David Home Inspection Service A Professional Home Inspector Serving Los Angeles to San Bernardino
 
When you need to get the very most for your home it  is important to be prepared. Here are some key points to getting  the best  inspection results  for your home.

Exterior
  • Trim all vegetation 12 inches away from home or garage.
  • Keep earth 6 inches below/away from siding, foundation vents, stucco weep screed while maintaining a gentle slope away from the home.
  • Check and re-caulk any failed/missing caulking around exterior windows, doors and siding joints.
Roof Structure
  • Remove debris from roof left by trees.
  • Extend downspouts that drain above ground, 6 feet away from structure.
  • Clean gutters. (Even small amounts of debris can clog downspouts.)
  • Keep trees and branches trimmed 6 to 8 feet from roof and off power lines.
  • Chimney owners should have a chimney sweep. (Keep all maintenance records)
Crawl Space
  • Be sure no water or moisture is present.
  • All cellulose debris (loose wood, insulation, cardboard and other debris) large enough to be picked up by a standard garden rake should be removed.
  • All foundation vents to crawl space should be open and unobstructed for proper ventilation.
  • Check for any plumbing leaks. Repair as needed.
Attic
  • Be sure all bathroom and kitchen exhaust vents are still attached and lead to exterior of the home.
  • Keep insulation clear of soffit vents and can lights.
  • Check for leaks and repair as needed.
Furnace
  • All  furnaces should be serviced on an annual basis.
    (Keep maintenance records.)
  • Change the filter and clean all vents.
  • Make sure the unit is responding to controls and heating as it should.
Air conditioner
  • Make sure the unit is responding to controls and cooling the way it should.
  • If not call for service. (Keep maintenance records)
Bathrooms
  • Correct slow-draining sinks and tubs.
  • Check and repair any failed caulk along tub/shower surrounds and at floor joint to reduce water intrusion and subsequent damage. 
  • Fill sink then drain. Checking for any leaks around the P-trap while draining.
  • Test and or Install GFCI outlets for safety in bathrooms
Kitchen
  • Correct slow-draining sinks and tubs.
  • Check and repair any failed caulk along sink. 
  • Fill sink then drain. Checking for any leaks around the P-trap while draining.
  • Test and or Install GFCI outlets for safety near sink
  • Test garbage disposal and check for missing cord connector 
  • Test dishwasher for leaks
  • Clean or replace vent hood filter
  • Repair any damaged cabinet components
Garage
  • Test the garage door opener. Service as needed. ( Keep service records )
  • Remove any extension cords used to feed outlets
  • Install GFCI outlet for safety.
  • Make sure you have a self closing fire rated door, from the house to garage. It's required.
Hot Water Heater
  • Make sure the heater has two approved water heater straps.
  • Insure that the unit is vented, Contact a HVAC contractor if needed. ( Keep service records )
  • The discharge from the tube must discharge to a safe place such as the floor, outside the building, or an indirect waste receptor.
The T&P Valve discharge tube needs to be installed in a manner that does not cause personal injury to occupants in the immediate area or, structural damage to the building. In other words hot water blasting out of the discharge tube cannot go to a place where it will hit people, and the flooding from it cannot damage the building.
 
 
Home Buying Checklist: The Process Of Buying Your New Home

So you have been looking at home listings online for days now and you want to go inside a few and start the process of ownership.

Once you've made the decision to buy a home, it's time to start thinking about what comes next. Every buyer needs a checklist that will guide them through the process of searching for the perfect home, evaluating their choices and making a sound purchase for you and your Family.



Learn The Lingo

When you set out to buy a new home, you will need to familiarize yourself with various real estate terms, conduct research on the market value of homes in the area in which you intend to shop and learn the art of negotiation. This information will help as you browse homes, talk with Realtors and get further into the buying process.

Finding A Home Useful Links.

Zillow.com,Homes.com, Century21.com, Remax.com, MLS


Get A Free Credit Report

Every 12 months, you are entitled to request a free copy of your credit report from each of the three major credit reporting agencies - Equifax, TransUnion and Experian. You should make this request before you begin looking at homes in order to allow yourself enough time to identify and dispute any inaccuracies in your credit file(s). When you approach a lender, you will need to make sure that everything is correct and up-to-date.
AnnualCreditReport.com is the official site to help consumers to obtain their free credit report.




Get Pre-qualified

Pre-qualification is different than pre-approval in that it gives you a possible price range that you can afford, but does not guarantee you the loan. Pre-qualification is important because it will help you narrow your search to include only homes that you can afford. Knowing what you can pay beforehand will save you both time and disappointment in looking at homes that do not fit your budget.



