ciahomeinspection

THE AUTHORITY IN HOME INSPECTION

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THE AUTHORITY IN HOME INSPECTION

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Email Address

ciahomeinspection@ gmail.com

Phone Number

949-981-8320

Coverage Area

Inland Empire, Orange County

CIA Home Inspection Services.

Our home inspection exceeds these minimum standards for a general home inspection
Here is The InterNachi Minimum Standards of Practice for Home Inspections.
1. Interior, Exterior, Windows & Doors
DOORS, WINDOWS & INTERIOR
The inspector shall inspect:
  • a representative number of doors and windows by opening and closing them;
  • floors, walls and ceilings;
  • stairs, steps, landings, stairways and ramps;
  • improper spacing between intermediate balusters, spindles and rails for steps, stairways, guards and railings;
  • railings, guards and handrails; and
  • garage vehicle doors and the operation of garage vehicle door openers, using normal operating controls.
The inspector shall describe:
  • a garage vehicle door as manually-operated or installed with a garage door opener.
The inspector shall report as in need of correction:
  • photo-electric safety sensors that did not operate properly; and
  • any window that was obviously fogged or displayed other evidence of broken seals.
The inspector is not required to:
  • inspect paint, wallpaper, window treatments or finish treatments.
  • inspect floor coverings or carpeting.
  • inspect central vacuum systems.
  • inspect for safety glazing.
  • inspect security systems or components.
  • evaluate the fastening of islands, countertops, cabinets, sink tops or fixtures.
  • move furniture, stored items, or any coverings, such as carpets or rugs, in order to inspect the concealed floor structure.
  • move suspended-ceiling tiles.
  • inspect or move any household appliances.
  • inspect or operate equipment housed in the garage, except as otherwise noted.
  • verify or certify the proper operation of any pressure-activated auto-reverse or related safety feature of a garage door.
  • operate or evaluate any security bar release and opening mechanisms, whether interior or exterior, including their
  • compliance with local, state or federal standards.
  • operate any system, appliance or component that requires the use of special keys, codes, combinations or devices.
  • operate or evaluate self-cleaning oven cycles, tilt guards/latches, or signal lights.
  • inspect microwave ovens or test leakage from microwave ovens.
  • operate or examine any sauna, steam-generating equipment, kiln, toaster, ice maker, coffee maker, can opener, bread warmer,
  • blender, instant hot-water dispenser, or other small, ancillary appliances or devices.
  • inspect elevators.
  • inspect remote controls.
  • inspect appliances.
  • inspect items not permanently installed.
  • discover firewall compromises.
  • inspect pools, spas or fountains.
  • determine the adequacy of whirlpool or spa jets, water force, or bubble effects.
  • determine the structural integrity or leakage of pools or spas.
EXTERIOR
The inspector shall inspect:
  • the exterior wall-covering materials;
  • the eaves, soffits and fascia;
  • a representative number of windows;
  • all exterior doors;
  • flashing and trim;
  • adjacent walkways and driveways;
  • stairs, steps, stoops, stairways and ramps;
  • porches, patios, decks, balconies and carports;
  • railings, guards and handrails; and
  • vegetation, surface drainage, retaining walls and grading of the property, where they may adversely affect the structure due
