How Scottsdale Desert Inspections Works with Local Realtors in Scottsdale & the Phoenix AZ area

In the competitive real estate market of Scottsdale and the Greater Phoenix area, realtors and real estate agents rely on trusted, professional home inspectors to provide accurate, detailed, and timely information to their clients. Scottsdale Desert Inspections (SDI) has built a strong reputation over 20+ years as a preferred partner for local realtors, offering comprehensive inspection services that help agents close deals smoothly, reduce liability, and build client trust.

Why Realtors Choose Scottsdale Desert Inspections

SDI understands the unique needs of real estate professionals. Their services are designed to support agents throughout the transaction process:

Home Inspection Checklist – Exterior

If you’re a home buyer or real estate agent and you’d like to conduct your own cursory home inspection.  When SDI inspects the home exterior, we work from a list of critical items

This covers many of the most likely and potentially expensive problems.

• Roof Problems
  • Curled Shingles
  • Severely Deteriorated Shingles
  • Cracks in shingles
  • Hack patch job
  • Loose shingle
  • Mis-matched shingles
  • Slipping Shingles
  • Sliding Shingles
  • Damaged shingles
• Chimney Problems
  • Missing bricks at chimney
  • Cracked chimney
  • Neapolitan chimney
• Siding
  • Cracked hardboard siding
  • Hardboard siding rotted and patched
  • Rotted hardboard siding
  • Severely rotted hardboard siding
  • Defects with newer stucco siding
  • Stains below windows
• Windows
  • Rotted Windows
  • Rotted Aluminum Clad Windows
  • Rotted Aluminum Window
• Water Management
  • Proper gutters, downspouts, and downspout extensions.
  • Ground sloping away from house
  • Roof Lines
  • Water concentrated against house
• Decks
  • Rotted deck joists
  • Sagging Deck
  • Guardrails

If a house needs a new roof it could complicate a sale.  Roof issues should be addressed before closing on a home sale.

Typically a home’s roof needs to be replaced every 20 to 25 years, depending on roofing materials and the quality of the installation. While small repairs may be needed before that time.  Home buyers looking at houses older than 25 years will certainly need to replace the roof.

When the home inspector sees damage.

The Standards of Practice of InterNACHI (International Association of Certified Home Inspectors) does not require the inspector actually walk on the roof, but allows him to observe the roof from the ground. It is likely to only see serious roof damage.  If the home inspector sees roof damage, they may recommend a full roof inspection.  Generally it will be difficult to secure insurance or a mortgage until it is repaired

When a roof inspection is requested prior to closing.

We also offer HVAC inspections.

These inspections are provided in our written. These types of inspections are perfect for HVAC second opinions and for homeowners who are looking to buy or sell a home. It is often more comprehensive in nature than a typical home inspection. Because your HVAC system investment is only second to your home’s roof, a thorough inspection gives homeowners the information they need when evaluating an HVAC system’s health and longevity.

1. Run a thermostat test
2. Inspect air filters
3. Evaluate proper airflow
4. Assess equipment condition
5. Check refrigerant levels
6. Check heater/furnace, gas connections and exhaust systems
7. Check the blower motor
8. Check safety equipment, surge protectors and failsafes are enabled
9. Look for any mold or pest infestations in the equipment

Termites are nasty visitors. They're almost invisible, completely silent and have the potential to cause extensive damage.

Just saying the word "termite" can make homeowners shudder, and for good reason. Termites are active in 49 of the 50 states (Alaska is too cold to sustain them), and cause more than $60 billion in property damage every year.

If you're buying a home, contact Scottsdale Desert Inspections to inspect for termites.  It could save you headaches later. Actually, if you're taking out a mortgage, there's a good chance the lender will require that you have a termite inspection (as well as a general home inspection) performed before the sale is finalized.

Why is it important to inspect the attic?

The attic is an important part of your home's ventilation.  The attic insulates your home and it contains different safety systems - from electrical, to heating, to plumbing.  It is also a good place to inspect the structure of the home.

Heating  -  Vents and chimneys may run through the attic.  This may be a problem if they are blocked or not properly secured.  It may lead to hot air escaping into the attic and causing moisture build up.  Metal chimneys may rust from condensation.

Electrical  -  Electrical wires should be securely attached to wooden beams and tucked out of the way.  Poorly secured or exposed wires can be a target for rodents causing a hazard.

The interior rooms of a house can tell you a lot about it. They can reveal critical structural issues that have managed to go undetected and that can cause you the potential homeowner a lot of money down the line.

