Our Services
Home Inspections
Comprehensive visual examination of your property's structure and systems. Our reports address Bay Area specific concerns, not generic national checklists.
- Attic, foundation, and structural elements
- Electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems
- Roofing and exterior surfaces
- Digital photos and detailed narrative report
Pre-Offer Inspections
Complete home evaluation at a reduced cost. Pay only for the written report if your offer is accepted.
11-Month Warranty Inspections
A comprehensive home inspection scheduled just before your builder's one-year warranty expires to identify defects or issues that emerged after moving in while still under warranty coverage. Maximize your warranty benefits and protect your investment.
Schedule Now4-Point Insurance Inspections
Insurance-focused inspections examining electrical, HVAC, plumbing, and roofing systems for insurance requirements.
Multi-Family and Commercial Multi-Family
We inspect multi-family residential properties including duplexes, triplexes, four-plexes, and buildings with more than four units.
Service AreaWhy Choose Tarkington Home Inspections?
Bay Area Expertise
Our inspection report was designed specifically for Bay Area homes, addressing local concerns from 100-year-old Victorians to modern construction.
Professional Credentials
18 year ASHI Member (#248225) with years of experience serving the San Francisco Bay Area since 2003.
Comprehensive Reports
Narrative reports with digital photo documentation and summary sections. Reports delivered within 24-48 hours, accessible from our website.
7-Day Availability
Inspections can be scheduled 7 days a week to meet your real estate timeline needs.
What Our Clients Say
Service Area
We inspect any residential property within an hour drive of Castro Valley. Properties more than 30 minutes away may include a $50 travel surcharge.
Alameda County
Contra Costa County
* Travel Fee May Apply
Santa Clara County
* Travel Fee Applies
San Mateo County
* Travel Fee Applies
Other Counties
* Travel Fee Applies
Latest Inspection Resources
Common Bathroom Findings: A Home Inspector's View
The bathroom ranks second only to the kitchen in daily usage, making it both indispensable and one of your home's most maintenance-intensive areas. Every shower, every sink use, every toilet flush creates opportunities for water leakage and subsequent damage. The majority of these issues can be addressed through regular maintenance and if caught early enough prevent minor concerns from becoming major repairs. Issues that can't be addressed through maintenance typically involve safety hazards and require qualified contractors to upgrade.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a home inspection take?
A condo inspection typically takes 1–1.5 hours. A detached house with a crawlspace generally takes 3–4 hours for homes under 2,000 sq. ft. We inspect homes of any size — larger properties simply require additional time.
What does a home inspection include?
Our comprehensive home inspection includes examination of the structure, foundation, roof, electrical systems, plumbing, HVAC, attic, crawlspace, and all major components. We provide a detailed narrative report with digital photos within 48 hours.
How much does a home inspection cost?
Home inspection pricing ranges from $505-$1060 depending on property size and type. Standard house inspections range from $640 (under 1000 sq ft) to $1060 (4200+ sq ft). Condos range from $505-$745.
Do you offer same-day or weekend inspections?
Yes, we offer inspections 7 days a week, including weekends, to accommodate your real estate timeline. Sunday inspections include a surcharge..
What areas do you serve?
We serve all of Alameda County and most of Contra Costa County, including Oakland, Berkeley, Castro Valley, Hayward, Fremont, and surrounding East Bay cities. Inspections in San Francisco, Palo Alto, and other areas outside our primary service region are available for an additional travel fee.
Ready to Schedule Your Inspection?
Get your comprehensive home inspection report within 24-48 hours