Resources
Primary sources we rely on, and where to go to check licenses, recalls, hazard maps and official rules.
Inspector associations and standards
- American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI)Standards of practice and a find-an-inspector directory.
- International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI)Standards of practice, consumer articles and inspector search.
- California Real Estate Inspection Association (CREIA)California-focused inspection standards and inspector directory.
California agencies
- Contractors State License Board (CSLB)Check a contractor license and read consumer guides.
- Structural Pest Control BoardLicensing for termite inspectors and copies of filed reports.
- California Department of Real EstateConsumer information on buying and selling property.
- Office of the State Fire MarshalSmoke and CO alarm rules, fire hazard severity zone maps.
- California Geological SurveyEarthquake fault zones, seismic hazard and landslide maps.
- Earthquake Brace + BoltRetrofit grants for eligible older houses.
- California Department of Public Health, radonRadon information and test data.
Federal sources
- U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recallsSearch recalls by product, brand or model.
- SaferProducts.govConsumer incident reports.
- HUD: For Your Protection, Get a Home InspectionHUD guidance for FHA borrowers.
- EPA: LeadLead disclosure rules and lead-safe renovation.
- EPA: MoldGuidance on cleanup and moisture control.
- EPA: RadonTesting and mitigation guides.
- FEMA Flood Map Service CenterLook up flood zones by address.