Frequently Asked Questions

What Is An Inspection?
An Inspect Your Nest Complete Inspection is a visual examination of the  structure and systems of a building. If you are thinking of buying a home, condominium, mobile home, or commercial building, you should have it thoroughly inspected before the final purchase by an experienced and impartial professional inspector.

What Does An Inspection Include?
An Inspect Your Nest Complete Inspection includes a visual examination of the building from top to bottom. The inspector evaluates and reports the condition of the structure, roof, foundation, drainage, plumbing, heating system, central air-conditioning system, visible insulation, walls, windows and doors. Only those items that are visible and accessible by normal means are included in the report.

When Do I Request An Inspector?
The best time to consult the inspector is right after you’ve made an offer on your new building. The real estate contract usually allows for a grace period to inspect the building. Ask your agent to include this inspection clause in the contract, making your purchase  obligation contingent upon the findings of a professional inspection.

Can A Building “FAIL” The Inspection?
No. A professional inspection is simply an examination into the current condition of your prospective real estate purchase. It is not an appraisal or a Municipal Code inspection. An inspector, therefore, will not pass or fail a building, but will simply describe its condition and indicate which items will be in need of minor or major repairs or replacement.

What If The Report Reveals Problems?
If the inspector finds problems in a building, it does not necessarily  mean you shouldn’t buy it. This only means that you will know in advance what type of repairs to anticipate. A seller may even be willing to make repairs if the problems discovered by the inspector are significant. If your  budget is tight, or if you do not wish to become involved in future repair work, you may decide that this is not the property for you. 

If The Report Is Favorable, Did I Really Need An Inspection? 
Definitely! Now you can complete your purchase with peace of mind about the condition of the property and its equipment and systems. You may have learned a few things about your property from the inspection report and will want to keep that information for your future  reference. Above all, you can rest assured that you are making a well-informed purchase decision and that you will be able to enjoy or occupy your new home or building the way you want.

Why Do I Need An Inspection?
The purchase of a home or commercial building is one of the largest single investments you will ever make.You should know exactly what to  expect --- both indoors and out -- in terms of needed and future repairs and maintenance. A fresh coat of paint could be hiding serious  structural problems. Stains on the ceiling may indicate a chronic roof  leakage problem or may be simply the result of a single incident. The  inspector interprets these and other clues, then presents a professional  opinion as to the condition of the property so you can avoid unpleasant surprises afterward. Of course, an inspection will also point out the  positive aspects of a building, as well as the type of maintenance needed to keep it in good shape. After the inspection, you will have a much clearer understanding of the property you are about to purchase and be able to make your decision confidently.

Can I Inspect The Building Myself?
Even the most experienced home owner lacks the knowledge and expertise of a professional inspector who has inspected hundreds and perhaps thousands of homes and buildings in their career. An inspector is equally familiar with the critical elements of construction and with the proper installation, maintenance and inter-relationships of these elements. Above all, most buyers find it difficult to remain completely objective and unemotional about the building they really want and this may lead to a poor assessment.

What Will The Inspection Cost?
The inspection fee for a typical single-family house or commercial  building varies geographically, as does the cost of housing. Similarly, within a geographic area the fees charged by different inspection services may vary depending upon the size of the building,  particular features of the building, age, type of structure, etc.  However, the cost should not be a factor in the decision whether or not to have a physical inspection. You could save many times the cost of the inspection if you are able to have the seller perform repairs based on  significant problems revealed by the inspector. Consult your  professional agent for guidance.

Should I Attend The Inspection?
It is not necessary for you to be present for the inspection, but it is a good idea to attend the end. By doing so and asking questions, you will learn about the new building and get some tips on general maintenance. This information will be of great help to you after you’ve moved in.

How Are Home Inspection Helpful To Me?
Home sellers are being urged to utilize home inspections prior to listing their homes because professional inspections can discover unknown conditions. This would allow sellers an opportunity to perform desired repairs before placing the property on the market. A professional “listing inspection” is just good business, it may facilitate a smoother transaction by putting potential buyers at ease, reducing negotiating points and bypassing delays.

What Are Home Seller Disclosure Obligations?
California case law states that it is the duty of a seller to disclose relevant facts concerning the property for sale through a TDS form.  (Transfer Document Statement) This basically means a seller of one to four residential units has a legal obligation to disclose all of the conditions of the property known to them to perspective buyers. While the listing inspection report cannot be used as a substitute for that disclosure, it does allow the seller to provide prospective buyers with additional information, based on an unbiased, third party,  professional inspection.

Do I Have to Repair Everything Wrong With The House?
A listing inspection report is not intended to be a repair list for the home. Sellers are not obligated to repair conditions noted in the report, nor are they required to produce a flawless house. With a pre-listing home inspection, potential repair items already known by both parties are subject to any negotiations. A home seller can make repairs as a matter of choice, not obligation, to foster good will or to facilitate the sale. Sellers maintain the legal right to refuse repair  demands, except where requirements are set forth by state law, local ordinance, or the real estate purchase contract

What Is a Pre-Listing Inspection?
A Pre-Listing Inspection consists of a non-invasive physical examination  of a home’s systems, structures and components intended to identify  material defects that exist at the time of inspection. The heating and  cooling equipment is activated along with operating plumbing fixtures, testing accessible electrical outlets and fixtures, and operating a representative sampling of doors and windows. Visual inspection of the roof, walls and drainage adjacent to the home are included. Because of the wide range of construction practices and the “normal” wear and tear placed on the components of home, a professional home inspection can help provide a wealth of information to a home seller anxious to convey the condition of their home to perspective buyers.