  • to moisture intrusion.
The inspector shall describe:
  • the type of exterior wall-covering materials.
The inspector shall report as in need of correction:
  • any improper spacing between intermediate balusters, spindles and rails.
The inspector is not required to:
  • inspect or operate screens, storm windows, shutters, awnings, fences, outbuildings, or exterior accent lighting.
  • inspect items that are not visible or readily accessible from the ground, including window and door flashing.
  • inspect or identify geological, geotechnical, hydrological or soil conditions.
  • inspect recreational facilities or playground equipment.
  • inspect seawalls, break-walls or docks.
  • inspect erosion-control or earth-stabilization measures.
  • inspect for safety-type glass.
  • inspect underground utilities.
  • inspect underground items.
  • inspect wells or springs.
  • inspect solar, wind or geothermal systems.
  • inspect swimming pools or spas.
  • inspect wastewater treatment systems, septic systems or cesspools.
  • inspect irrigation or sprinkler systems.
  • inspect drain-fields or dry wells.
  • determine the integrity of multiple-pane window glazing or thermal window seals.
2. HVAC
HEATING
The inspector shall inspect:
  • the heating system, using normal operating controls.
The inspector shall describe:
  • the location of the thermostat for the heating system;
  • the energy source; and
  • the heating method.
The inspector shall report as in need of correction:
  • any heating system that did not operate; and
  • if the heating system was deemed inaccessible.
The inspector is not required to:
  • inspect, measure, or evaluate the interior of flues or chimneys, fire chambers, heat exchangers, combustion air
  • systems, fresh-air intakes, makeup air, humidifiers, dehumidifiers, electronic air filters, geothermal systems, or solar heating systems.
  • inspect fuel tanks or underground or concealed fuel supply systems.
  • determine the uniformity, temperature, flow, balance, distribution, size, capacity, BTU, or supply adequacy of the heating system.
  • light or ignite pilot flames.
  • activate heating, heat pump systems, or other heating systems when ambient temperatures or other circumstances are not conducive to safe operation or may damage the equipment.
  • override electronic thermostats.
  • evaluate fuel quality.
  • verify thermostat calibration, heat anticipation, or automatic setbacks, timers, programs or clocks.
  • measure or calculate the air for combustion, ventilation, or dilution of flue gases for appliances.
COOLING
The inspector shall inspect:
  • the cooling system, using normal operating controls.
The inspector shall describe:
  • the location of the thermostat for the cooling system; and
  • the cooling method.
The inspector shall report as in need of correction:
  • any cooling system that did not operate; and
  • if the cooling system was deemed inaccessible.
The inspector is not required to:
  • determine the uniformity, temperature, flow, balance, distribution, size, capacity, BTU, or supply adequacy of the cooling system.
  • inspect portable window units, through-wall units, or electronic air filters. 
  • operate equipment or systems if the exterior temperature is below 65° Fahrenheit, or when other circumstances are not conducive to safe operation or may damage the equipment. 
  • inspect or determine thermostat calibration, cooling anticipation, or automatic setbacks or clocks. 
  • examine electrical current, coolant fluids or gases, or coolant leakage. 

