Residential Pre-Purchase Inspections

New and Older properties

Parra Building Consultants (PBC) are experts in inspecting older/historic buildings. We have inspected many of the Gas Lamp commercial buildings for existing conditions as well as pre-purchase conditions for potential buyers. We are also long time members of San Diego Historical Society and Save Our Heritage Organization.

In California anyone can inspect your property. There are no licensing requirements what so ever. If you think this sounds dangerous, you're right.

It is up to you, the consumer, to educate yourself on what makes an inspector qualified to inspect your new home.

Dennis Parra, MCI and Dennis Parra II, MCI and the rest of the team have passed the test of time completing over 20,000 inspections. They are experienced, have advanced education and are active professional members in the following trade groups:

California Real Estate Inspection Association CREIA

American Society of Home Inspectors ASHI

Forensic Consultants Association

Roof Consultants Institute

Roofing Contractors Association RCA

Construction Specification Institute

International Conference of Building Officials

Better Understanding of Roofing Systems Institute

National Association of Home Builders

What an Inspection Covers

At Parra Building Consultants, our residential inspection reports not only meet the Standard of Practice of the California Real Estate Inspection Association & American Society of Home Inspectors, our residential reports exceed the Standards.

Some of the items included are:

1. Foundation, Basement, and Under-floor Areas
   1. Foundation system
   2. Floor framing system
   3. Under-floor ventilation
   4. Foundation anchoring and cripple wall bracing
   5. Wood separation from soil
   6. Insulation
2. Exterior
   1. Surface grade directly adjacent to the buildings
   2. Doors and windows
   3. Attached decks, porches, patios, balconies, stairways, and their enclosures
   4. Wall cladding and trim
   5. Portions of walkways and driveways that are adjacent to the buildings
3. Roof Covering
   1. Covering
   2. Drainage
   3. Flashings
   4. Penetrations
   5. Skylights
4. Attic Areas and Roof Framing
   1. Framing
   2. Ventilation
   3. Insulation
5. Plumbing
   1. Water supply piping
   2. Drain, waste, and vent piping
   3. Faucets and fixtures
   4. Fuel gas piping
   5. Water heaters
   6. Functional flow and functional drainage
6. Electrical
   1. Service equipment
   2. Electrical panels
   3. Circuit wiring
   4. Switches, receptacles, outlets, and lighting fixtures
7. Heating and Cooling
   1. Heating equipment
   2. Central cooling equipment
   3. Energy source and connections
   4. Combustion air and exhaust vent systems
   5. Condensate drainage
   6. Conditioned air distribution systems
8. Fireplaces and Chimneys
   1. Chimney exterior
   2. Spark arrestor
   3. Firebox
   4. Damper
   5. Hearth extension
9. Building Interior
   1. Walls, ceilings, and floors
   2. Doors and windows
   3. Stairways, handrails, and guardrails
   4. Permanently installed cabinets
   5. Permanently installed cook-tops, mechanical range vents, ovens, dishwashers, and food waste disposers
   6. Absence of smoke alarms
   7. Vehicle doors and openers

Parra Building Consultants Inc.
3127 Kalmia St.
San Diego, CA 92104