Thompson Home Inspection has been protecting buyers, sellers, property managers, and real estate professionals throughout the San Francisco Bay Area and Sacramento region since 1987. When the stakes are high, you need an inspector who gets it right.
Whether you're a first-time buyer, a seasoned real estate agent, or a property manager overseeing a portfolio, we deliver the same thorough, no-shortcuts inspection every time. We work with residential and commercial clients throughout the San Francisco Bay Area and greater Sacramento region.
California law requires timely inspection of exterior elevated elements — balconies, decks, walkways, and stairways — in multi-unit and HOA-governed buildings. Thompson Home Inspection is qualified to perform both SB-271 and SB-326 inspections, helping property owners, HOAs, and managers meet their compliance obligations and protect against liability.
Our bread and butter. A complete top-to-bottom evaluation of a single-family home, covering every major system and structural component. We walk the roof, crawl the crawlspace, open every panel, and test every accessible system. Our goal is simple: give you a full, honest picture of the property's condition so you can negotiate and close with confidence. Every inspection follows ASHI Standards of Practice and includes a detailed report with color photos delivered within 24–48 hours.
Condo and townhouse buyers often assume they don't need an inspection since the HOA handles the exterior. That's a mistake. We thoroughly inspect everything within the unit — plumbing, electrical, HVAC, appliances, windows, interior finishes, water heater, and more — plus accessible common areas like garages, parking, and storage. The HOA may own the roof, but you own the problems inside your walls.
Investing in a duplex, triplex, or fourplex? Multi-unit properties have unique inspection needs. We inspect the entire building envelope — roof, exterior, foundation, and shared mechanical systems — plus each individual unit's plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and interior condition. Property managers and investors rely on our multi-unit reports to assess deferred maintenance, plan capital improvements, and make informed acquisition decisions.
Manufactured homes have their own set of structural concerns that differ from stick-built construction. We know what to look for — from anchoring and tie-down systems to skirting condition, undercarriage integrity, moisture intrusion, and the specific electrical and plumbing configurations common to manufactured housing. Whether you're buying in a mobile home park or on private land, we'll make sure you know what you're getting.
Insurance carriers often require a property inspection before issuing or renewing a homeowner's policy. We work directly with insurance companies to provide the detailed property condition assessments they need for underwriting decisions. Our reports document the roof, electrical, plumbing, heating, foundation, and overall structural condition — giving underwriters the clear, accurate information they need to evaluate risk.
California homes face seismic risk, and older homes especially may lack adequate bracing and anchoring. We evaluate your home's continuous load path — from the roof structure down through the walls, cripple walls, and foundation connections — and identify vulnerabilities. Our evaluation provides clear, actionable recommendations so you can work with a qualified contractor to strengthen your home before the next earthquake, not after.
California SB-271 requires owners of apartment buildings with three or more units to have exterior elevated elements — balconies, decks, walkways, and stairways — inspected by a qualified professional. We perform thorough visual inspections of all load-bearing and waterproofing components of these structures, identify deterioration or safety concerns, and deliver compliant inspection reports to help building owners meet their legal obligations.
SB-326 applies to condominium associations (HOAs) and requires inspection of exterior elevated elements — including balconies, decks, elevated walkways, and stairways — that are part of the common area or association-maintained components. We inspect these elements for structural integrity and waterproofing adequacy, and provide the detailed reports that HOAs need to satisfy their inspection obligations and plan any necessary repairs.
When you hire Thompson Home Inspection, you're not getting a franchise or a call center — you're getting David Thompson, personally, on every inspection. David has been inspecting homes full-time since 1987, and his experience shows in the quality and depth of every report he delivers.
As a Senior ASHI Certified Inspector, David holds credentials that many inspectors don't. But more importantly, he brings the kind of hands-on knowledge that only comes from spending three decades inside crawlspaces, on rooftops, and in attics across the Bay Area and Sacramento region.
Real estate agents and property managers come back to David year after year because they know what to expect: a thorough, honest inspection, a clear and detailed report with color photos, and someone who picks up the phone when you have questions after the inspection is done.
