Category: Health and Safety
SB 721 & SB 326 Deck and Balcony Inspections
All inspections must be completed by December 31, 2024 Following the tragic collapse of a deck in Berkeley, CA, 2015, which resulted in six fatalities, the CA legislature passed a resolution to force building owners to inspect decks and balconies for rotten wooden supports, which was the reason for the Berkeley deck collapse. The goal […]
Home Fire Hardening Laws and Defensible Space for Single Family Houses in Southern California
Wildfires are a constant threat in Southern California, with the dry, hot climate and high winds making the region particularly susceptible to these devastating events. It is important for homeowners to take proactive measures to protect their homes and families from the threat of wildfire.One of the most effective ways to do this is through […]
Environmental Testing: What It Is and Why You Need It
Californians care deeply about the environment, but sometimes we focus solely on the global level, forgetting about the importance of our personal indoor air quality. If you’re concerned about indoor air quality, you may want to consider environmental testing which, in this case, involves looking for mold. Keep reading to discover what The Real Estate […]
5 Things To Consider When Buying Older Homes
The housing market exploded in 2021, and the cost of homes skyrocketed. While home prices stabilize, some buyers seek out older homes to stay within their budget. However, older homes sometimes come with problems. The Real Estate Inspection Company has extensive experience in identifying these problems. In this post, we share five things to consider […]
Answers to All Your Questions About Mold Inspections
Have you considered getting a mold inspection? Several valid reasons exist to have a mold inspection. If you haven’t been through the process, you may feel anxious and probably have questions. The Real Estate Inspection Company wants you to be prepared and comfortable with the process. Therefore, this post provides answers to your questions about […]
Moisture, Mildew, and Mold: Everything You Should Know
Black mold. Even reading or hearing the term can make people feel anxious. Indeed, black mold is a dangerous toxin that makes people very sick. Still, how common is it? Are all molds harmful? And what’s the difference between moisture, mildew, and mold, anyway? In this post, The Real Estate Inspection Company answers these questions […]
Why Buyers Should Demand an AB-38 Defensible Space Inspection
Californians in search of a new home must navigate various challenges. For instance, the market continues to push housing costs higher. Additionally, California regulators require certain inspections that other states don’t. One such example is the new AB-38 Defensible Space inspection. In this post, The Real Estate Inspection Company explains what the law requires, how […]
Who is responsible for identifying rodents?
The answer may surprise you… A common source of problems after the close of escrow can be the presence of rodents. Significant lawsuits have been filed over contaminated attics and ducts. So who should be identifying rodents in a home during the contingency period? This is a gray area that needs to be discussed to […]
Do you know someone whose house has flooded?
Almost everyone has either had a flood or knows someone who has. Did you know that sewage backups are not covered by most homeowners’ insurance policies? Or if they are, coverage may be limited to a few thousand dollars. That’s because sewage backups are considered “external” rather than “Internal” events – like a flood due […]
Philip Smith, Certified Inspector NACHI, CREIA, IAC2
Philip Smith is a home inspector with certifications from InterNACHI, CREIA, and IAC2. Having a passion for inspecting homes, I joined The Real Estate Inspection Company after owning and operating an inspection business for 15 years. I have been a Certified Home Inspector since 2004 and have inspected well over 4,000 properties in San Diego, […]