Landslide / Mudslide / Rockslide Another planning requirement is the mapping of Landslide / Mudslide / Rockslide hazards. This report determines if the property is located in an area known to have these types of hazards.
Soil Stability A report that defines whether the land is subject to strong ground shaking or other ground failures.

Structural System

This includes slabs, sub-floor, posts, girders, anchor bolts, cripple walls, ceilings, partition walls, floors, windows, doors, and sliders. Home inspectors are not structural engineers but can identify visual defects in the integrity of these areas requiring immediate repairs and/or possibly indicative of underlying problems. For example, an inspector will certainly investigate slabs and footings for cracks, alignment and water incursion.

Inspectors will also look for deterioration of materials. For example, the re-pointing, or re-bricking of masonry can be costly, but left unattended these repairs can cause problems with moisture and water penetration into the home.

Another example is wood rot. This can occur in many places (door or window frame, trim, siding, decks and fences). The building inspector will sometimes probe wood to see if rot is present - especially if wood has been freshly painted. In California a separate Termite Inspection by a licensed firm will be required to see if infestation is present. It is customary for the seller to pay for the inspection and the cost of mandatory remedial work.

inspection for any type of leakage:
When gutters leak and down spouts allow water to run down and through the exterior walls, this external problem can become a major internal one. Problems with ventilation, insulation and vapor barriers can cause water, moisture, mold and mildew to form in the attic space. This too can lead to premature wear of the roof structure.

Plumbing System

This includes main water and gas valves & lines; the water heater; waste lines and venting; toilet and lavatory fixtures; the kitchen sink and disposal; and mechanical ventilation. The inspector will check to see if there any leaks drips or clogs and that all these mechanical systems and fixtures are working properly. He will make sure there is adequate water pressure.

Electrical System

Do the electrical outlets all work? Does the main panel use fuses or breakers? Are there visible signs of fraying on the wiring? Does the wiring appear adequately sized? Is it properly marked? Is the amperage of the service adequate? Inspectors will look at octopus plugs as indicative of inadequate circuits and a potential fire hazard. Is there proper service to large appliances, such as stoves, dryers and air-conditioners?

Cooling & Heating System

The inspector will check duct work, floor and ceiling insulation, and ventilation. He will check and report on the age and anticipated useful life of installed heating and air conditioning equipment.

Built-Ins

Are all kitchen and laundry appliances functioning properly? Is cabinetry, including closet sliders, in good order?

Security System

More than a purchased security system, an inspector will look for the basic safety features that will protect the home, such as proper locks on windows and patio doors, and dead bolts on the doors. California Law requires that a seller ensures that smoke detectors are in compliance and that water heaters are strapped for seismic security. Home inspectors are not environmental specialists but they can identify many safety hazards or dangerous conditions.

Miscellaneous Items

Some other items may or may not be included in a standard home inspection: such as septic systems, drainage, wood decks, patios, other exterior structures, pools, spas, grading and sprinklers. Be sure to verify which, if any, of these items are included in the home inspection.

Normally not included are termite, geologic or land subsidence surveys, and environmental or pollution inspections. These should be completed separately for your own protection or guarded against by, for example, E-Risk Insurance.

Homeowner Associations

Homeowners living in condominium situations are well advised to research whether their homeowner associations are responsible for fixing problems revealed by home inspections, especially termite report problems.

Home Inspectors

Home inspectors provide a unique customer service in identifying existing problems and advising on their solution. There are many home inspection companies to choose from. Encourage your buyer to look for affiliations with industry groups and whether they are bonded or insured. It is desirable that the inspector is also a licensed California General Contractor. People who know how to build houses are obviously well qualified to inspect them.

Want to avoid inspection problems?

Hire your own inspector. For about $200 you can get a written report on the condition of your home. Problems identified by your inspector can usually be repaired at a lower cost than after they are pointed out by the Buyer's inspector. The Home Inspector Locator can help in finding a local inspector.
Sell the home "as is." The Seller can stipulate in the Sales Contract that the home is being sold "as is." This usually requires the Seller to accept a lower price on the property.

Inspection Roofing System

The inspector will look for evidence of any leaks and any problems with joists, trusses, chimneys and roofing materials. Water leakage through the roof can occur for a variety of reasons such as physical deterioration of asphalt shingles (e.g., curling or splitting), deterioration of the membrane under tile or mechanical damage from a windstorm. In desert conditions contraction and expansion because of temperature differentials causes accelerated deterioration over time. The inspector will likely report on the useful life of your roof.

1) Preferred Home Inspection checks:

1.Plumbing and Electrical Systems,Structural and Mechanical Soundness of Basements and Crawl Space.
3.Elements of Bathrooms and Kitchen . Interior and Attic Elements. Roofing and Exterior Elements Garage and Site Elements.

we also should be careful about following steps:

2) carefully check Heating and Air Conditioning Systems at your lacation.

I. firstly Check Well Water Purity,Provide Structural or Roof Certification.

II.Perform a Radon Gas Test and Lead Paint Test, Water Test(Gas or Lead).
Consulting for any home, new or existing for structural problems.

GENERAL INSPECTION: The Seller is obligated to repair major appliances, heating, plumbing, air-conditioning and electrical systems, and keep them in working order until the closing.
ROOF INSPECTION: The Seller may be obligated to spend up to 3% of the purchase price to repair leaks or other damage to the roof. This is especially important in areas with heavy snows.
TERMITES AND OTHER WOOD DESTROYING ORGANISIMS:
In some states, the Seller must provide the Buyer with a letter guaranteeing that the home is free of termites. This letter must be provided by a licensed pest control company.
The cost is usually between $50 and $75 assuming there is no infestation. Any infestation must be corrected before closing.
In other states, the Buyer pays for the inspection, and the Seller is obligated to spend up to 3% of the purchase price to repair any termite damage.
Most contracts specify a time limit for these inspection. If the inspection is not completed in time, the Buyer forfeits his right to the inspection.

If your city does not require a Truth in Housing report, it is still to your advantage to have an inspection. You can require your buyer to find an inspector and pay for the report and provide you with a copy. This is for your good as well as the buyer's. It protects you from being sued later for defects that the buyer finds after the sale. And if the buyer refuses to hire an inspector you have the refusal noted in your sales agreement for your protection against such future litigation.

An inspection addentum to the puchase agreement can specify adjustments that can be made on the purchase agreement or terms on which the buyer may back out.

The buyer may also request a Real Estate Transfer Disclosure Statement on which you state the condition of your home. This statement will protect you as well as the buyer. A real estate attorney or an agent can provide you with this form.

If inspection is completed in time, a report is forwarded to the Seller.