  3. Basement/Crawlspace
BASEMENT, FOUNDATION, CRAWLSPACE & STRUCTURE
The inspector shall inspect:
  • the foundation;
  • the basement;
  • the crawlspace; and
  • structural components.
The inspector shall describe:
  • the type of foundation; and
  • the location of the access to the under-floor space.
The inspector shall report as in need of correction:
  • observed indications of wood in contact with or near soil;
  • observed indications of active water penetration;
  • observed indications of possible foundation movement, such as sheet-rock cracks, brick cracks, out-of-square door frames, and un-level floors; and
  • any observed cutting, notching and boring of framing members that may, in the inspector’s opinion, present a structural or safety concern.
The inspector is not required to:
  • enter any crawlspace that is not readily accessible, or where entry could cause damage or pose a hazard to him/herself.
  • move stored items or debris.
  • operate sump pumps with inaccessible floats.
  • identify the size, spacing, span or location or determine the adequacy of foundation bolting, bracing, joists, joist spans or support systems.
  • provide any engineering or architectural service.
  • report on the adequacy of any structural system or component.
4. Fireplace
FIREPLACE
The inspector shall inspect:
  • readily accessible and visible portions of the fireplaces and chimneys;
  • lintels above the fireplace openings;
  • damper doors by opening and closing them, if readily accessible and manually operable; and
  • cleanout doors and frames.
The inspector shall describe:
  • the type of fireplace.
The inspector shall report as in need of correction:
  • evidence of joint separation, damage or deterioration of the hearth, hearth extension or chambers;
  • manually operated dampers that did not open and close;
  • the lack of a smoke detector in the same room as the fireplace;
  • the lack of a carbon-monoxide detector in the same room as the fireplace; and
  • cleanouts not made of metal, pre-cast cement, or other non-combustible material.
The inspector is not required to:
  • inspect the flue or vent system.
  • inspect the interior of chimneys or flues, fire doors or screens, seals or gaskets, or mantels.
  • determine the need for a chimney sweep.
  • operate gas fireplace inserts.
  • light pilot flames.
  • determine the appropriateness of any installation.
  • inspect automatic fuel-fed devices.
  • inspect combustion and/or make-up air devices.
  • inspect heat-distribution assists, whether gravity-controlled or fan-assisted.
  • ignite or extinguish fires.
  • determine the adequacy of drafts or draft characteristics.
  • move fireplace inserts, stoves or firebox contents.
  • perform a smoke test.
  • dismantle or remove any component.
  • perform a National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)-style inspection.
  • perform a Phase I home inspection for fireplace and chimney.
5. Roof-Attic ROOF
The inspector shall inspect from ground level or the eaves:
  • the roof-covering materials;
  • the gutters;
  • the downspouts;
  • the vents, flashing, skylights, chimney, and other roof penetrations; and
  • the general structure of the roof from the readily accessible panels, doors or stairs.
The inspector shall describe:
  • the type of roof-covering materials.
The inspector shall report as in need of correction:
  • observed indications of active roof leaks.
The inspector is not required to:
  • walk on any roof surface.
  • predict the service life expectancy.
  • inspect underground downspout diverter drainage pipes.
  • remove snow, ice, debris or other conditions that prohibit the observation of the roof surfaces.
  • move insulation.
  • inspect antennae, satellite dishes, lightning arresters, de-icing equipment, or similar attachments.
  • walk on any roof areas that appear, in the inspector’s opinion, to be unsafe.
  • walk on any roof areas if doing so might, in the inspector’s opinion, cause damage.
  • perform a water test.
  • warrant or certify the roof.
  • confirm proper fastening or installation of any roof-covering material.
ATTIC, INSULATION & VENTILATION
​The inspector shall inspect:
  • insulation in unfinished spaces, including attics,
  • crawlspaces and foundation areas;
  • ventilation of unfinished spaces, including attics,
  • crawlspaces and foundation areas; and
  • mechanical exhaust systems in the kitchen, bathrooms and laundry area.
The inspector shall describe:
  • the type of insulation observed; and
  • the approximate average depth of insulation observed at the unfinished attic floor area or roof structure.
The inspector shall report as in need of correction:
  • the general absence of insulation or ventilation in unfinished spaces.
The inspector is not required to:
  • enter the attic or any unfinished spaces that are not readily accessible, or where entry could cause damage or, in the inspector’s opinion, pose a safety hazard.
  • move, touch or disturb insulation.
  • move, touch or disturb vapor retarders.
  • break or otherwise damage the surface finish or weather seal on or around access panels or covers.
  • identify the composition or R-value of insulation material.
  • activate thermostatically operated fans.
  • determine the types of materials used in insulation or wrapping of pipes, ducts, jackets, boilers or wiring.
  • determine the adequacy of ventilation.
6. Electrical
ELECTRICAL
The inspector shall inspect:
  • the service drop;
  • the overhead service conductors and attachment point;
  • the service head, gooseneck and drip loops;
  • the service mast, service conduit and raceway;
  • the electric meter and base;
  • service-entrance conductors;
  • the main service disconnect;
  • panelboards and over-current protection devices (circuit breakers and fuses);
  • service grounding and bonding;
