Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to questions you may have about our services
No way. California does not require any minimum qualifications or testing for home inspectors, so inspectors are free to choose what and how much they wish to learn. Every company varies with regard to building knowledge, experience, inspection methods, reports and ethics, yes ethics.
The Mazza Inspection Group Inspectors are all licensed contractors who live, eat and breathe building code. We work hard to keep up to date on all things building and building code related so you get the most knowledgeable inspector possible. We work for our buyers and their families and we never ever compromise our integrity or ethics for the sake of the deal nor are we beholden to anyone.
The Mazza Inspection Group Inspectors are all licensed contractors who live, eat and breathe building code. We work hard to keep up to date on all things building and building code related so you get the most knowledgeable inspector possible. We work for our buyers and their families and we never ever compromise our integrity or ethics for the sake of the deal nor are we beholden to anyone.
It really makes no difference if an inspector belongs to an association or which one he / she belongs to. Most memberships require only minimal educational requirements and that the member pay a yearly fee.
Every inspector should carry error and omissions and general liability insurance.
The home inspection, although it should be thorough and meticulous, is only a snapshot of the condition of a house on a given day at a certain hour. Things can, and do change from the time inspections take place and the buyer moves into the house.
Price of course will always be a factor with any purchase but most likely, you will not have a second opportunity to get another inspection if you aren’t happy with your first choice. You should make your decision based on qualifications and experience. You know the old saying, “You get what you pay for…” well it has never been more true than it is with home inspectors. With the home inspection industry; Knowledge, experience and reports and reporting styles are all over the map, so choose wisely.
With regard to our fees, we never offer discounts simply because we offer a superior service. However, that said, let us know if you are just-a little-short of our fee and depending on the building, we’ll see what we can do.
With regard to our fees, we never offer discounts simply because we offer a superior service. However, that said, let us know if you are just-a little-short of our fee and depending on the building, we’ll see what we can do.
Yes, it is our top priority to look for any types of hazards that would pose a threat to human life. This would include, barriers, electrical and other types of hazards in, on or around the pool / spa. Our number one concern is the safety of our clients and anyone who may have access into a yard or facility containing a swimming pool or spa.
A typical pool / spa inspection will typically take anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour. Larger pools and systems can take as long as 1-2 hours.
Yes, most pools and spas are constructed together and share the same equipment. In some cases, stand-alone spas separate from the pool body will require more time and thus the fee may be slightly higher.
Although we have experience in leak detection, we don’t have the capacity during a typical pool inspection to fulfill this task, nor is it part of our services. We do, however, work closely with some of Los Angeles top pool construction, forensic and leak detection companies should it be necessary.
We do not inspect solar water heating systems for swimming pools. We will, however, comment of issues associated with these systems.
Our expertise is with in-ground swimming pool and spa systems. So for some, we regrettably don’t perform inspections on these units.
Your pool inspection fee is discounted by half if you are also ordering a home inspection done by The Mazza Inspection Group.
Every object emits thermal energy. Thermography is the interpretation of the infrared reading taken when certain colors are assigned to particular temperature and represented in a thermogram. Infrared cameras to not need light to take a picture because it is taking temperature readings.
An infrared camera cannot literally see through walls. Images are comprised using colors assigned to a particular temperature emitted from an object. When we look at a wall for example, and if there is moisture within that wall, that moisture will show a “cooler” temperature signature within the imager.
No, you can’t detect mold with an infrared camera but it can help to locate mold by identifying wet locations or moisture that are conducive to mold growth.
Yes, electrical hazards are typically identified as being hot or high temperature areas. Using an infrared camera, anomalies or hot spots can be seen what the naked eye cannot.
Inspections of all types can be done without the use of destructive testing. Predictive maintenance (PdM) assessments can be performed on roof systems, equipment and machinery without having to interrupt production. Moisture intrusion can be identified within walls, ceilings and floors. Electrical safety failure can be identified through heat emission detection. Energy efficiency can be evaluated by scans of the building envelope.
