San Luis Obispo, California Home Inspector. Leading Home Inspection Company Providing Professional Home Inspections in San Luis Obispo, Santa Maria, Morro Bay, and Pismo Beach areas in Central California. We serve the California Central Coast communities of San Luis Obispo, Santa Maria, Arroyo Grande, Cambria, Los Osos, Morro Bay, Lompoc, Paso Robles, Pismo Beach, Santa Ynez, Solvang, and others.

Following are some of the many items that are inspected and reported on during the course of our inspection. These items are examined for material defects that would significantly affect the value, desirability, or safety of the dwelling:

1. Foundations, basements and underfloor areas- including but not limited to: foundations and support components; ventilation; insulation; access openings; wood separation from soil; drainage and sump pumps; seismic anchoring and bracing.

2. Building exteriors- including but not limited to: surface grade; hardscaping; site drainage; wall coverings; doors and windows; attached appurtenances (decks, balconies, porches, stairs, railings and walkways, etc.).

3. Roof coverings- including but not limited to: roof coverings; flashings; vents; skylights; roof penetrations; roof drainage.

4. Attic areas and roof framing- including but not limited to: framing and sheathing; access openings; insulation; ventilation.

5. Plumbing systems- including but not limited to: supply, waste and vent piping; plumbing fixtures, faucets and drains; water heating equipment; functional flow of water supply; functional drainage at fixtures; gas piping and connectors.

6. Electrical systems- including but not limited to: service conductors, service equipment and capacity; panels and overcurrent protection devices; service and equipment grounding; wiring; switches: receptacles and light fixtures.

7. Heating systems- including but not limited to: heating equipment; venting systems; combustion and ventilating air; energy sources and connections; distribution systems.

8. Central cooling systems- including but not limited to: cooling equipment; distribution systems; energy sources and connections; condensate drainage.

9. Fireplaces and chimneys- including but not limited to: chimneys; flues and dampers; fireboxes, hearth extensions and accessories; solid-fuel and gas-burning appliances.

10. Building interiors- including but not limited to: walls, ceilings and floors; security bars; ventilation; doors and windows; stairs; railings; cabinets and counters; safety glazing; smoke detector placement; laundry provisions; built-in appliances.

For more detailed information about what it is we inspect (and do not inspect), you can download a copy of the CREIA and/or ASHI Standards of Practice at the links provided below (Adobe Acrobat Reader required). 



CREIA Standards of Practice


ASHI Standards of Practice


If you click on the link below, you can download and review a copy of the Standard Real Estate Inspection Agreement used by Camelot. Please don't hesitate to give us a call if you have any questions concerning this agreement.


Standard Real Estate Inspection Agreement

Once we've completed the inspection, the inspection report will follow directly, usually within 24 hours. Our detailed narrative report, which includes photos, takes the guess work out of reading an inspection report, making it easier for you to better understand the condition of the home and assist you in your purchase decision. And, if you so desire, we are able to speed up the delivery process by sending you the report via email.

If we have not yet convinced you that you are far better off using the services of Camelot than those of a "competitor", we suggest that you compare our inspection report with the reports issued by the other companies in the area. You will soon discover that most companies are still issuing their customers a report that is commonly referred to as a "checklist". Not only is this type of reporting method considered obsolete, it is the reporting system preferred by most new and inexperienced inspectors.

To view a sample Inspection Report issued by Camelot Home Inspection Services, please click on the link below.


Sample Camelot Real Estate Inspection Report


Answers to Common Questions

What is a home inspection?

A home inspection is an objective visual examination of the physical structure and systems of a home, from the roof to the foundation. Having a home inspected is like giving it a physical check-up. If problems or symptoms are found, the inspector may recommend further evaluation.

Why do I need a home inspection?

The purchase of a home is probably the largest single investment you will ever make. You should learn as much as you can about the condition of the property and the need for any major repairs before you buy, so that you can minimize unpleasant surprises and difficulties afterwards. Of course, a home inspection also points out the positive aspects of a home, as well as the maintenance that will be necessary to keep it in good shape. After the inspection, you will have a much clearer understanding of the property you are about to purchase.

