Property Inspections 101 – Two Different Choices

March 10, 2011 by Chase Pacific

Recently, Chase Pacific was asked what the difference was between a traditional whole house property inspection and a less invasive rental property inspection.  In an effort to better serve the owners of the properties which are managed by Chase Pacific, following is an excellent example of the difference offered by a vendor of ours, Capstone Home Inspection Services:

 Traditional Property Inspection is performed at a level minimally meeting and in most cases exceeding the California Real Estate Inspection Associations’ (CREIA) Standards of Procedures (SOP).  These inspections are usually performed for purchasers who want a full detailed inspection of a home that they are considering purchasing. Occasionally, they are performed by sellers before listing their homes for sale to identify items that need attention so they can be addressed up front so not to hinder the sale once an offer has been made.  These inspections usually take anywhere from 3 to 4  hours to perform for a medium sized home.  The report generally takes 2 hours or so to complete once the inspection has been completed.  Obviously, this type of inspection is very detailed, takes time to generate and is more costly than a more general inspection

 Rental Property Inspection has been created as a highly customized high level inspection for the Rental Property Management Professional such as Chase Pacific.  It has been said that renters do not necessarily care for a property as well as a true owner would.  Tenants will call regarding a “Maintenance Required” issue such as a clogged toilet, dishwasher that is non-operational, broken window, and other similar issues. We as property managers usually learn of these items fairly quickly.  The Rental Property Inspection is a quick look to see if the nice lady who moved in a couple of years ago is now the “Cat Lady”. A fast look under sinks to ensure there aren’t small plumbing water drips that in a few months are going to cost thousands of dollars in a mold remediation clean up. That the water heater and or HVAC are nearing the end of their useful lives and you should start budgeting for replacement.  A general inspection of the flooring, windows and outlets is also performed.  Basically this is a fast, high level inspection completed in about an hour or so and the report takes about an hour to complete.

The fee for these inspections is of course less than a traditional CREIA inspection and can be easily modified to fit your needs. 

As a San Diego based property management company that provides professional management services to single family homes, condos and apartment houses throughout the county, we typically recommend that an owner consider completing a rental inspection in between each tenancy or at the least, every couple of years.  The reason for this is that it is typically easier and less costly to provide preventative maintenance than it is to be reactionary and provide emergency maintenance.  It also assists us, as your preferred management company in working with you on remaining consistent with regard to your long-term plans for your rental property.  A qualified rental inspection is a sure way to assist in the long-term enhancement of the worth of your most valued asset – your rental property!

Category: Tips for San Diego Property Management Owners