Speak With A Realtor

Nobody knows the real estate business like a Realtor, so let them help you to find your new home. Based on your specific requirements, a Realtor can locate a home that will suit you at a price that's within your budget. When he or she finds one or more possible candidates, you will be invited to tour the home. At this point, you should take a camera for the purpose of later reviewing each house with visuals instead of relying solely on memory.  As you do for a home, take your time in finding a Realtor.
To locate a great Realtor in your area go to ActiveRain.com



Make An Offer

Once you find the perfect home, make an offer that's less than you are actually willing to pay. This way, the seller can make a counteroffer that would hopefully still be within your budget. It's important to familiarize yourself with the art of negotiation so that can learn how to get the best deal without insulting the seller. If you have not yet been pre-approved, make sure that your offer is contingent upon your being able to obtain the necessary financing and that the home be inspected by a professional home inspection company.

Offer Accepted
Now that your offer has been accepted you will have 14 days or less to have the home inspected for defects. Once the home inspector has prepared his report,  you will need to respond to the seller for repairs, price reduction or credit after closing. This will be best negotiated by your Realtor after you discuss your needs and wants. The Average cost for a great home inspection is $325  to $400.
Read More About Choosing a Home Inspector Here


Obtain A Loan

Once you and the seller agree on a purchase price, you may be required to provide an earnest money deposit that will secure the home as you obtain a loan (if applicable). A lender will require a home inspection and appraisal for the property in connection with your loan application. In most cases, you will know within 24 hours whether or not your application is approved, but the actual closing will not occur until the inspection and appraisal are complete.



Get Moving

Now that the papers are signed and you have the keys to your new home, it's time to get moving - literally. Remember to decorate your new home and add all of those special touches that reflect your personality. After all, a house is only a house until you make it a home
 
 
When a house is bought or sold, a home inspection is a common practice that alerts both homeowners and buyers to the condition of the property in question. When you are in need of a home inspection in California, you should only choose those home inspectors that  incorporate the Standards of Practice of Inter NACHI (International Association of Certified Home Inspectors) or ASHI (American Society of Home Inspectors), NAHI (National Association of Home Inspectors) Be sure you select a Home Inspector who is a Master Home Inspector. This guarantees experience in all building practices.

1. The average fee for a home inspection is between $300-$500, but the information received from an inspector is priceless. It could be the turning point between a sale and a buyer going back to searching for the perfect home. The number of home inspection representatives is vast. There are home inspectors in that offer a lower price, but you must beware of their credentials, and their business ethics. You can find the top home inspectors in California on ActiveRain.com

2. Request references. Sometimes, contacting past clients will give you insight as to how capable a potential home inspector is. When you are ready to begin your search, keep the following questions on hand:
  • Q. How long have you been in the home inspection business? 
  • A. 6 years or more.
  • Q. How many home inspections have you completed?               
  • A. 200 per year average
  • Q. What qualifications do you possess?                                             
  •  A. Build Engineer, Contractor, Builder
  • Q. How long does it take for you to inspect a home?                     
  • A. Based on the size of  the home 2 or 3 hr
  • Q. Can I come along with you on the inspection?                          
  •  A. I would love for you to be there.
  • Q. Do you check for carbon monoxide leaks?                                
  •  A. Yes! We only use the TIF8500A leak detector for your families safety.
  • Q. Do you use the IDEAL 61-165 ARC fault tester  during a typical home inspection?
  • A. Yes we do.  It is the only way to properly test the homes electrical safety devices?
  • Q. Can you provide references of inspections you have done in the past?
  • A. Yes a list can be sent right now.
  • How much do your services cost?                                                         
  • A. Basic Home Inspections start as low as $289.00
Get a free inspection quote now click here

What You Should Know
The state of California does not require a license for home inspectors, so it is important that the home inspector you hire be a master home inspector and not just a member of a club or an association. The California Trade practice act (Chapter 338) was enacted in 1996. The law in California prohibits unethical home inspection practices, including repairing properties that home inspectors have inspected in the previous 12 months. The law encourages courts to consider the Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics of ASHI and the California Real Estate Inspection Association. We abide by a set of standards of practices and code of ethics that require professionalism and attention to detail. Our home and property inspections exceed all National Home Inspection Associations Clubs and organizations.  Click here to read more about what question you should ask your potential home inspector. A current list of referrals is available on request