteria and mold. For example, someone may have put a wet towel in a closet and it was up against the wall.  If that towel stays wet for a prolonged time, mold on the wall will start to form.  Once the towel is removed, the mold will die as it will no longer be “fed” to keep it alive.  A little water and bleach sprayed on the area will remove the black, dead mold.

For more information visit:  home inspections in Orange County

Coastal Property Inspections is a boutique home inspection company in Orange County, CA, and services Orange County, San Diego County and the surrounding areas.

Please give us a call to book your inspection today!  949-396-9595

 

What Is a Home Inspection

Home Inspection Checklist for Home Buyers

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If you’re looking to buy a new home, you may want to print this home inspection checklist so you can refer to it when it’s time to do your home inspection!

Home Inspection Checklist
Chris doing doing a home inspection

Home Inspection Checklist For Home Buyers

So you are at the fun part of your new home search!  While you and your agent are touring, make notes on each home and if you see something that is unusual, make a note.  If the home makes your top two or three, you can refer to your notes when re-visiting.

Pay attention to these common trouble spots:

Outside the house

  • Exterior: Are the gutters and downspouts properly attached, and do they drain away from the house? What kind of siding is on the home? Is it in good repair?

  • Roof: Do you see stains, dark spots or even moss? Any missing shingles or tiles? Ask when the roof was replaced.

  • Foundation: Do you see any big cracks? Are there trees close to the foundation? Does any part of the ground near the foundation seem soggy, squishy or sunken?

  • Windows and doors: Do they open and close easily? Do any seem misaligned? Do you see any signs of moisture around the frames or between the panes?

    Also while you are walking the property, look for power lines, train tracks, busy streets, barking dogs, nosey neighbors etc!

     

     

Inside the house

  • Smells: Do you notice any unusual scents? (The real estate agent’s cookies baking in the oven don’t count! Think odors that might indicate the presence of mold or mildew.)

  • Attic and basement: Can you see any signs of moisture or water intrusion? If the attic or basement is unfinished, what kind of insulation do you see? Is it in good condition?

  • Heating and cooling: What systems are in place, and are they functional? Look for a serial number or manufacturing date to get a sense of the system’s age. If there’s been a replacement, is the old system still in place? (For example, if the home was converted from oil to propane, is there still an oil tank on the property? An improperly decommissioned fuel tank can be hazardous.)

  • Plumbing: How’s the water pressure? Do the fixtures work? Any signs of leaks in under-sink cabinets? How old is the water heater?

  • Electrical: Do all light switches work? Are all the outlets grounded? (If you spot any that are two-prong, those are definitely not grounded.) Does the house have an older electrical panel with fuses, a newer one with circuit breakers or both? Outdated wiring can be a hazard in itself and a hassle to upgrade.

  • Major appliances: If appliances like the oven, refrigerator, washer or dryer are included with the sale, what’s their condition?

If you don’t already have a lender or Realtor to work with, we’d be happy to match you up with a great team of professionals to help you buy your dream home! No cost to you.  CoastalPropertyInspect@gmail.com

After completing the home inspection checklist:

Hang on to your home inspection checklist notes and photos for the official inspection. A professional home inspector will examine the property for anything that could, should or must be fixed.  You will have an opportunity to review all issues that the home inspector found during the comprehensive inspection usually once the inspector has completed the inspection.

The home inspection is a vital step to take before you get the keys to your new home. While you’re getting ready to schedule the inspection, consider these other important actions.

Your inspection contingency

You are purchasing the most expensive item in your life.  Don’t SKIP the inspection.  Some sellers may have chosen to do a pre-inspection for the purpose of getting all of the items repaired.  If they have the inspection report, please review it, but we highly recommend that you have your own home inspection.  You will usually get a fixed time such as 17 days (or less if negotiated by the seller) to do all your inspections and get a response over to the sellers.

No matter how badly you want that specific property, it’s in your best interest to pay for a professional home inspection. Protect yourself further by making sure there is an inspection contingency in your purchase contract.

Including this condition gives you time to complete necessary inspections and get estimates of needed repairs, and it allows you to negotiate with the seller — or back out of the sale entirely, if something dire pops up.  This also will include the termite inspection.  

If repairs are needed, determine which are the most urgent, then negotiate with the seller. You could ask them to complete the repairs, but to keep the sale moving and give you control over the work, request a credit due at closing or a reduction in the sale price instead unless the item is big (and could get bigger) then have the seller perform the repair (such as a leak in the shower wall).

Pay attention to seller’s disclosures

Here in California,  home sellers are required to disclose any known property defects. There are two sets of disclosures:  Transfer Disclosure State and the Seller’s Property Questionnaire.  These will have some vital information on material defects that are known to the seller.  

Your Realtor will get the sellers’ disclosures after an accepted offer.  You have several days to review and sign off on them.  Different states have different disclosures and requirements.  

If you see something on the disclosures that you have questions about, ask your agent to inquire about it so you have a clear understanding of the issue.  Your home inspector will also be able to inspect any area a little more closely for you if you have any concerns.

In summary, use this home inspection checklist as a tool to help you as you are looking for your new home!  Choose your home inspector wisely and make sure you discuss your concerns with them.

