Palos Verdes Estates Home Inspection

 

 

• Roof: Inspectors evaluate the condition of roofing materials, gutters, downspouts, and the installation of vents, flashing, skylights, and chimneys, looking for signs of wear or damage from accessible points.
• Exterior: This involves assessing the condition of exterior walls, doors, windows, and structures like decks or porches. Inspectors also consider how vegetation, drainage, and grading might affect the home’s exterior.
• Basement, Foundation, Crawlspace & Structure: Examination includes checking the foundation for structural integrity, signs of water intrusion, and the condition of support systems like beams and columns.
• Heating: The heating system is tested for functionality, including the distribution system, with an emphasis on safe venting and chimney conditions.
• Cooling: Similar checks are performed on cooling systems to ensure they operate correctly and manage condensate.
• Plumbing: All visible plumbing is inspected for leaks, corrosion, and proper function, including water supply, drainage, fixtures, and water heating equipment.
• Electrical: This includes evaluating the electrical service entry, panelboards, grounding, and sampling outlets, switches, and lighting for safety and compliance.
• Fireplace: Inspectors check the condition of the fireplace, including the hearth, damper, chimney, and flue for safety and performance.
• Attic, Insulation & Ventilation: Inspectors verify insulation levels in accessible areas and check for proper ventilation to prevent moisture issues and ensure energy efficiency.
• Doors, Windows & Interior: A selection of doors and windows are operated, and walls, ceilings, floors, and interior structures are assessed for damage or structural concerns.

 

 

 

• City of Rancho Palos Verdes Building Division: Building Division (Note: Palos Verdes is primarily in Rancho Palos Verdes)
• City of Rancho Palos Verdes Planning Division: Planning Division
• City of Rancho Palos Verdes Public Works: Public Works
• City of Rancho Palos Verdes City Clerk: City Clerk
• Palos Verdes Peninsula Fire Department: Fire Department (Serves the entire Peninsula)
• Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department – Lomita Station: Sheriff’s Department (Provides police services for Palos Verdes)

 

 

• Roof-covering materials
• Gutters and downspouts
• Vents, flashing, skylights, chimneys, and other roof penetrations
• General structure of the roof from the readily accessible panels, doors, or stairs

 

 

 

• Wall cladding, flashing, and trim
• Exterior doors
• Decks, balconies, stoops, steps, areaways, porches, and their associated railings
• Eaves, soffits, and fascias
• Vegetation, surface drainage, retaining walls, and grading where they may adversely affect the structure
• Walkways, patios, and driveways

 

 

 

• Foundation walls, piers, columns, beams, and floors
• Basement or crawlspace for signs of water penetration
• Structural components including framing and bracing

 

 

 

• Heating system using normal operating controls
• Distribution systems (e.g., ducts, pipes, radiators)
• Presence of solid fuel burning appliances
• Vent systems, flues, and chimneys

 

 

 

• Cooling system using normal operating controls
• Distribution systems (e.g., ducts, pipes)
• Condensate drainage system

 

 

 

• Interior water supply and distribution system, including fixtures and faucets
• Drain, waste, and vent systems
• Water heating equipment
• Fuel storage and distribution systems
• Sump pumps with accessible floats

 

 

 

• Service drop, service entrance conductors, cables, and raceways
• Service equipment and main disconnects
• Service grounding
• Interior components of service panels and subpanels
• Conductors, overcurrent protection devices, and a representative number of installed lighting fixtures, switches, and receptacles
• Presence of smoke and carbon monoxide alarms

 

 

 

• Fireplace hearth extensions
• Fireplace dampers, flue, and chimney (visible portions)
• Woodstoves or inserts

 

 

 

• Insulation in unfinished spaces, including attics, crawlspaces, and foundation areas
• Ventilation of attic and foundation areas
• Mechanical ventilation systems

 

 

 

• A representative number of doors and windows
• Walls, ceilings, and floors
• Steps, stairways, and railings
• Garage doors and garage door operators
• Installed countertops and cabinets

 

 

 

• General Exclusions: The inspector is not required to operate systems that are shut down, dismantle equipment, or enter areas that are not readily accessible or could be unsafe. Also, items not permanently installed and low-voltage electrical systems (like security systems, phone lines, etc.) are generally not inspected unless specified.
• Inspection Scope: The inspection is visual and non-invasive, based on what can be observed on the day of the inspection without moving personal items, furniture, or making any destructive changes.