ThoroughSpec · Providing Home Inspections Since 1998
Home Inspection Services in Orange County, CA
Full home inspections, pre-listing inspections, four-point insurance inspections, mold air sampling, and pool and spa inspections. Every one done by Mark Kinder himself, with a walk-through at the end and a next-business-day report.
- Providing Home Inspections Since 1998
- Our clients rate us 5.0 on Google
- InterNACHI Certified
- Next Business Day Report
What does a General Home Inspection from ThoroughSpec include?
A ThoroughSpec home inspection is a complete, roof-to-foundation look at every major system and component in the home, done by Mark Kinder himself.
A home cannot fail an inspection. A professional home inspection gives you an independent, unbiased third-party view of the overall condition of the property — so you have all the facts to make a sound, informed decision. Depending on size and condition, a thorough inspection takes between one and a half and four hours. You are encouraged to attend so you have visual reinforcement of your written report. Issues that seem overwhelming on paper are often far less intimidating when seen firsthand.
- 1.5–4 hours
- On-site walk-through included
- Written report with digital photos included
What does Mark inspect?
- Roof: roof covering, flashings, chimneys, vents, trim, gutters and downspouts, drip edges, skylights and other visible roof items.
- Attic: insulation, ventilation, rafters, joists, collar ties, trusses and visible wiring.
- Plumbing and fixtures: water pressure, water distribution, hose bibs, sinks and faucets, tubs, showers and toilets, and the drain system.
- Electrical: service entry and clearances, the service panel, switches and outlets, visible wiring and junction boxes, and grounding.
- Heating and cooling: furnace, air filtration parts, ductwork, air conditioner and lines.
- Interior: floors, walls, ceilings, stairs and banisters, cabinets, built-in appliances, and smoke detectors and other safety items.
- Foundation, crawl spaces and basements: structural items, posts, floors and walls, insulation and ventilation.
- Exterior: siding and stucco, windows, doors, vents and entryways.
- Decks, porches and fireplaces.
- Pools and spas (see pool and spa inspections below).
What kind of report do you get?
You get a clear, easy-to-read report the next business day, with digital photos throughout and a Summary Page that puts the most important items up front. After that, Mark is available by phone, email and text to answer questions.
Why should sellers get a Pre-Listing / Pre-Sale Inspection?
A pre-listing inspection shows you what a buyer's inspector is likely to find before your home goes on the market. That gives you time to decide what to repair, what to disclose and how to price the home, on your schedule rather than in the middle of escrow.
A pre-listing inspection from ThoroughSpec covers the same systems as a full home inspection. You get the same walk-through, the same easy-to-read report with photos (delivered the next business day) and the same access to Mark afterward. For sellers and listing agents, that means fewer surprises once an offer comes in.
What is a Four-Point / Homeowners Insurance Inspection?
A four-point inspection, also known as a Homeowners Insurance Inspection, looks at the four major systems of your home (roof, electrical, plumbing and HVAC) and documents them for your homeowners insurance company. Insurers use this information for underwriting and policy renewal. If your insurance company has asked for an inspection before it will write or renew your policy, this is usually the one they mean.
Here's what Mark documents, with photos:
- Roof: material, condition and approximate age.
- Electrical: the panel, including its make and the wiring type.
- Plumbing: plumbing type and condition, including the main line, the water heater and visible piping under sinks.
- HVAC: the heater and air conditioner are operated, evaluated and photographed.
Requirements vary by insurance company, so check with your agent or carrier about what they need and whether they use a specific form. Then call or text Mark for a quick turnaround.
How does a Mold Inspection (Air Sampling) work?
Mark collects air samples from the home and sends them to a laboratory for analysis. The lab results show what types of mold spores are in the air and in what amounts, compared with a sample taken outside the home.
Buyers and homeowners usually ask for air sampling when:
- There's a musty smell they can't place.
- The home has a history of leaks or water damage.
- They want more information before they close on a home.
When the lab results come back, Mark explains what they mean in plain English. Air sampling tells you what's in the air. It doesn't remove mold, and it isn't a medical test. If the results point to a problem, you'll know where you stand before you decide your next step, which may include talking with a mold remediation company.
What does a Pool & Spa Inspection cover?
A pool and spa inspection checks the surface, tile, equipment and safety features of the pool or spa, and Mark runs the equipment to see how it operates. In Orange County, a pool can be one of the most expensive features on the property, so it deserves more than a quick glance.
Mark looks at:
- Surfaces and tile: visible condition of the pool or spa shell, tile and coping.
- Equipment: pump, filter, heater and controls, operated to check function.
- Leaks you can see: above-ground checks of the equipment and visible plumbing for signs of leaking.
- Safety: visible safety concerns around the pool area, such as gates, barriers and equipment wiring.
You can add a pool and spa inspection to a full home inspection, or book it on its own.
Why choose ThoroughSpec for your inspection?
Whatever you book, you get the same things every time:
- You always get Mark. Unlike big multi-inspector firms, ThoroughSpec doesn't rotate inspectors.
- Providing home inspections since 1998. Mark inspects homes across Southern California and has a background in construction, termite and appraisal.
- A walk-through at the end of every inspection. You see what Mark found, not just read about it.
- A next-business-day report with photos and a Summary Page.
- Answers after the inspection by phone, email and text.
- InterNACHI Certified, member #NACHI06032194, 15-year member.
- Our clients rate us 5.0 on Google.
Service areas
Where does ThoroughSpec inspect homes?
ThoroughSpec inspects homes throughout Orange, Los Angeles and Riverside counties and parts of San Bernardino County, from an office in Garden Grove.
FAQ
Home inspection service questions
How much does a home inspection cost in Orange County?
ThoroughSpec Home Inspections prices each inspection based on the features of the home. If you are using only one factor when choosing your inspector, make it experience — the inspection fee is a short-term cost, but a missed finding can have costly long-term implications. Call or text (714) 404-3392 for your fee and to schedule.
How long does a home inspection take?
Depending on size and condition, a thorough ThoroughSpec inspection takes between one and a half and four hours. You are encouraged to attend, and Mark walks you through his findings at the end.
When will I get my inspection report?
You get your report the next business day. It's easy to read, with digital photos throughout and a Summary Page. Mark also walks you through his findings at the end of the inspection.
Do you inspect pools and spas?
Yes. Mark inspects pool and spa surfaces, tile and equipment, runs the equipment and checks for visible leaks. You can add a pool and spa inspection to a full home inspection or book it on its own.
What is a four-point inspection?
A four-point inspection, also known as a Homeowners Insurance Inspection, documents the roof, electrical, plumbing and HVAC systems for your homeowners insurance company, usually for underwriting or policy renewal. Ask your insurance company what they need, then call or text Mark to schedule.
Ready to schedule your inspection?
Call or text Mark at (714) 404-3392 for your fee, Monday through Saturday, 8am to 8pm, or request your inspection online.