Frequently Asked Questions

Whether you're buying your first home, preparing to sell, or simply maintaining your property, it's natural to have questions about the home inspection process. Below are answers to the questions we hear most often from homebuyers, sellers, homeowners, and real estate professionals throughout the Bay Area and Central Valley.

A home inspection is a comprehensive visual evaluation of a property's major systems and components that are safely accessible. During the inspection, we examine the roof, exterior, foundation, structure, plumbing, electrical system, HVAC equipment, attic, insulation, windows, doors, interior rooms, and built-in appliances to identify visible defects or maintenance concerns.

A professional home inspection helps you understand the condition of a property before buying or selling. It can identify safety concerns, deferred maintenance, and potential repair costs so you can make informed decisions with confidence

Yes. Even new construction homes can have installation defects, incomplete work, or systems that do not perform as intended. An independent inspection provides an extra level of protection before your builder warranty expires.

Absolutely. We encourage our clients to attend the inspection whenever possible. Walking through the home with your inspector allows you to ask questions, better understand the home's systems, and learn about routine maintenance.

Most inspections take between two and four hours depending on the size, age, condition, and complexity of the home.

Most clients receive their digital inspection report the same day or within 24 hours after the inspection is completed.

A standard inspection typically includes:

• Roof
• Exterior
• Foundation
• Structural components
• Electrical system
• Plumbing system
• Heating and cooling systems
• Attic and insulation
• Interior rooms
• Windows and doors
• Built-in appliances
• Garage
• Driveways, walkways, and grading where applicable

A standard home inspection is a visual, non-invasive inspection. Specialized inspections or testing may require additional services, including:

• Mold testing
• Sewer scope inspections
• Pest inspections
• Well water testing
• Septic inspections
• Environmental testing

If additional evaluations are recommended, we'll explain why and help you determine the appropriate next steps.

Yes. We offer pool and spa inspections as an additional service to evaluate visible safety and operational concerns.

Yes. Every standard home inspection includes an evaluation of the visible roofing system, flashing, drainage components, and any signs of leaks or deterioration that are safely accessible.

Yes. We visually inspect the home's foundation and structural components for signs of settlement, cracking, movement, or other visible concerns. If structural issues require further evaluation, we may recommend consultation with a licensed structural engineer.

Schedule your inspection as soon as your purchase agreement is accepted and during your inspection contingency period. This provides time to review the findings and discuss repairs or negotiations if necessary.

Yes. A home inspection often identifies repairs or maintenance concerns that buyers may use to negotiate repairs, credits, or pricing adjustments with the seller, depending on the purchase agreement and market conditions.

Our job is not to tell you whether to purchase a property. Instead, we provide an objective evaluation of its current condition so you can make an informed decision.

Many sellers choose a pre-listing inspection to identify potential issues before placing the home on the market. Addressing concerns early can reduce surprises during escrow and help streamline negotiations.

While an inspection doesn't directly increase market value, it can improve buyer confidence and reduce unexpected repair requests during escrow.

Almost every home has defects or maintenance items, even newly constructed homes. Our goal is to clearly explain which issues are routine maintenance, which require monitoring, and which should be addressed promptly.

No. Home inspections are educational evaluations of a property's condition. There is no pass or fail grade.

No. To remain objective and avoid conflicts of interest, we do not perform repairs on homes we inspect.

We proudly serve homebuyers, sellers, homeowners, and real estate professionals throughout the Bay Area and Central Valley, including:

• Alameda County
• Contra Costa County
• Marin County
• San Francisco County
• San Joaquin County
• San Mateo County
• Santa Clara County
• Solano County
• Stanislaus County
• Calaveras County
• Merced County

If your city isn't listed, contact us. We frequently serve surrounding communities as well.

Every region has unique housing styles, soil conditions, climate influences, and construction practices. Local knowledge helps inspectors recognize common issues specific to the communities they serve.

Scheduling is easy. Contact Proximity Home Inspection by phone or through our online scheduling form, and we'll help you find an appointment that fits your timeline.

If you're the homeowner or seller:

• Unlock all doors and gates.
• Ensure utilities are on.
• Provide access to the attic, electrical panel, furnace, and water heater.
• Secure pets.
• Remove stored items blocking access to major systems.

These simple steps help ensure a more efficient and thorough inspection.

Our goal is to make the home inspection process straightforward and informative. If you don't see your question here, we're happy to help.

Contact Proximity Home Inspection today to schedule your inspection or speak directly with one of our experienced inspectors.