San Francisco County
General Home Inspections in San Francisco
A San Francisco flat or condo may share a roof, basement, or entry with other homes. Name the unit and the shared spaces you want to ask about. Then find out who can let us in.
A second source of information
The 3R record and a physical inspection answer different questions
San Francisco’s residential building record, or 3R, shows a home’s building permit history from City files. The City asks for a separate 3R for each condo or co-op unit. Check that the file names the unit in your sale, then compare it with what a visit can show in rooms you can enter.
The City says the 3R leaves out plumbing and electrical permits. It is not a visit to the home and cannot prove that its systems are in good shape.
01
Write down what the buyer can authorize
If the sale is one condo in a larger building, decide if you need facts about the unit, a shared basement, or both. Ask the seller or owners group who controls those spaces. A visit to the unit does not cover a shared roof or the whole building.
02
Coordinate the people who hold the keys
A tenant, manager, or owners group may hold the key to a roof hatch, basement, or service room. Find out who can open each space and when. If the sale is urgent, call with the address and due date to check open dates.
03
Ask which report your transaction needs
A general home inspection gives a broad look at the home. A WDO report covers wood pests and related signs in the areas seen. Ask your agent or lender which one is needed, then check the scope and due date.
Need a termite or WDO report too?
A general home inspection and a WDO inspection serve separate purposes. If your transaction asks for both, request both and confirm the areas each will cover.
WDO inspections in San FranciscoRequest a visit
Tell us about your San Francisco property
Select General Home Inspection. In the message, include your property type, which spaces need access, your timeline, and what information you need. We will discuss scope and availability before booking.
If a deadline is close, call (831) 500-1613.