“Dave was very thorough and went out of his way to explain the reason behind each finding. You could tell when he was done with an inspection he did his job for all parties involved. Never did I feel like Dave had any other motive other than being fair, honest and helpful. If you use Dave, he will do a great job for you; sincerely!”
“David's report was comprehensive, well organized, and included photos and text that was easy for me to understand. I recently contacted him about inspecting a new manufactured home, and David reassured me it would be under warranty — saving me the expense. I would recommend Thompson Home Inspection without reservation.”
“David is one of the most thorough inspectors I have hired for my own properties as an owner and listing broker, and also for my buyers. He does a great job, has a phenomenal attitude, and is among the few inspectors who will also look at the roof, chimney, and foundation along with doing a thorough general home inspection. Highly recommend!”
A home inspection isn't a pass/fail test — it's a detailed assessment of the property's current condition. Here's what we cover on every standard residential inspection, following ASHI Standards of Practice.
We walk the roof (when safely accessible) to assess shingle condition, flashing, chimneys, vents, skylights, and gutters. On the exterior, we check siding, trim, grading, drainage, walkways, decks, and the overall condition of the building envelope.
We enter the crawlspace (when accessible) to inspect the foundation, piers, posts, beams, joists, and subfloor. We check for moisture intrusion, wood-destroying organism damage, settlement, and structural concerns that could affect the building's integrity.
We open the main electrical panel to evaluate the service size, wiring type, breaker condition, and grounding. Throughout the home, we test outlets for proper wiring, check GFCI protection in wet areas, and note any outdated or hazardous electrical conditions.
We inspect visible supply and drain piping, water heater condition and safety, fixtures, faucets, and functional water flow. We check for leaks, corrosion, improper materials, and evaluate the overall condition of the plumbing system from the water meter to the fixtures.
Heating and cooling are critical in the Sacramento Valley's hot summers and cool winters. We test the furnace, air conditioning, heat pump, thermostat, and ductwork for proper operation, adequate airflow, and safety. We note the age and condition of equipment to help you plan for future replacement.
Room by room, we evaluate walls, ceilings, floors, windows, doors, built-in appliances, countertops, cabinets, and bathroom fixtures. We test garage doors and openers, check smoke and CO detectors, and look for signs of water damage, mold, or deferred maintenance throughout the interior.
We've streamlined the inspection process to be straightforward and stress-free. Here's how it works from start to finish.
Call us at (408) 774-1900 or fill out the form below. We'll work around your timeline and coordinate with your agent or property manager to find a time that works for everyone. Most inspections can be scheduled within a few days.
David personally conducts every inspection. A typical single-family home takes 2–3 hours. You're encouraged to attend — it's your best opportunity to see the property's condition firsthand and ask questions. We inspect everything from the roof to the crawlspace, and we don't cut corners.
Within 24–48 hours, you'll receive a comprehensive electronic report with detailed findings, color photographs of every concern, and clear descriptions written in plain language — not inspector jargon. The report is designed to be useful for buyers, sellers, agents, and lenders alike.
We don't disappear after the report is delivered. If you have questions about the findings, need clarification for negotiations, or want to discuss repair priorities with your agent or contractor, David is available by phone. Your inspection comes with ongoing support.
Every inspection gets the same level of attention — from roof to crawlspace, exterior to interior. Here's David doing what he does best.
Roof & flashing inspection
Thermal camera assessment
Crawlspace & foundation
HVAC systems check
Client walkthrough & discussion
On-site digital reporting
Thompson Home Inspection provides inspection services primarily throughout the San Francisco Bay Area, as well as the greater Sacramento region. From high-end homes in Silicon Valley to properties in the East Bay, South Bay, and the Sacramento corridor — we've inspected it.
Don't see your city listed? Give us a call — we may still be able to help.
Real estate agents and property managers need an inspector they can count on — someone who shows up on time, communicates clearly, delivers reports promptly, and doesn't create unnecessary alarm or kill deals over cosmetic issues. David has built his reputation on being exactly that kind of inspector.
Call us directly or fill out the form and we'll get back to you promptly. We typically respond within a few hours during business days.
