Home Inspectors in San Clemente

Everything else in a property transaction is somebody's estimate of value. The inspection is the only part that is about the building itself - what is there, what condition it is in, and what it is going to ask of you.

Ingraffia Home Inspections has been inspecting in Orange County since 2003. To book in San Clemente, call (714) 371-8422 or request an inspection.

Independent means independent

We work for you, not for the seller and not for the agents. An inspection is only worth the fee if the person doing it has no stake in the sale completing, and that is worth confirming with anyone you hire, not just with us.

Related: an appraisal is not an inspection. The lender's appraisal establishes what the property is worth to the lender. It says nothing about the condition of the roof, and an FHA loan does not carry a warranty on the property either - FHA insures the lender against your default, not you against the house.

Order it early

Make the purchase obligation contingent on the findings of the inspection, and call as soon as the agreement is signed. Inspectors are used to working inside contingency periods, but the value of the report is in the room it leaves you to act on it, and that room shrinks every day you wait.

What the visit covers

Grounds, exterior, utilities, interior, kitchen and bathrooms - a visual examination of the structure and systems, roof to foundation. Thermal imaging is available where surface temperature will show what a visual check cannot, particularly for moisture, insulation and overheating electrical connections.

Come along if you can. You will get answers on the spot, and the report will make far more sense for having walked the property with the person who wrote it.

What it costs

$500 and up for a single family residence, $350 and up for a condo, townhome or manufactured home, $600 and up for a commercial building, and 25 percent of the fee for a re-inspection of completed work. The full rate card is published. Phones are open Monday to Friday 7:00 am to 6:00 pm and Saturday 7:00 am to 5:00 pm.