  • a representative number of switches, lighting fixtures and receptacles, including receptacles observed and deemed to be arc-fault circuit interrupter (AFCI)-protected using the AFCI test button, where possible;
  • all ground-fault circuit interrupter receptacles and circuit breakers observed and deemed to be GFCIs using a GFCI tester, where possible; and
  • for the presence of smoke and carbon-monoxide detectors.
The inspector shall describe:
  • the main service disconnects amperage rating, if labeled; and
  • the type of wiring observed.
The inspector shall report as in need of correction:
  • deficiencies in the integrity of the service-entrance conductors’ insulation, drip loop, and vertical clearances from grade and roofs;
  • any unused circuit-breaker panel opening that was not filled;
  • the presence of solid conductor aluminum branch-circuit wiring, if readily visible;
  • any tested receptacle in which power was not present, polarity was incorrect, the cover was not in place, the GFCI devices were not properly installed or
  • did not operate properly, evidence of arcing or excessive heat, and where the receptacle was not grounded or was not secured to the wall; and
  • the absence of smoke and/or carbon monoxide detectors.
The inspector is not required to:
  • insert any tool, probe or device into the main panelboard, sub-panels, distribution panelboards, or electrical fixtures.
  • operate electrical systems that are shut down.
  • remove panelboard cabinet covers or dead fronts.
  • operate or re-set over-current protection devices or overload devices.
  • operate or test smoke or carbon-monoxide detectors or alarms.
  • inspect, operate or test any security, fire or alarm systems or components, or other warning or signaling systems.
  • measure or determine the amperage or voltage of the main service equipment, if not visibly labeled.
  • inspect ancillary wiring or remote-control devices.
  • activate any electrical systems or branch circuits that are not energized.
  • inspect low-voltage systems, electrical de-icing tapes, swimming pool wiring, or any time-controlled devices.
  • verify the service ground.
  • inspect private or emergency electrical supply sources, including, but not limited to: generators, windmills, photovoltaic solar collectors, or battery or
  • electrical storage facility.
  • inspect spark or lightning arrestors.
  • inspect or test de-icing equipment.
  • conduct voltage-drop calculations.
  • determine the accuracy of labeling.
  • inspect exterior lighting.
7. Plumbing
PLUMBING
​The inspector shall inspect:
  • the main water supply shut-off valve;
  • the main fuel supply shut-off valve;
  • the water heating equipment, including the energy source, venting connections, temperature/pressure-relief (TPR) valves, Watts 210 valves, and seismic bracing;
  • interior water supply, including all fixtures and faucets, by running the water;
  • all toilets for proper operation by flushing;
  • all sinks, tubs and showers for functional drainage;
  • the drain, waste and vent system; and
  • drainage sump pumps with accessible floats.
The inspector shall describe:
  • whether the water supply is public or private based upon observed evidence;
  • the location of the main water supply shut-off valve;
  • the location of the main fuel supply shut-off valve;
  • the location of any observed fuel-storage system; and
  • the capacity of the water heating equipment, if labeled.
The inspector shall report as in need of correction:
  • deficiencies in the water supply by viewing the functional flow in two fixtures operated simultaneously;
  • deficiencies in the installation of hot and cold water faucets;
  • active plumbing water leaks that were observed during the inspection; and
  • toilets that were damaged, had loose connections to the floor, were leaking, or had tank components that did not operate.
The inspector is not required to:
  • light or ignite pilot flames.
  • measure the capacity, temperature, age,
  • life expectancy or adequacy of the water heater.
  • inspect the interior of flues or chimneys, combustion air systems, water softener or filtering systems, well pumps or tanks, safety or shut-off valves, floor drains, lawn sprinkler systems, or fire sprinkler systems.
  • determine the exact flow rate, volume, pressure, temperature or adequacy of the water supply.
  • determine the water quality, potability or reliability of the water supply or source.
  • open sealed plumbing access panels.
  • inspect or test clothes washing machines or their connections.
  • operate any valve.
  • test shower pans, tub and shower surrounds or enclosures for leakage or functional overflow protection.
  • evaluate the compliance with conservation, energy or building standards, or the proper design or sizing of any water, waste or venting components, fixtures or piping.
  • determine the effectiveness of anti-siphon, back-flow prevention or drain-stop devices.
  • determine whether there are sufficient clean-outs for effective cleaning of drains.
  • evaluate fuel storage tanks or supply systems.
  • inspect wastewater treatment systems.
  • inspect water treatment systems or water filters.
  • inspect water storage tanks, pressure pumps, or bladder tanks.
  • evaluate wait time to obtain hot water at fixtures, or perform testing of any kind to water heater elements.
  • evaluate or determine the adequacy of combustion air.
  • test, operate, open or close: safety controls, manual stop valves, temperature/pressure-relief valves, control valves, or check valves.
  • examine ancillary or auxiliary systems or components, such as, but not limited to, those related to solar water heating and hot water circulation.
  • determine the existence or condition of polybutylene, polyethylene, or similar plastic piping.
  • inspect or test for gas or fuel leaks, or indications thereof.

We service the following areas
Expert 
Home Inspection Services in
Orange County
Inland Empire 
Riverside
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