Frequently asked questions about home inspection services in California by Inspect.re

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about your home inspection, from scheduling to report delivery

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1

About the Inspection

Every inspection includes a full interior and exterior evaluation, infrared scans (energy, moisture, block wall), drone roof inspection, 3D virtual tour with tagged issues, LIDAR floor plan, mold testing, and same-day report delivery.

Most inspections take 2 to 4 hours depending on the size, age, and condition of the property. Larger homes, older construction, or properties with multiple HVAC systems or complex layouts may take longer.

Yes, and we strongly recommend it. Being on-site allows you to follow the inspector room by room, ask questions in real time, and see issues firsthand. The written report is much easier to understand when you have already seen the items in person.

No. A home inspection is not a pass or fail test. It is an objective assessment of the property's current condition. The inspector documents what they observe and identifies items that need repair, monitoring, or further evaluation by a specialist.

Absolutely. New construction homes frequently have defects that are missed by city code inspectors, who focus on minimum code compliance and may inspect dozens of homes per day. A professional inspection evaluates quality of installation, proper function, and items that code inspectors typically do not check, such as attic insulation, appliance testing, and grading around the foundation.

2

The Report

95% of reports are delivered within 6 to 8 hours after we leave the property. Most clients receive theirs the same day. You will get an email with a link to your interactive report.

Our reports are digital and interactive. They include color photographs, detailed descriptions of each system and component inspected, prioritized repair recommendations, and a 3D virtual tour with tagged issues so you can see exactly where each item is located in the home.

Absolutely. Every 3D tour we create is yours to use however you need. If you don't need the virtual tour for inspection purposes, we can adapt it specifically for your property marketing: a fully branded, MLS-ready walkthrough designed to attract buyers and showcase your listing at its best. All files come with full commercial usage rights, including drone photos and floor plans.

The report is a documented record of the property's condition and can be used to request seller repairs, a price reduction, or credits toward closing costs. Focus negotiations on significant items that affect health, safety, structural integrity, or active moisture intrusion, rather than normal wear items.

3

What We Inspect & Don't Inspect

We inspect the roof, attic, exterior walls and trim, foundation, basement or crawlspace, plumbing, electrical systems, HVAC, water heater, kitchen appliances, bathrooms, windows, doors, garage, grading and drainage, and all accessible interior rooms. We also perform infrared thermal scans, drone roof inspection, and mold testing.

Standard inspections are visual and non-invasive. We do not open walls, lift flooring, or dig. We also do not cover: wells and septic systems, swimming pools and spas, chimney interiors (a chimney sweep specialist handles that), sewer lines (available as an add-on), pest or termite infestations (a separate WDO report is standard in California), or environmental testing for lead paint and asbestos.

Yes. We offer mold testing, sewer line camera inspection, extended 3D tour access (60 to 365 days), and property photography. These can be added to any inspection package.

4

Scheduling & Preparation

You can book online through our Schedule page, or call us directly. We reply within minutes and offer same-day, next-day, and weekend availability.

Make sure all utilities (gas, electric, and water) are turned on. Ensure the inspector has clear access to all areas of the home including the attic, crawlspace, garage, and electrical panel. Remove stored items blocking these areas. Any space that cannot be accessed will be noted as "not inspected" in the report.

Most inspections proceed in any weather. However, heavy rain or standing water may limit the inspector's ability to safely walk the roof, and wet conditions can affect assessment of drainage or grading. If weather prevents a safe and thorough inspection, we will advise you and reschedule if needed.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the appointment. We understand that real estate timelines change quickly.

5

Pricing & Payment

Pricing depends on the size, age, and location of the property. Contact us for a quote. We are transparent about pricing and there are no hidden fees. Additional services like sewer scope or extended 3D tour access carry separate fees.

Pay at Closing is a payment option where your inspection fee is rolled into your closing costs instead of being paid upfront. You pay nothing out of pocket at the time of inspection. Visit our Pay at Closing page for full details on how it works.

No. The price of your inspection is exactly the same whether you pay upfront or at closing. Pay at Closing is not a loan and there is no interest.

6

Credentials & Coverage

Yes. All of our inspectors are InterNACHI® Certified Professional Inspectors, Licensed Realtors®, and hold University Master's degrees. They bring both technical expertise and real estate market knowledge to every inspection.

A home inspection evaluates the physical condition of the property: its structure, systems, and components. An appraisal, ordered by the lender, determines the market value. These are two separate services performed by different licensed professionals.

We serve San Diego County, South Riverside, Inland Empire, Greater Los Angeles, Orange County, San Francisco Bay Area, and Sacramento County.

Inspect.re home inspector explaining findings to homeowners in front of California home

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