Do I Really Need An Inspection?
As a seller, if you have owned your property for a period of time, an  inspection can help identify potential problems and recommend preventive  measures, which might avoid future expensive repairs. There is no such thing as a home that is too new or too well built to benefit from a professional inspection. Many of the problems frequently encountered after the buyer moves in, are a routine discovery for a qualified home inspection.

Is There Anything I Can Do Better To Maintain My Home?
Inspection reports often identify the same neglected maintenance items.  Performing some basic maintenance can help keep your home in better  condition, thus reducing the chance of those conditions appearing on the  inspection report. To present a better maintained home to perspective buyers follow these tips from the California Real Estate Inspection Association. Most of these items can be accomplished with little or no cost, while the benefits of selling a well maintained home can be worth the effort

Clean both rain gutters and any roof debris and trim back excessive foliage from the exterior siding.

Divert all water away from the house (for example, rain-gutter  downspouts, sump pump discharge locations, and clean out garage and  basement interiors.

Clean or replace all furnace filters.

Remove grade or mulch from contact with siding (preferable 6-8 inches of clearance).

Paint all weathered exterior wood and caulk around trim, chimneys, windows, doors and all exterior wall penetrations.

Make sure all windows and doors are in proper operating condition; replace cracked windowpanes. Replace burned out light bulbs.

Make sure all of the plumbing fixtures are in spotless condition  (toilets, tubs, showers, sinks) and in proper working order (repair leaks). Provide clear access to both attic and foundation crawl spaces,  heating/cooling systems, water heater, electrical main and  distribution panels and remove the car from the garage. And finally, if the house is vacant make sure that all utilities are turned on. Should the water, gas or electric be off at the time of inspection the inspector will not turn them on. Therefore, the  inspection process will be incomplete, which may possibly affect the time frame in removing sales contract contingencies.

What Is CREIA? 

The California Real Estate Inspection Association, (CREIA), was established in 1976 in California as a non-profit voluntary  professional association. CREIA has grown to over 500 members and  associates today. CREIA’s Standards of Practice and professional Code of  Ethics provides the consumer with the assurance of quality and  professionalism. Members of CREIA are either owners or employees of  professional building inspection companies. Today CREIA has members  throughout the state and is recognized in California as the leading authority in the building inspection industry.

CREIA has established a high Standards of Practice for the inspection  profession that are used throughout the state to ensure the buyer who retains a CREIA member of a complete and detailed inspection and report.

All Inspect Your Nest inspectors abide by these standards and code of ethics. CREIA offers its members continuing education in the latest  building technology, training and materials to ensure the most professional inspection for the consumer. CREIA acts as a public information service to real estate buyers and provides technical support  and training to realty agents, state agencies and other related professions.

Your New Dream House Needs a Professional Inspection

The California Real Estate Inspection Association (CREIA) encourages  homebuyers entering into a contract for the building of their new dream house —whether it is custom or tract built — to retain the services of a professional home inspector during the construction of their new home. Homebuyers building their new dream house have many important decisions and considerations. They need to know that someone is looking out for them with independent, unbiased professional eyes. 

Other Inspection Related Services 

In addition to performing building inspections, many CREIA inspectors  help with analysis and solutions to specific problems, such as foundations, energy conservation and roofing problems. CREIA inspectors  are also frequently called upon to review restoration and home improvement plans as well as maintenance specifications, contracts and progress inspections for new construction to help ensure proper completion of contracted work. If you find that you are involved in a dispute regarding construction work performed on your building, a CREIA member can provide expert advice. Also, many CREIA members inspect commercial and investment properties, multiple unit dwellings, condominiums, townhomes, mobile homes and perform reserve studies as  well.

Selecting an Inspector

Home inspection is a relatively new profession in California and thus far not licensed by the state. At present, anyone can claim to be a  home inspector. Therefore, you must exercise extreme care and cautious consideration before hiring just anyone. Select your home inspector with  the following criteria in mind:

Professional Affiliation

In California, there are  standards for home inspectors that have been enacted by the California  Real Estate Inspection Association (CREIA) and recognized in California statutes. Membership in this professional association requires obtaining initial training, passing a rigorous membership exam and mandatory adherence to professional standards of practice and participation in ongoing education. All Inspect Your Nest inspectors are also CREIA members in good standing.

Inspection Experience

Of paramount importance is an  inspector's actual level of direct experience in the practice of home  inspection. A general contractor's license can be an important  credential, but when it comes to home inspection, a license to build  indicates very little as it relates to competence as a property inspector. The experience that matters most is specific home inspection  training and experience, not building experience.  At Inspect Your Nest  we have a combined total of almost 50 years in the real estate and  construction industries.