About Alpine Construction and Home Buyers Services

Alpine Home Buyers Inspection Services is an independently owned and professionally operated home inspection business. Detailed inspection services are offered to buyers, sellers, owners, real estate agents, attorneys, investors, lenders, institutions, insurance companies, associations, property managers and others, regarding the physical condition of residential and small commercial properties.

We are based in Napa, California and primarily serve Napa, Sonoma and Solano counties. Home inspections are performed 7 days a week and are conducted in accordance with the CREIA* Standards of Practice. We provide our clients with dedicated and professional experience not only in evaluation, but also in cost effective solutions and preventative maintenance recommendations.

E & O Insured

Home inspectors do not provide warranties or guaranties with their inspections and reports. They shed light on risk, but cannot eliminate it. For this reason, most home inspection companies including Alpine Home Buyers Inspection Services will not perform work unless the client signs an Inspection Agreement detailing the scope of the work, the limitations, exceptions, exclusions, and the confidentiality of the report.

Buyers should not rely on the inspection as any form of insurance policy against any latent, hidden, concealed or future defects and deficiencies.

Alpine Home Buyers Inspection Services carries E&O insurance for professional liability that provides coverage for actual or alleged Errors and Omissions in the inspection report. We also carry a general liability insurance policy that provides coverage while we are on the job. In addition there is a referral coverage that extends to include real estate agents, brokers, lending institutions, relocation companies, etc to indemnify the referring party for an inspection.

Our Inspection

Our residential and commercial inspections are a comprehensive, visual examination of the physical structure and systems of those easily accessible areas that an inspector can clearly see as they appeared and functioned at the time of the inspection. No destructive testing or dismantling is done during the course of an inspection, hence an inspector can only tell a client what was clearly in evidence at the time and date of the inspection. 

Alpine Home Buyers Inspection Services will perform inspections that meet or exceed the CREIA* Standards of Practice. 

We focus our inspections on five key areas:

• Site drainage
• Foundation and crawlspace
• Roof and attic areas 
• Living space
• Building Exterior 

Inspectors typically will look for a host of red flags, tell-tale clues, and signs for defects, deficiencies, and safety hazards. As the inspector completes an area, they will discuss the findings with the clients noting both the positive and negative aspects.

The prospective buyer or homeowner is encouraged to be present at the time of the inspection to observe the inspector, and to ask questions directly to learn about the condition of the building, how its systems work, and how to maintain it. 

You will also find that the inspection report will be easier to understand if you have seen the property first-hand through the inspector's eyes. 

Your Home Inspection Report

Alpine Home Buyers Inspection Services uses a checklist and full narrative format that combines the best features of two reporting techniques into a comprehensive, easy to follow inspection report. The checklist ensures that all of the hundreds of items to be inspected are covered. The written comments further explain the findings and address any non-standard areas. 

Although a home may have potential concerns, a professional home inspection can put the concerns into the proper perspective. We understand the difference between major and minor problems and can communicate the difference in an effective, objective and unbiased fashion.

All information is explained in simple terms with the hardcopy report being sent by postal mail and arriving within a day or two. Faxed copies of the report can also be sent within 24 hours, so you will have the necessary information to make a worry-free decision with knowledge and confidence.

Who's the cheapest?  Inspectors all look at the same things right? 

No, not even close. You may save $50 by choosing a cheaper inspector, but he could easily miss $1,000 in problems. Usually, the best inspectors are not the cheapest. I propose that if you want to save money, possibly thousands, then don't choose the cheapest inspector. A thorough and experienced home inspector, who carries errors and omissions insurance, and pays attention to the details is the best route to take.

Rates

The cost of our service is based on the age and square footage of the building to be inspected. A key thought you should consider is the experience and reputation of the inspector. Don't make your decision solely based upon inspection price, please realize the home inspection charge is the best bargain out of your home buying fees. Remember you generally get what you pay for, so if you're shopping for a cheap home inspection, beware! There is a difference between "Price and Cost". 

A typical home inspection takes between 1.5 to 4 hours depending on the conditions at the time of inspection, and costs between $225 and $700+ depending on size, age and complexity of inspection.

Payment is due upon completion of the site inspection.

If you are an out of town customer or can't leave work for your inspection, our Inspection Agreement and Inspection Request forms can be faxed, emailed, or viewed on our website.

Read the contract, print your name and address, initial the 3 blocks, sign and date the Agreement, and FAX it back to our office. Remember, if you can't be there all paperwork and fees must arrive before the inspection. This is one of the great benefits of having a REALTOR represent you during the home buying process.

Please contact our office at 707-257-2222 to discuss your inspection needs, or schedule an appointment.

Practical Solutions and Definitive Style for the Discerning Homeowner

For more information please call:

(707) 257-3000

Serving Napa, Sonoma and Solano Counties Since 1985

EMAIL: al@alpine-hbs.com