A sewer drain camera inspection allows you to see the inside of the sewer pipes for any existing or potential problems. The camera enters the plumbing typically through an available clean out. The camera is equipped with a light so that the interior of the lines area clearly visible for all parties to view from the monitor. This video is recorded and passed on to the buyer or home owner on a cd with a report of problems and approximate costs for repairs if applicable.
If you are a current home owner experiencing a drain problem, a sewer scope can help you to identify the potential cause. If you are a home buyer and the home is in an area with mature trees, especially in the front yard, a sewer scope can help you determine the condition of the pipes so that when you move in you don’t have any surprise backups that may have not been revealed by the occupants or general inspection. You may also want to check the condition prior to doing any major landscaping or hard-scaping in the front yard.
There may be subsurface drains around your property or around your pool that allow excess water to drain from your yard, typically to the street from a hole in the curb. These drains can also be clogged with objects or debris, especially if the drain covers are missing or broken. There is no actual way to know if they are clogged without extensive testing or the use of a camera scope.
Your drain camera scope inspection fee is discounted if you are also ordering a home inspection done by The Mazza Inspection Group.
A chimney / fireplace inspection is a thorough evaluation of the exterior and interior of a chimney to discover any hazards, ventilation obstructions, deterioration, damage or build-ups that could be a potential safety issue when used. There are three levels of inspection which are described in detail in the Inspection Levels page.
A chimney / fireplace inspection should be done on a yearly basis to ensure safety of operation. They should also be completed during a home sale or transfer by either the seller or the buyer.
A level 2 inspection is a specialized inspection that uses advanced tools and cameras to search for hazards or defects that may exist in difficult to access areas of the chimney. This inspection does not include destructive testing or dismantling / removing parts.
Scans are normally comprised of an extensive evaluation without destructive testing. Our level 2 inspection includes a cd with the video scan of the chimney flue, a detailed computer generated report which includes estimated repair costs.
Yes, as years pass, there is more chance of cracks and damage due to seismic activity or use. Chimneys may also get clogged with debris, causing a significant hazard when the fireplace is in use.
Your level II chimney scan inspection fee is discounted if you are also ordering a home inspection done by Mazza Inspection Group.
Moisture can enter a structure through vulnerable areas in the building envelope. This moisture if gone unnoticed, can cause severe damage of building materials. Over time, even a small leak can cause the deterioration of wood or drywall and can even cause mold, which can lead to health hazards.
No one can actually see inside the walls without using destructive testing which means that they have to tear away areas to find out where the moisture is or may be coming from. With the use of thermography or an infrared camera we are able to detect the moisture within the wall, minimizing or eliminating the need for destructive testing.
Shower pans that are constructed with tile, stone or other materials require specific water proofing methods and permits from the local building authority to ensure that it has been completed in the proper manner. If a shower pan is not water tight, and allows moisture to pass through into the walls, deterioration of the building materials, dry rot of wood and mold can take place within the walls or underneath the shower. Shower pans should be tested after initial construction and periodically to ensure that they are water tight.
Although prospective building owners may know current conditions or have records of maintenance for equipment and other systems, a comprehensive inspection will provide a buyer an idea of how long a system will last and any possible repairs that are necessary currently or in the near future. This vital information can be considered prudent in the cost effectiveness or investment in which they are making.
Sewer drain lines from the structure to the street are the responsibility of the owner. Camera scopes can identify existing or potential problems which could save the cost of future repairs, replacement or damage resulting from these problems. This can be beneficial for current owners or potential owners during the pre-purchase inspection process.
Infrared inspections on flat roof systems, electrical systems and equipment / machinery can aide in identifying current and potential problems that can lead to damage or catastrophic conditions. Costly repairs and safety necessities can be identified before the
Yearly inspections can be valuable in providing a building owner with current conditions, necessary repairs, and suggested maintenance which can be cost effective and provide for a safe environment of the employees or occupants. Additionally, some insurance and risk management companies can require specific inspections prior to the renewal of a policy.