Home inspections, commercial building inspections & apartment building inspections in the Los Angeles Basin and throughout Southern California since 1979.
Boatwright Building Consultants, Inc. is an established industry leader. We are experienced, knowledgeable, and have earned a reputation for excellence. We are proud of this distinction. It reflects the quality and professionalism we bring our clients.
Click to open a section below for more information:
Our Platinum Inspection surpasses industry standards setting the benchmark for accuracy, thoroughness, and competence. It is tailored for the discerning buyer who demands the highest caliber of service. The Platinum Inspection is intended for residential properties 6,000 SF and larger and is performed by Don Boatwright, registered Civil Engineer. This in-depth assessment provides an engineering investigation of the foundation system and structural components of a residence and identifies material defects and safety-related issues that encompass the items listed below, and much more.
The written report of our findings is logical, easy to read, and conveniently separates informational content, functional conditions, defects, and potential safety issues. The report is presented in PDF format and is bookmarked for easy navigation. We also provide a useful summary in Microsoft Word that highlights deficiencies, only. The report and summary are delivered by email, and both documents can also be downloaded from our web server 24/7 anywhere there is internet access.
For select buyers that require a turnkey inspection, we offer the Diamond Inspection. THIS INSPECTION IS THE MOST AUTHORITATIVE AVAILABLE FROM ANY SINGLE SOURCE. While the Platinum and Diamond inspections are both comprehensive and each identify existing and potential problems, the Diamond Inspection incorporates licensed professionals in various fields to supplement our findings and employs independent specialists to evaluate components and provide services that are beyond the scope of the Platinum Inspection. The Diamond Inspection also provides recommended solutions with cost estimates to correct problems identified in the inspection. Although normally provided for larger estates, the Diamond Inspection is available for homes starting at 6,000 SF. Due to the number of professionals and specialists involved, this assessment can take two or more weeks to complete depending on the property size and features.
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PLATINUM
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DIAMOND
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| Boatwright Inspection |
★
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★
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| Permit Search1 |
★
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★
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| Floor Plan2 |
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★
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| Electrical Contractor |
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★
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| Elevator Contractor3 |
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★
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| HVAC Contractor |
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★
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| Plumbing Contractor |
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★
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| Roofing Contractor |
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★
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| Solar System Contractor3 |
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★
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| Swimming Pool Contractor3 |
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★
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| Yard Sprinkler Contractor |
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★
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| Civil Engineer |
★
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★
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| Geologist3 |
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★
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| Chimney Video Scope3 |
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★
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| Sewer Video Scope |
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★
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| Manometer Elevation Survey4 |
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★
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| Infrared Thermometer Testing |
★
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★
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| Moisture Meter Testing |
★
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★
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| Area Drainage Inspection |
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★
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| Asbestos Inspection3 |
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★
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| Drone Roof Inspection3 |
★
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★
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| Lead Paint Inspection3 |
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★
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| Mold Inspection |
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★
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| Radon Inspection |
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★
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| Septic Inspection3 |
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★
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| Termite Inspection |
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★
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| Thermographic Inspection5 |
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★
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| Well Inspection3 |
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★
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| Written Report (PDF) |
★
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★
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| Report Summary (DOCX) |
★
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★
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| Photographic Documentation |
★
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★
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| Recommended Solutions |
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★
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| Cost Estimates for Solutions |
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★
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1 While both inspections include online permit research, the Diamond Inspection also provides building department over-the-counter research.
2 Two-dimensional (2D) line drawing, to scale, showing the arrangement of rooms and floor areas viewed from above. Provides total measured floor area (ft2) and room dimensions.
3 When applicable.
4 First floor elevations are measured with a water-level manometer establishing if a structure is out-of-level, if the floor has high or low areas, and if there has been any differential settlement.
