FAQ - South Coast Inspections, Inc.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Click on any question for the answer to that question.

A home inspection is an objective visual examination of the physical structure and systems of a home, from the roof to the foundation. Having a home inspected is like giving it a physical check-up. If problems or symptoms are found, the inspector may recommend further evaluation.

What does the inspection include?

The standard home inspector's report will review the condition of the home's heating system, central air conditioning system (temperature permitting), interior plumbing and electrical systems; the roof, attic, and visible insulation; walls, ceilings, floors, windows and doors; the foundation, and visible structure.

How much will it cost?

"There is scarcely anything in the world that some man cannot make a little worse, and sell a little more cheaply. The person who buys on price alone is this man's lawful prey." A quote widely attributed to John Ruskin.

The inspection fee for a typical one-family house varies geographically, as does the cost of housing. Similarly, within a given area, the inspection fee may vary depending upon the size of the house, particular features of the house, and its age. Fees begin at $325 for a home less than 1500 sqaure feet and less than 5 years old. An additional charge of $100 (already included in the online scheduler calculations) will be applied to all pier and beam structures. We also take into consideration, the age of the property to be inspected.

However, do not let cost be a factor in deciding whether or not to have a home inspection, or in the selection of your home inspector. The knowledge gained from an inspection is well worth the cost, and the lowest-priced inspector is not necessarily a bargain. The inspector's qualifications, including his experience, training, and professional affiliations, should be the most important consideration.

When is payment for the inspection due?

Payment for the inspection is due at or before the time of the inspection. Personal or business checks accepted. Cash accepted. PayPal accepted.

Why are the available time slots on the online scheduler not displayed first?

Because the type, size, age, and location of the property to be inspected all factor into the time required to get to and actually do the inspection. We simply don't know what time slots are available until we have enough information from you to make an estimate of how long it will take to inspect your property.

Why do I need a home inspection?

The purchase of a home is probably the largest single investment you will ever make. You should learn as much as you can about the condition of the property and the need for any major repairs before you buy, so that you can minimize unpleasant surprises and difficulties afterwards.

If you are already a home owner, a home inspection may be used to identify problems in the making and to learn preventive measures which might avoid costly future repairs. If you are planning to sell your home, you may wish to have an inspection prior to placing your home on the market. This will give you a better understanding of conditions which may be discovered by the buyer's inspector, and an opportunity to make repairs that will put the house in better selling condition.

Why should I choose South Coast Inspections, Inc.?

Short Answer:

Because we take the time to do the job right. We'll give you a quality inspection based upon integrity and experience.

Long Answer:

Time: Our inspections usually take 3-4 hours depending on size, type and age. Many inspectors will only spend 1-2 hours in your home. We generally only do one inspection per day, sometimes two. Other inspectors will do 3 or even 4 inspections in a single day. There are only so many hours in a day, and doing 3 to 4 inspections in one day plus travel will not leave much time for inspecting your new home. We will likely find things that some inspectors may miss.

Thoroughness: Since we're going to spend more time on your inspection, we will look at things and go places that other inspectors may not. Within the limits of safety, we typically walk roofs, enter attics and crawl spaces.

Attention to Detail: We report on each item of concern in our own words that make it easy for you to understand. In addition, annotated color photos are provided in each section with red circles and arrows highlighting the problem area in the photo. We provide you with a detailed and comprehensive report that will help you in your decision making.

How should I prepare for the inspection?

It is the seller's responsibility to get the house ready for the inspection. The seller should:

Have all utilities (water, electric and gas) on at the time of the inspection.
Have all gas appliances ready to run with gas lines purged and pilot lights on.
Clear access to areas like attics, crawl spaces, electric panels and furnaces.
Unlock areas such as storage closets, fence gates, electric panels and crawl space hatches.
Remove pets from the property, or secure them so they are not free to roam.

When will the report be ready?

The report will be emailed in a secure PDF file the same afternoon or evening after payment is made.

Are there limitations to the inspection?

A real estate inspection helps to reduce some of the risk involved in purchasing a home, but it cannot eliminate these risks, nor can the inspection anticipate future events or changes in performance due to changes in use or occupancy.

This is a visual inspection of the condition of the property listed above at the time of the inspection, and does not include any areas that are inaccessible for any reasons, including but not limited to the safety of the inspector, destructive testing required for access, or blockage through owner storage practices. Furnishings and carpets are expressly excluded from the scope of this inspection. All mechanical systems inspected are operated and visually observed in normal mode without dismantling.

The inspection and report do not address and are not intended to address code and regulation compliance, the possible presence of or danger from but not limited to the following substances; asbestos, radon gas, lead paint, urea formaldehyde, soil contamination, microwave radiation, microbiological organisms, rodents, or wood destroying insects. Our clients are urged to contact a competent specialist if information, identification, or testing for the presence of the above is needed or desired.

An inspection addresses only those components and conditions that are present, visible, and accessible at the time of the inspection. While there may be other parts, components or systems present, only those items specifically noted as being inspected were inspected. The inspector is not required to move furnishings or stored items. The inspection report may address issues that are code-based or may refer to a particular code; however, this is NOT a code compliance inspection and does NOT verify compliance with manufacturer’s installation instructions. The inspection does NOT imply insurability or warrantability of the structure or its components. Although some safety issues may be addressed in this report, this inspection is NOT a safety/code inspection, and the inspector is NOT required to identify all potential hazards.

Keep in mind that a home inspection lasts only a few hours, and it's not technically exhaustive. A home inspection is not an appraisal or a check for compliance with building codes and it's not an evaluation for any biological or environmental hazards.

Do I have to be at the inspection?

It is not necessary for you to be present for the inspection, but it is highly recommended. You will be able to observe the inspector and ask questions directly, as you learn about the condition of the home, how its systems work, and how to maintain it. You will also find the written report easier to understand if you've seen the property first-hand through the inspector's eyes.

Can I call with questions after I receive the report?

The ultimate test of an inspection and report is its usefulness the client, and we welcome questions about the report or the property after the report is complete. We do our best to write our reports in plain English and free of "Inspector-Speak", but as we often have to use technical language so that our comments are clear to specialists, it is likely that we will use terms unfamiliar to many homeowners. Please do not hesitate to ask if any portion of the report is unclear, and we will spend as much time as is needed to insure that your questions are answered to the best of our ability.