Expert Home Inspections in Redlands, CA: Protecting Your Investment in the Jewel of the Inland Empire
Welcome to Cal-Spec Home Inspection’s dedicated Redlands, California page! We’re excited to bring our thorough, client-first home inspection services to one of Southern California’s most charming and historic communities. Whether you’re buying a Craftsman bungalow in the Smiley Heights historic district, a mid-century ranch in South Redlands, or a newer home near the orange groves of the Crafton area, we understand the unique character and challenges of Redlands properties. Our goal is simple: give you total confidence in one of the biggest purchases you’ll ever make.
Redlands’ real estate market moves fast, with well-maintained homes often selling in under two weeks and multiple-offer situations the norm in desirable neighborhoods like the Redlands Country Club area. In this competitive environment, a detailed, local-savvy home inspection isn’t optional—it’s essential. We customize every inspection to address Redlands-specific risks: earthquake retrofitting, expansive adobe soils, 100-year-old plumbing, wildfire exposure, and extreme summer heat that pushes HVAC systems to the limit.
Why Redlands Homes Need a Specialized Inspection
Sitting at the base of the San Bernardino Mountains and built on a mix of adobe clay and alluvial soils, Redlands experiences significant soil movement. The same soils that once supported citrus empires now cause foundation cracks, sticking doors, and slab heaving—especially after wet winters followed by triple-digit summers. Add Southern California’s seismic activity (we’re near both the San Andreas and San Jacinto faults), and structural integrity becomes priority #1.
Redlands also has one of the highest concentrations of pre-1940 homes in the Inland Empire. Knob-and-tube wiring, galvanized plumbing, unpermitted additions, and unretrofitted foundations are common. Newer construction in the northeast and southeast corridors isn’t immune—stucco cracking, tile roof issues, and poor drainage grading show up regularly.
At Cal-Spec Home Inspections, we exceed California’s CREIA and InterNACHI standards and know Redlands inside out. We’ve inspected everything from 1890s Victorians on Cajon Street to brand-new builds off Wabash Avenue.
Our Redlands-Tailored Inspection Services
Every inspection includes drone roof scans (when safe), a 24-hour digital report, and thermal imaging upon request.
- Foundation & Seismic Safety
We check for earthquake retrofitting (cripple wall bracing, anchor bolts, water-heater strapping). Redlands’ adobe soils can move 2–4 inches seasonally—our inspectors flag active heaving, past piering, and when a structural engineer consult is warranted. - Roofing & Wildfire Mitigation
Tile roofs dominate Redlands, and broken tiles + bird stops are the #1 leak source. With the city surrounded by chaparral and now in a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone, we evaluate defensible space, ember-resistant vents, and compliance with California’s new WUI (Wildland-Urban Interface) requirements. - HVAC & Extreme Heat Performance
Summer temps regularly top 105°F for weeks. We test systems for proper sizing (many older homes are undersized after additions), and duct leakage that drives energy bills above $400/month. - Plumbing – From Galvanized to Copper Repipes
Pre-1970s homes often still have original galvanized pipes that clog and burst. We include pressure testing of main lines at no extra charge on Redlands inspections, plus check for polybutylene (the “ticking time bomb” piping banned in the 90s). - Electrical & Safety
Federal Pacific & Zinsco panels are still found in many 1950s–70s homes here—we red-flag them every time. We also test AFCI/GFCI protection now required by code and verify carbon monoxide detectors (mandatory in Redlands).
Popular Redlands Add-Ons
- Pool/spa inspections for the countless backyard oases
- Mold & allergen air sampling (common after monsoon seasons)
- 11-month new-home warranty inspections for newer Redlands tracts
Ready to protect Redlands investment?
Book online BOOK NOW or call/text (760) 770-7060.
We look forward to working with you!