5 Infrared inspection for building heat loss and heat gain at exterior walls and openings such as doors and windows.
Our Commercial Platinum Inspection is an exhaustive onsite examination of a property that sets the benchmark for accuracy, thoroughness, and competence. These in-depth surveys are offered in two forms: the Property Condition Assessment (PCA), which conforms to ASTM Standard E 2018-08; and, the Standard Commercial Assessment (SCA), which also follows ASTM Standard E 2018-08 but excludes interviews, document review and cost estimates. A tacit recognition of our work quality is from the Los Angeles Association of Realtors who engaged our services when they purchased their multi-story office complex. Following are some of the various types of commercial properties we evaluate:
The Platinum assessment includes an engineering investigation of a building’s foundation, structural, and seismic restraint systems by a licensed Civil Engineer, and identifies material defects and safety-related issues that encompass the items listed below, and much more.
The written report of our findings is logical, easy to read, and conveniently separates informational content, functional conditions, defects, and potential safety issues. The report is presented in PDF format and is bookmarked for easy navigation. We also provide a useful summary in Microsoft Word that highlights deficiencies, only. The report and summary are delivered by email, and both documents can also be downloaded from our web server 24/7 anywhere there is internet access.
Our Commercial Diamond Inspection IS THE MOST AUTHORITATIVE AVAILABLE FROM ANY SINGLE SOURCE. While the Platinum and Diamond inspections are both comprehensive and each identify existing and potential problems, the Diamond Inspection incorporates licensed professionals in various fields to supplement our findings and employs independent specialists to evaluate components and provide services that are beyond the scope of the Platinum Inspection. The Diamond Inspection also provides recommended solutions with cost estimates to correct problems identified in the inspection. Due to the number of professionals and specialists involved, this assessment can take two or more weeks to complete depending on the property size and features.
|
PLATINUM
|
DIAMOND
|
|
| Boatwright Inspection |
★
|
★
|
| Permit Search1 |
★
|
★
|
| Floor Plan2 |
|
★
|
| Electrical Contractor |
|
★
|
| Elevator Contractor3 |
|
★
|
| Fire Sprinkler Contractor3 |
|
★
|
| HVAC Contractor |
|
★
|
| Plumbing Contractor |
|
★
|
| Roofing Contractor |
|
★
|
| Solar System Contractor3 |
|
★
|
| Civil Engineer |
★
|
★
|
| Geologist3 |
|
★
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| Phase I Environmental Survey |
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★
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| Sewer Video Scope |
|
★
|
| Manometer Elevation Survey4 |
|
★
|
| Infrared Thermometer Testing |
★
|
★
|
| Moisture Meter Testing |
★
|
★
|
| Area Drainage Inspection3 |
|
★
|
| Asbestos Inspection3 |
|
★
|
| Drone Roof Inspection3 |
★
|
★
|
| Lead Paint Inspection3 |
|
★
|
| Mold Inspection |
|
★
|
| Radon Inspection |
|
★
|
| Termite Inspection3 |
|
★
|
| Thermographic Inspection5 |
|
★
|
| Written Report (PDF) |
★
|
★
|
| Report Summary (DOCX) |
★
|
★
|
| Photographic Documentation |
★
|
★
|
| Recommended Solutions |
|
★
|
| Cost Estimates for Solutions |
|
★
|
1 While both inspections include online permit research, the Diamond Inspection also provides building department over-the-counter research.
2 Two-dimensional (2D) line drawing, to scale, showing the arrangement of rooms and floor areas viewed from above. Provides total measured floor area (ft2) and room dimensions.
3 When applicable.
4 First floor elevations are measured with a water-level manometer establishing if a structure is out-of-level, if the floor has high or low areas, and if there has been any differential settlement.
5 Infrared inspection for building heat loss and heat gain at exterior walls and openings such as doors and windows.
Our Platinum Inspection for multifamily dwellings surpasses industry standards setting the standard for accuracy, thoroughness, and competence. It is tailored for the discerning buyer who demands the highest caliber of service. This inspection is designed for properties having two or more dwelling units and is performed by Don Boatwright, registered Civil Engineer. This in-depth evaluation provides an engineering investigation of the foundation system and structural components of a building. And identifies material defects and safety-related issues at each dwelling unit and common areas that include the items listed below, and much more.
