What's Inspected

A residential property inspection is defined in Section 7196 of California's Business and Professions Code as "a noninvasive physical examination," but is not detailed. By contrast, the Standards of Practice that I also follow are detailed and list what is and what is not inspected, and I encourage you to read and download these standards from the Internet at http://www.calnachi.org/id68.html
Nevertheless, you would probably still like to know the value of having a property inspected. Ideally, it should allow you to make a more informed decision about the purchase of a property. However, all properties and their components are not equal. Most building materials deteriorate over time but, together with advances in technology, they also continue to be improved. For this reason, I not only attempt to evaluate the condition of components and systems, and to recommend service when appropriate, but also to apprise you of their age.
However, you need to have reasonable expectations about my service. Along with other property inspectors in California, I'm characterized as a "generalist," and not a "specialist," and my job is to recommend a specialist  inspection when it appears necessary. Nevertheless, although specialist service can extend the design-life of a component or system, it is not likely to increase its value. You also need to undertand that specialists and persons with a vested interest in making money, may well identify deficiencies or recommend some upgrades that do not appear in my report. And, it is equally important that you understand that my site visit is limited to a few hours, and that because I'm human I may miss something, or fail to report on it. But, it is equally possible that I may find something that others have missed. Therefore, what I ask you to do is to read my report carefully, make sure that any recommendations that I may make for service or a second opinion is not only undertaken but documented for your records, and to rely on me for any consultation that you might need.