The Log Lady's Guide to Home Inspections

The Log Lady's Guide to Home Inspections

The log has seen many houses. It doesn't lie about the roof, and neither does a good inspection.

Before you fall for the built-ins, the light through the west window, the little reading nook that feels like it was made for you, sit for a moment with the log. Let it tell you what to look for. Home inspections might not be the romantic part of buying a house, but they're the part that protects the romance for years to come.

Here's what the log wants you to know.

The Roof
A roof holds the whole story of a house, its age, its wear, the years it has left. Ask your inspector for that number. A damn fine roof buys you peace of mind for a decade or more.

The Foundation
Cracks happen. Your inspector can read them the way the log reads the wind, with real clarity. That clarity is worth its weight in gold.

Plumbing & Electrical
These are the parts of a house nobody photographs and everybody depends on. Ask about the age of the water heater, the panel, the pipes. Knowing where things stand early means you get to plan for them on your own timeline.

Heating & Cooling
San Diego is gentle on an HVAC system most of the year, which makes it easy to overlook. Ask when it was last serviced. A well-maintained system is a quiet, reliable thing, exactly what you want humming along in the background of your life.

Pests & Moisture
Termites, dry rot, a little dampness here and there. These show up in the report so you can plan for them before you're unpacking boxes.

Trust the Report
A house can feel exactly right and still have a few things worth addressing before closing. That's what negotiation is for. The inspection is there to help you walk in with your eyes open and your excitement fully intact.

The log doesn't lie about the roof. Get the inspection. Always get the inspection.