The written report of our findings is logical, easy to read, and conveniently separates informational content, defects, and potential safety issues. The report is presented in PDF format and is bookmarked for easy navigation. It is delivered by email and can also be downloaded from our web server 24/7 anywhere there is internet access.
Our multifamily Diamond Inspection IS THE MOST AUTHORITATIVE AVAILABLE FROM ANY SINGLE SOURCE. While the Platinum and Diamond inspections are both comprehensive and each identify existing and potential problems, the Diamond Inspection incorporates licensed professionals in various fields to supplement our findings and employs independent specialists to evaluate components and provide services that are beyond the scope of the Platinum Inspection. The Diamond Inspection also provides recommended solutions with cost estimates to correct problems identified in the inspection. Due to the number of professionals and specialists involved, this assessment can take two or more weeks to complete depending on the property size and features.
|
PLATINUM
|
DIAMOND
|
|
| Boatwright Inspection |
★
|
★
|
| Permit Search1 |
★
|
★
|
| Floor Plan2 |
|
★
|
| Electrical Contractor |
|
★
|
| Elevator Contractor3 |
|
★
|
| Fire Sprinkler Contractor3 |
|
★
|
| HVAC Contractor |
|
★
|
| Plumbing Contractor |
|
★
|
| Roofing Contractor |
|
★
|
| Solar System Contractor3 |
|
★
|
| Civil Engineer |
★
|
★
|
| Geologist3 |
|
★
|
| Fireplace Chimney Video Scope3 |
|
★
|
| Sewer Video Scope |
|
★
|
| Manometer Elevation Survey4 |
|
★
|
| Infrared Thermometer Testing |
★
|
★
|
| Moisture Meter Testing |
★
|
★
|
| Area Drainage Inspection3 |
|
★
|
| Asbestos Inspection3 |
|
★
|
| Drone Roof Inspection3 |
★
|
★
|
| Lead Paint Inspection3 |
|
★
|
| Mold Inspection |
|
★
|
| Radon Inspection |
|
★
|
| Termite Inspection |
|
★
|
| Thermographic Inspection5 |
|
★
|
| Written Report (PDF) |
★
|
★
|
| Report Summary (DOCX) |
★
|
★
|
| Photographic Documentation |
★
|
★
|
| Recommended Solutions |
|
★
|
| Cost Estimates for Solutions |
|
★
|
1 While both inspections include online permit research, the Diamond Inspection also provides building department over-the-counter research.
2 2D scale line drawing showing the arrangement of rooms viewed from above. Provides measured floor area (ft2) & room dimensions. Available for properties with 12 or fewer dwelling units.
3 When applicable.
4 First floor elevations are measured with a water-level manometer establishing if a structure is out-of-level, if the floor has high or low areas, and if there has been any differential settlement.
5 Infrared inspection for building heat loss & heat gain at exterior walls & openings such as doors & windows.
Our inspection services include property site investigations by a licensed engineer that identify structural defects and assess building quality of construction. The focus of these inspections is the stability and soundness of the distinct structural components and elements that form a building. We classify existing symptoms that suggest a structural defect, confirm if identified conditions are problematic, and if problematic, provide recommendations for needed correction. Both existing and potential problems are evaluated.
Following are conditions that may indicate an existing or potential structural problem:
We also provide engineering site investigations for:
The written report of our findings includes photographic documentation of identified conditions and is written in laymen terms, so it is easy to read and understand. This document presents our professional opinion and is accepted by Building Authorities, lenders, insurance companies, real estate firms, and appraisers. The report is presented in PDF format and is bookmarked for easy navigation. It is delivered by email and can also be downloaded from our web server 24/7 anywhere there is internet access.