Coastal Property Inspections is InterNACHI Certified as a Professional Home Inspector in Southern California.  If you have any questions or would like to discuss your upcoming home inspection, please call Chris:  949-396-9595

www.CoastalPropertyInspect.com

Gas Furnace Inspection By Your Home Inspector

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What You Should Expect On Your Gas Furnace Inspection by Your Home Inspector

Real estate agents and home buyers don’t really want to know every detail about how a furnace works or how to inspect a  gas furnace, but it helps to understand what your home inspector looks at when doing a gas furnace inspection to be able to inform you of the condition. NACHI.ORG sets the standards for each component in the home to be inspected, and the furnace has its own checklist that each certified inspector will utilize.
During your home inspection, the inspector will locate and document where the thermostat is located and if it’s working.
The the home inspector will check these following components and make notes along the way about the condition and information about the furnace. The gas furnace inspection will  include and be written in the home inspection report:
Gas Furnace Inspection
Gas Furnace Inspection

đź”·Basic info: will explain about the furnace, what type, age, location, size, etc

đź”·System Notes: Definition of the type of furnace
đź”·Gas Supply: What type and condition of the gas supply
đź”·Regulator and Control: The gas pressure regulator will be checked if it’s working condition
đź”·Burners: The inspector will make sure the burners are working properly and if they ignite and make notes about the flame
đź”·Heat Exchanger: The exchanger will be inspected for cracks, rust, excess dirt
đź”·Ignition system: This will be check for pilot safety, defective ignition and make notes of this system
đź”·Blower/Motor and Inducer Fan: These will be inspected and condition and recommendations will be noted
đź”·Fan/Limit Switch: This device controls the internal temp of the furnace
đź”·Plenum: The box or portion of the ductwork attached to the furnace. The inspector will make notes of the condition
đź”·Air filters: Will make notes on the type and size and whether it is clean, dirty and needs to be changed
đź”·Ducting: The inspector will check the distribution of air through the vents and make notes
đź”·Wiring: this will be checked and noted
There may be other items of your gas furnace inspection that will need to be noted and inspected but the above items are the most common.
If you would like a copy of the Nachi Furnace Checklist, please message us, text or call.
Call Chris if you have any questions: 949-396-9595

5 Critical Concerns: Home Inspectors OC

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What are the 5 critical differences between home inspectors in Orange County and how to choose the right home inspector for you!

  1. Certified Professional Inspector
    InterNACHI Certified Professional Inspector

    MAKE SURE THE HOME INSPECTOR OC IS CERTIFIED:  Here in California, home inspectors do not need to be licensed!  Pretty much anyone can do it and there are no checks and balances.  Make sure your home inspector is a Certified Home Inspector.  For Example:  InterNACHI Certified Professional Inspector designation.  The inspector would have had to complete an entire program to get their certification which consists of 300+ hours of training.  It’s pretty in depth with completing courses on each topic, passing tests, passing the final exam and applying that knowledge to actual home inspections. See what is included in a professional home inspection?

  2. IF YOU HIRE A LARGE COMPANY OR FRANCHISE:  Even though you think you are hiring an experienced inspection company with many inspectors, you may get a newbie or an inspector that may not be certified.  Make sure whomever gets assigned to do your inspection is certified and knowledgeable.
  3. Infrared Thermal Imaging
    Infrared Thermal Imaging

    MAKE SURE YOUR INSPECTOR USES CURRENT TECHNOLOGY:  With today’s home inspections, there should be no reason why a moisture issue wasn’t detected during the home inspection.  Every inspector should be using an infrared thermal imaging camera.  No excuses.  Some large companies don’t because they don’t want to invest in the cost of the camera for each inspector. Don’t do it.  You’re not getting a full inspection.

    1. Another tool is a drone.  With our roofs here in CA, it’s not a great idea to actually get up on the roof and inspect it as it may break tiles as well as the inspector will not be able to walk the entire roof to check for defects with the chimney, flashing and gutters.  Every home inspector should have a drone to do a complete roof inspection. Again, franchises and larger companies usually do not include drones for their inspectors.
  4. COMMUNICATION, PATIENCE, AND THE ABILITY TO ARTICULATE TO THE HOME BUYER:  Your home inspector should be answering any questions you have during and after the inspection.  Usually during the inspection, some home inspectors request the home buyer wait until after they are finished with the inspection to ask questions.  The home inspector will have a summary report ready to review with the agent and home buyer and will be able to articulate the issues in a calm, non-alarming manner.  Purchasing a home is a huge deal for people and understanding the condition is super important.  Your home inspector should be able to communicate in a fluid, intelligent, professional manner without making the buyer scared of common issues.
  5. Home Inspection Report
    Home Inspection Report

    THE HOME INSPECTION REPORT IS A CRITICAL COMPONENT TO THE HOME INSPECTION:  It may not sound paramount, but the home inspection report is as critical as the actual home inspection.  Many home inspectors do not provide a professional easy to understand report within a timely manner.  This means the home buyer and their agent will have to painstakingly go through the report and decipher issues on their own and may take hours.  Many reports are incomplete, use poor grammar and lack proper written thought.  You can ask for a Sample Report BEFORE you hire your home inspector to see what you will be receiving after your inspection.  This is highly recommended.  The report should be color coded and in a logical order.  Your home inspector will be able to discuss any questions about the report as well but many inspectors fail to do this in a timely manner do to time constraints or lack of customer service skills.

