Home Inspection FAQ

Q. What is a home inspection?

A home inspection is an examination of a home's condition. It provides an impartial evaluation of each of the components of the home.

Q. What does a GCIS home inspection include?

We review all of the visible and accessible parts of the home, which includes both the interior and exterior. Your inspector will provide you with an easy-to-understand written report, subsequent to the inspection, with information on the foundation system, the structural system, the electrical system, the plumbing and heating systems, and the roofing and waterproofing systems. In addition, GCIS inspectors assess the quality and condition of the attic and basement areas, garage, any visible insulation, walls, ceilings, floors, windows and doors.

Q. How much does it cost?

Prices vary according to the property type and size, and on the number of units, when applicable. Please contact us to obtain a quote for pricing.

Q. Do I have to attend the inspection?

We strongly urge you to attend the inspection if you can. Doing so will enable you to better understand the outcome of the evaluation by watching the inspector go through each part of the house, and will prompt you to ask relevant questions that may arise.

Q. What if I have additional questions after the inspection?

Please feel free to contact us at any time if you find that you have questions that were not addressed at the time of the inspection or in your comprehensive report. We will have your inspector review the report and contact you immediately.

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

It takes between 24 - 48 hours to compose the report and deliver it to you.

Q. Do you perform any work on the house?

No; in fact, this is why you can trust that you will receive an accurate and impartial review of the home's condition. As an independent party, we don't perform any repairs to the house, which eliminates any conflict of interest.

Q. Why should I have a home inspection done?

Purchasing a home is a major investment. Having a licensed home inspector inspect the home before you buy gives you peace of mind on that investment. It is our responsibility to make sure that you are well informed about the property you are about to purchase. Our inspectors will evaluate the overall condition of the building and its systems, while noting specific problems that could potentially be very costly to you in the future. Aside from determining what the major issues with the house are, our inspectors are experts in home maintenance and will be able to answer questions you may have about maintaining your home, which can save you a lot of time and money. The inspector will also ascertain the positive elements of the building and be able to identify what type of maintenance will be necessary in order to keep those elements in good working condition.

Q. Why should I choose GCIS?

GCIS is an industry leader in Bay Area home inspections. Founded in 1977, GCIS has a history of building inspections in the area. GCIS inspectors are uniquely experienced with problems typical to the Bay Area, including problems caused by climate and environment. Our inspectors are all current members of ASHI and each inspector brings between ten and thirty years of experience to GCIS. To learn more about ASHI, please see our Related Links. The inspections that GCIS provides adhere to ASHI's Standards of Practice. Our inspectors' experience comes from such diverse but related fields as civil engineering, architecture, construction and building development. GCIS inspectors take pride in providing the most thorough and comprehensible home inspection experiences.

Q. Can you do inspections for other properties besides homes?

Yes. We provide inspections for both commercial and residential properties, including mixed-use properties, houses, multi-unit buildings and condos.