Q. When should I schedule the property inspection?

The best time to do this is right after you’ve made your offer. The real estate contract usually allows for a grace period to inspect the building – make sure your real estate agent includes the inspection clause in the contract, making your obligation to buy contingent upon a professional inspection. Sometimes it’s possible to renegotiate the offer based on what the inspection reveals.

Q. Must I attend the inspection?

Not necessary, but strongly recommended. The walkthrough will prompt you to ask questions, and you will better understand the written report when it arrives.

Q. How long does the inspection take?

Depending on the size, type, and condition of the property, an inspection by David Milazzo usually takes one and a half to three hours. The written narrative report that follows includes clear descriptions of what was found and identifies any material defects. The report is thorough, comprehensive, and easy-to-understand.

Q. How long does it take to get the inspection report?

We pride ourselves on our fast turnaround. The report will be completed by midnight the day of the inspection and then emailed to everyone concerned. The hardcopy, with David Milazzo's signature, will be mailed the following morning.

Q. What if I have further questions after the property inspection?

We welcome follow up questions. Feel free to contact us any time after you've received the report.

Q. What are the inspection fees?

Prices vary according to the property type and size, and if it's a multi-unit building, the number of units to be inspected. Contact us to obtain a price.

Q. Can you perform any work on the property?

No. In fact, this is why you can trust that you will receive an accurate and impartial review of the property's condition. As an independent, disinterested party, we do not perform any repairs to the property, which eliminates any possible conflict of interest.

Q. Are property inspectors licensed by the State?

Home inspection is a relatively new profession in California and not yet licensed by the state. It's wise to choose your home inspector with the following criteria in mind:

Professional Standards

Standards for home inspectors have been established by the California Real Estate Inspection Association (CREIA) and American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI), recognized in California statutes. Milazzo Inpsection Services complies with these professional standards.

Experience

David Milazzo is a licensed California contractor who has performed more than 5000 property inspections in the San Francisco Bay Area and has extensive training, including continuing education.

Insurance

Milazzo Inspection Services carries Errors and Omissions and General Liability insurance.

Avoid Price Shopping.

Remember that old adage, you get what you pay for. Considering that a home is the most expensive article you are likely to purchase or sell in a lifetime, it’s wise to get the most thorough inspection available.

Q. I’m about to sell my property – is an inspection warranted?

Eventually your buyers are going to conduct an inspection. You may as well know what they are going to find by getting there first. There are also legal ramifications that make a pre-sale inspection a wise step.

Q. The property I want to buy is brand new. Do I really need an inspection?

In a word, YES! For new construction, David Milazzo highlights punch list items (items that the contractor missed or neglected to complete), which is ideal for new lofts and condominiums. For a full list of components covered, see Inspection Overview.

Q. Why should I choose Milazzo Inspection Services?

Milazzo Inspection Services is the industry leader in San Francisco Bay Area residential property inspections. We’re on the approved vendor lists of many Bay Area real estate brokerages.

Realtors, take note: We are fully insured for liability, errors, and omissions, including referring brokers and agents

David Milazzo, who performs all the inspections, is a licensed General Building Contractor with many years of remodeling and building experience. He is uniquely knowledgeable about problems typical of the Bay Area – especially with San Francisco and its older buildings. He welcomes questions, both at the physical inspection and after the written report is delivered. For more information about David, see Meet David Milazzo.