    1. You purchase transaction is on a “time is of essence” for the home inspection contingency.  This means you have a specific amount of time to inspect the property and respond to the seller with any requested repairs.  A good home inspector in OC will have your report written and emailed to you within 24 hours; however, most inspectors fail to do this.  Writing a great report takes 2-3 hours or more depending on the issues and size of property.  The home inspectors that usually work for franchises or multi-inspector companies are being rushed to pump out more inspections which doesn’t leave time to do the reports timely and with quality.

This article was written by Suzanne Martin, Co-Owner of Coastal Property Inspections in Orange County CA. Home Inspectors OC and the surrounding areas!

If you have any questions about home inspections in Southern California and would like to talk with the Owner and Certified Professional Inspector, Chris Knappett, please call directly at 949-396-9595.

 

Luxury Home Inspector: What To Expect

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What is a luxury home inspection and what should buyers and sellers expect from their home inspector?

Luxury Home Inspector Orange County
Luxury Home Inspection

If you are a luxury home buyer or a luxury home seller, your needs for a home inspector may be a little different from buying a standard home.  Why?  There are specific needs surrounding a luxury home inspection  such as privacy concerns and custom features and size of the home.  These make luxury home inspections a little more challenging.

Are you consider selling a luxury home?  If so, a pre-listing inspection luxury home inspection could be very helpful for you to get your home ready for sale.  A luxury home buyer will expect the home to be in turn-key condition if the home is market price.  The pre-listing inspection will give you a maintenance summary of all the items you can repair/replace or spruce up to get buyers to see all of the benefits and beauty of your luxury home rather than the items needing repairs.

A Luxury home is usually $1.5m or higher and has special or extra features for a luxury home inspector to inspect.  Some luxury features include spas, pools, theaters, wine cellars, high end appliances, multiple furnaces and air conditioners, and more.

What To Expect

Whether you are doing a pre-listing inspection or you have an accepted offer and the buyer is doing their home inspection, there are certain expectations that all parties have:

  • How long will the inspection take?  This depends on the size of the home, number of  bedrooms and bathrooms, if the property has a pool and/or spa, outbuildings, casitas, number of furnaces and AC units.
    • Example:  if your luxury home is 4,500 square feet with 4.5 baths, 5 bedrooms, 2 furnaces/AC units and a pool will take 4-5 hours depending on if others are present and asking questions.
  • Will the luxury home inspector answer questions during and after the inspection?  Yes.  You may ask your luxury home inspector questions during the inspection keeping in mind that questions prolong the time it takes to complete the inspection.
    • After the luxury home inspector has completed the inspection, they will go over a “summary” of all findings with you while explaining and showing any issues found.  This can be 20 minutes to an hour depending on the depth and amount of questions.
    • After the luxury home inspection is completed, your luxury home inspector will have your comprehensive report emailed to you within 24 hours.  You and your agent may ask further questions about the report and the condition of any items of concern.
    • Even after months of moving into your new luxury home, you may call your luxury home inspector with questions!  We love providing excellent client services.

Resources and Connections

When working with a Luxury Home Inspector, you will have access to other professional services.  Coastal Property Inspections, your luxury home inspector in Orange County, provides a list of resources on their website for you to review and vet on your own.  While you are performing your luxury home inspection, ask for suggestions!

Do Your Homework When Choosing A Luxury Home Inspector

Not all home inspectors have the same credentials, skills or experience.  Do not go by price.  You know what they say about price – “you get what you pay for”.  Call the luxury home inspector directly and have a nice chat to see if  you both are on the same page with expectations.  Ask….

  • Are they Certified?
  • How many inspections have they done?
  • Do they work for a large corporation or are they a boutique company?
  • Do they use technology such as infrared thermal imaging, drones for the roof, etc., to assist in providing the highest level of service?
  • Do they provide a full droning of the roof, chimney, gutters, etc?
  • Do they use infrared in bathrooms, around vulnerable moisture areas and radiant heating?
  • Do they inspect all appliances and structural components?
  • How long will it take for the report to be sent to you?
  • Will they answer questions in the future should they arise?
  • Do they stay on top of inspection trends and education
  • Ask what they did before they were inspectors.  This may be interesting and or eye opening.

A Luxury Home Inspector should provide the highest level of service, communication and professional skills and is a must to have on your next purchase or sale.

Chris Knappett and Suzanne Martin
Chris and Suzanne

This article is written by Suzanne Martin, wife and business partner of Chris Knappett, Certified Professional Luxury Inspector with Coastal Property Inspections in Orange County CA.  We invite you to call Chris directly to talk about his services and approach to giving you the best luxury home inspection in Southern California!

Call Chris:  949-396-9595 or email him at Chris@coastalpropertyinspect.com

We Build Relationships Around Homes!

www.CoastalPropertyInspect.com