Inspecting the home's interiors is important because a piece of drywall and a coat of paint can conceal a myriad of wiring, plumbing, ventilation and other construction or remodeling errors. Some of these errors are merely inconvenient, like a duct that isn't connected properly and causes a room to be chilly. Others can pose a serious threat to your home and your family, such as overloaded circuits and wiring that's placed too close to plumbing fixtures or mold infestation.

A thorough inspection of your home's interior will also focus on outlets, ceilings, built-in lighting fixtures, floors, windows, cabinets and counters.

The kitchen is one of the busiest rooms in most homes. With a home inspection from SDI, you have a better understanding of what you’re about to buy.

Here are the top four common kitchen problems we find during a home inspection:

#1: Vents That Go Nowhere

In many kitchens, the range vent is a decorative-only feature. The kitchen range vent should extract the steam and capture some of the airborne cooking grease. Just because it’s there doesn’t mean it works.  We check the range vent to learn if the fan switches on.  We inspect for evidence that it vents outside the house.

#2: Electrical Problems

Residential Electrical Inspection Checklist

A proper electrical inspection follows a procedure stipulated in the National Electrical Code (NEC).

During the inspection, Scottsdale Desert Inspection check the safety of electrical devices on your property by following a checklist. This includes:

Why is plumbing inspection important?

If you're buying a home or property the plumbing inspection usually consists of only three points: checking to see that drains empty, toilets flush, and taps work. The plumbing inspection checklist for a comprehensive plumbing inspection performed by a licensed plumber will cover many more points.

If the plumbing inspection SDI does uncovers problems, you may want to invest in a comprehensive inspection by a plumber.  The nationwide average cost for a plumber to inspect a home is around $200.

Inspect Your Bathrooms for a Safe Home Purchase

Inspecting the bathrooms as part of your comprehensive home inspection is crucial.  Water leaks often occur in the bathroom.  Our inspection will find out if there are any signs of leaks or problems with the exhaust vent.

With a thorough home or property inspection, you can feel confident that your bathroom is clean, safe, and dry.

Leaks

What SDI Looks For With a Pool Inspection

If you find a home with a swimming pool, the safety and condition of the pool is just as important as the rest of the house. A pool adds to the value of a home. But a pool that is not in good condition can be a money pit. So it’s important to get an inspection of a pool before you purchase. Knowing what to look for with a pool inspection will make you more confident in your inspection and help you make an informed decision when you are ready to buy.

Structure and Materials- Plaster, Tile, Coping, and Decking

Mold problems in interior spaces can occur in any region, including Phoenix, AZ. Despite its arid climate, mold can still develop indoors due to factors such as moisture intrusion, water leaks, high humidity, and inadequate ventilation.

The Complete Mold Inspection is performed in accordance with the Mold Inspection Standards of Practice of the International Association of Certified Indoor Air Consultants.

The inspection consists of:

•  a non-invasive, visual examination of the readily accessible, visible, and installed systems and components of the building, as outlined in the IAC2 Mold Inspection Standards of Practice;
• moisture, temperature and humidity measurements;
• at least three air samples (one indoor and two outdoor); and
• possibly one surface sampling at an area of concern.

The inspector reports:

What Is a New Home Inspection?

A new home inspection is a thorough, third-party visual evaluation of a newly built or recently completed home. Unlike a standard resale home inspection (which focuses on existing wear and tear), new construction inspections often occur in phases:

• Pre-drywall / Framing phase: After framing, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC rough-ins — before walls are closed up.
• Final walkthrough phase: After completion, just before closing or during the builder's warranty period.

These inspections help identify issues that can be fixed by the builder at little to no cost to you, avoiding expensive repairs later.

Sewer Line Video Inspection: What It Is & Why It's Essential in Scottsdale & Phoenix AZ

When purchasing a home in the Scottsdale or Phoenix area, most buyers focus on visible features — kitchens, flooring, and curb appeal. However, one of the most expensive and often overlooked systems is the underground sewer line. A sewer line video inspection (also called a sewer scope, camera inspection, or sewer scoping) uses a high-resolution camera to visually examine the interior of your sewer lateral line from the home to the city main or septic connection.

What Is a Sewer Line Video Inspection?

A sewer scope inspection involves feeding a flexible, waterproof camera (typically 1–2 inches in diameter) through a cleanout access point, toilet, or floor drain. The camera travels through the sewer pipe, recording high-definition video and capturing still images of the pipe's interior condition.