Reimagine Your Space. Redefine Your Home.
ESCROW PROPERTY INSPECTIONS IN SAN DIEGO
Protect your investment with expert inspection services. MEE Builders identifies unpermitted work, code violations, and hidden issues before you buy.
Uncover Hidden Issues Before You Close on Your San Diego Home
Buying a home is the biggest investment most people make. Don’t discover costly surprises after closing. MEE Builders provides comprehensive escrow inspections throughout San Diego County, specializing in identifying unpermitted additions, code violations, and construction defects that traditional home inspectors often miss.
With our construction expertise and deep knowledge of San Diego building codes, we see what others overlook—protecting you from inheriting someone else’s problems.
Traditional Inspectors Miss Critical Construction Issues
While standard home inspectors check basic systems and safety items, they rarely have the construction expertise to identify:
Unpermitted Work: That beautiful addition or converted garage may lack proper permits, making you liable for violations and forcing expensive retroactive permitting or demolition.
Code Violations: Previous owners’ DIY projects or unlicensed contractor work often violates current San Diego building codes, creating legal and safety risks.
Illegal ADUs & Conversions: Unpermitted granny flats, garage conversions, and basement apartments can trigger code enforcement actions and eliminate rental income.
Substandard Construction: Poor workmanship hidden behind walls and ceilings becomes your expensive problem after closing.
Future Compliance Issues: Changes in San Diego County regulations may require costly upgrades to non-compliant structures.
What Our Escrow Inspections Include
Comprehensive Construction & Code Analysis
Permit Verification
- Research county and city permit records
- Identify unpermitted additions and modifications
- Verify Certificates of Occupancy
- Check for open permits and violations
- Review property’s building permit history
Structural Assessment
- Foundation integrity and settlement issues
- Framing and load-bearing modifications
- Roof structure and alterations
- Retaining walls and grading compliance
- Seismic safety concerns
Illegal Construction Detection
- Unpermitted room additions
- Garage conversion compliance
- ADU and secondary unit legality
- Enclosed patios and sunrooms
- Basement and attic conversions
Building Code Compliance
- Electrical system modifications and safety
- Plumbing additions and alterations
- HVAC system compliance
- Fire safety and egress requirements
- Current San Diego County code standards
Documentation Review
- Original building plans comparison
- Square footage verification
- Setback and easement compliance
- Zoning restriction violations
- HOA compliance issues
Problems That Could Cost You Thousands After Closing
Unpermitted Additions (Found in 40% of Properties): Previous owners often add rooms, bathrooms, or square footage without permits. You inherit the liability and enforcement risk.
Illegal ADUs & Rental Units: That rental income you’re counting on? It may be from an illegal unit that must be demolished or expensively legalized.
Bootleg Construction: Unlicensed contractor work often creates dangerous conditions and code violations requiring complete reconstruction.
Title Issues from Violations: Outstanding code violations can cloud title, complicate financing, and prevent future sales.
Insurance Complications: Unpermitted work may void homeowner’s insurance coverage, leaving you exposed to massive liability.
Make Informed Decisions During Your Contingency Period
Your inspection contingency period is your opportunity to fully understand what you’re buying. Our detailed inspection provides:
Negotiation Leverage: Document issues to request repairs, credits, or price reductions from sellers.
Accurate Cost Estimates: Understand the true cost of legalizing unpermitted work or correcting violations.
Walk-Away Protection: Discover deal-breaking issues while you can still cancel without losing your deposit.
Future Planning: Develop a realistic budget and timeline for necessary improvements and compliance work.
Peace of Mind: Enter homeownership with full knowledge of your property’s condition and legal status.
Professional Inspection Services That Safeguard Transactions
Smart agents recommend MEE Builders’ inspection services because we:
- Identify issues standard inspectors miss
- Provide detailed reports suitable for negotiations
- Offer repair/legalization estimates when needed
- Protect clients from costly surprises
- Help agents avoid liability for undisclosed issues
Your clients deserve more than a basic inspection. Give them the construction expertise that truly protects their investment.
The MEE Builders Inspection Process
Schedule Your Inspection
Call us during your inspection contingency period. We typically schedule within 48 hours.
Comprehensive On-Site Review (2-4 Hours)
Our licensed contractor personally inspects every aspect of the property's construction and modifications.
Permit Research
We investigate city and county records for permits, violations, and compliance history.
Detailed Report (Within 24 Hours)
Receive a comprehensive report documenting all findings with photos and specific code references.
Consultation
We review findings with you, explain implications, and answer all questions about discovered issues.
Cost Estimates (If Requested)
When you need ammunition for negotiations, we provide detailed estimates for corrections and legalization.
Construction Expertise Matters
Licensed General Contractor
(CSLB #1046249) Not just an inspector—we're builders who know construction inside and out.
Code Enforcement Experience
We specialize in resolving violations, so we know exactly what to look for and how to fix it.
Local San Diego Knowledge
Every jurisdiction has unique requirements. We know San Diego County, City of San Diego, and all local building departments.
Unbiased Assessment
We don't perform repairs on properties we inspect during escrow, ensuring completely objective findings.
Detailed Documentation
Our reports include specific code citations, photographs, and clear explanations you can act on.
When You Absolutely Need Our Expertise
Flipped Properties: Quick renovations often hide serious issues
Older Homes with Additions: High likelihood of unpermitted work
Properties with ADUs or Converted Spaces: Often illegal without proper permits
“As-Is” Sales: Sellers refusing repairs usually know about problems
Expired Listings: Properties that didn’t sell often have hidden issues
Estate Sales: Heirs may be unaware of unpermitted work
FSBO Transactions: Without agent guidance, issues often go undisclosed
Your Options After Our Inspection
Request Repairs: Use our findings to negotiate seller-paid corrections before closing.
Negotiate Credits: Get money back at closing to handle issues yourself after purchase.
Renegotiate Price: Significant findings justify price reduction discussions.
Walk Away: If issues are too severe, you can cancel during your contingency period.
Plan for the Future: Understand what you’re buying and budget for necessary work.
Throughout San Diego County
Don't Risk Your Biggest Investment
The few hundred dollars you spend on a professional construction inspection could save you tens of thousands in unexpected costs and legal issues. With MEE Builders’ expertise, you’ll know exactly what you’re buying—unpermitted work, code violations, and all.
Time is limited during your contingency period. Call now to protect your investment.
Available 7 Days a Week for Urgent Escrow Inspections.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is this different from a standard home inspection?
Standard inspectors check systems and safety. We investigate construction legality, permits, and code compliance—issues that create legal and financial liability.
When should I schedule the inspection?
As early as possible in your contingency period, giving you maximum time to negotiate or investigate findings.
Can you provide repair estimates?
Yes, we provide detailed estimates for legalizing or correcting any issues we discover.
What if the seller claims all work is permitted?
We verify all claims through official records and on-site investigation. Sellers are often unaware of previous owners’ unpermitted work.
Experience the MEE Builders Difference
Let’s Bring Your Vision to Life
Ready to start your renovation journey? Reach out to MEE Builders today!