We perform the California state mandated inspection of balconies, stairs, and certain other elevated components required by SB 721 (Chapter 445, Stats. 2018). This bill, commonly referred to as the “Balcony Inspection Law”, is in response to the 2015 Berkeley balcony collapse that resulted due to decayed wood framing members. The collapse killed six adults on the balcony and injured seven others. BOATWRIGHT is available to answer your questions about the law and walk you through the requirements of the compulsory inspection program.
What Buildings Must Comply?
Any building in California with 3 or more dwelling units that has:
After January 1, 2019, buildings that are proposed for conversion to condominiums to be sold to the public must be inspected prior to the first close of escrow.
What are the Inspection Requirements?
The assessment, at a minimum, must include and address the following as of the date of the evaluation:
The Written Report
Our report meets or exceeds the requirements of SB 721 and is stamped and signed by a California licensed Civil Engineer. It includes photographic documentation, any test results, and a narrative establishing a baseline of the condition of the components inspected that can be compared to the results of any subsequent inspections. The report also advises which, if any, exterior elevated elements pose an immediate threat to the health or safety of the occupants and whether preventing occupant access or conducting emergency repairs, including shoring, is necessary.
Who is Responsible for Compliance?
The building owner is responsible for compliance. They must pay the cost of inspections, and for repair work of any elevated component determined deficient.
Can Cities Pass a More Stringent Law?
Yes. The governing body of any city or county may adopt ordinances or regulations imposing requirements greater than those enacted by SB 721.
Choose a Specialty Inspection type below:
These specialized inspections are designed to identify material violations of the L. A. Building Code, L. A. Housing Code, California Uniform Building Code, or the HUD physical conditions standards set forth in 24 CFR § 5.703. The inspections focus on the following:
If you have been cited for non-compliance, are having a problem passing a city inspection, or need a HUD housing report, we can solve your problems.
Condominium conversion laws require an unbiased evaluation of a development’s main components and systems, with a report of findings prepared by a licensed civil engineer or licensed architect¹. Our condo conversion inspections meet these regulations. We verify existing condition and compliance with minimum standards at the project common areas and dwelling units, and issue a written report of our findings, prepared by a registered civil engineer, that also provides an estimate of remaining useful life. Governing bodies typically require the following systems and components be evaluated for condominium conversions:
The Property Condition Assessment (PCA) is an evaluation of a commercial property conducted in accordance with ASTM Standard E 2018-08, “Standard Guide for Property Condition Assessments: Baseline Property Condition Assessment Process”. The PCA identifies the presence of physical deficiencies of a property’s systems, components or equipment. Defects that may be remedied with routine maintenance or minor repairs are excluded.
The PCA is compromised of the following components:
Our Property Condition Report is logical and easy to read and is delivered per your requested method of delivery, but usually via e-mail. You can also download the report for 90 days using a convenient link we provide when your report is delivered.
The Project Capital Needs Assessment (PCNA) is an in depth evaluation of a multifamily dwelling and is designed to meet the requirements of HUD Section 223(f).
The PCNA is comprised of the following components:
Our Physical Inspection Report is logical and easy to read and is delivered per your requested method, but usually via e-mail. You can also download the report for 90 days using a convenient link we provide when your report is delivered.
The Physical Needs Assessment (PNA) identifies deferred maintenance issues, related short-term capital replacements, and establishes baselines for maintenance monitoring. Following are key considerations of a PNA:
Critical Physical Needs – repairs, replacements and significant maintenance problems that should be addressed at once.
Immediate Physical Needs – repairs, replacements and significant maintenance problems that should be addressed within one year.
Physical Needs Over Term – repairs, replacements and significant maintenance problems that will be needed over term (5, 10, 15 or 20 years as determined by our client’s requirements).
Our approach to a PNA includes:
Our Physical Needs Assessment Report is logical and easy to read and is delivered per your requested method of delivery, but usually via e-mail. You can also download the report for 90 days using a convenient link we provide when your report is delivered.