If you are already a home owner, a home inspection may be used to identify problems in the making and to learn preventive measures which might avoid costly future repairs. If you are planning to sell your home, you may wish to have an inspection prior to placing your home on the market. This will give you a better understanding of conditions which may be discovered by the buyer's inspector, and an opportunity to make repairs that will put the house in better selling condition.

Can't I do it myself?

Even the most experienced home owner lacks the knowledge and expertise of a professional home inspector who has inspected thousands of homes in his or her career. An inspector is familiar with the many elements of home construction, their proper installation, and maintenance. He understands how the home's systems and components are intended to function together, as well as how and why they fail. In addition, most homebuyers find it very difficult to remain completely objective and unemotional about the house they really want, and this may affect their judgment. For the most accurate information, it is best to obtain an impartial third-party opinion by an expert in the field of home inspection.

Can a house fail an inspection?

No. A professional home inspection is an examination of the current condition of your prospective home. It is not an appraisal, which determines market value, or a municipal inspection, which verifies local code compliance. A home inspector, therefore, will not pass or fail a house, but rather describe its physical condition and indicate what may need repair or replacement.

What is the American Society of Home Inspectors®?

The American Society of Home Inspectors® (ASHI®) is America's oldest and leading non-profit professional association for independent home inspectors.

Since its formation in 1976, ASHI®'s Standards of Practice have served as the home inspector's performance guideline, universally recognized and accepted by professional and government authorities alike. Copies of the Standards are available free from ASHI®.

ASHI®'s professional Code of Ethics prohibits Members from engaging in conflict of interest activities which might compromise their objectivity. This is the consumer's assurance that the inspector will not, for example, use the inspection to solicit or refer repair work.

In order to assist home inspectors in furthering their education, ASHI® sponsors a number of technical seminars and workshops throughout the year, often in cooperation with one of its nearly 50 Chapters. ASHI® also serves as a public interest group by providing accurate and helpful consumer information to home buyers on home purchasing and home maintenance.

Who belongs to ASHI®?

ASHI members are independent professional home inspectors who have met the most rigorous technical and experience requirements in effect today. To become an ASHI® Member, an inspector must pass two written technical exams, have performed a minimum of 250 professional fee-paid home inspections, and maintained his or her candidate status for no less than six months. ASHI® Members are required to follow the Society's Code of Ethics, and to obtain continuing education credits in order to keep current with the latest in building technology, materials, and professional skills.

Do I have to be there for the inspection?

It is not necessary for you to be present for the inspection, but it is highly recommended. You will be able to observe the inspector and ask questions directly, as you learn about the condition of the home, how its systems work, and how to maintain it. You will also find the written report easier to understand if you've seen the property first-hand through the inspector's eyes.

What if the report reveals problems?

No house is perfect. If the inspector identifies problems, it doesn't necessarily mean you shouldn't buy the house, only that you will know in advance what to expect. A seller may adjust the purchase price or contract terms if major problems are found. If your budget is tight, or if you don't wish to become involved in future repair work, this information will be extremely important to you.

If the house proves to be in good condition, did I really need an inspection?

Absolutely. Now you can complete the purchase with full peace of mind. You will also have learned many things about your new home from the inspector's written report, and will want to keep that information for future reference.

Most of the information above has been provided courtesy of the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI).

California Cities Served:

Arroyo Grande, Atascadero, Baywood, Buellton, Cambria, Cayucas, Goleta, Guadalupe, Grover Beach, Santa Maria, San Luis Obispo, Lompoc, Los Olivos, Los Osos, Morro Bay, Nipomo, Oceano, Orcutt, Paso Robles, Pismo Beach, Santa Margarita, Santa Ynez, San Simeon, Shell Beach, Solvang, and Templeton.

To provide our clients with the best possible home inspection report,
we proudly use InspectMaster Home Inspection Software.