There may also be other times that you will have to call in an inspector. If you are undertaking substantial alterations to your home — such as adding a room or replacing piping — an inspector from the Department of Building Inspection will have to make at least one site visit to determine that your project is in compliance with applicable codes. See our Permits article for more details. You will also have to have your home inspected if you are requesting a reduction in your property-value assessment due to earthquake damage, fire, or some other calamity. When rebuilt, your property will be assessed at its former value. See the Web site for the San Francisco Office of the Assessor-Recorder for more information.

Finally, to educate yourself further about home inspections, don’t miss the following two online articles from This Old House: Looking for Trouble and The Pre-Inspector Home Inspection.