Licensed. Certified. Insured. Professional.
Vanguard
Property Inspections Inc.
Tactical Inspections. Strategic Protection.
Meet Your Inspector
James Brown is a certified professional home inspector serving El Dorado Hills and the surrounding areas dedicated to helping buyers, sellers, and homeowners make confident home purchasing decisions. He is a retired military veteran with 30 years of service and numerous deployments across the globe in support of combat operations. His experience and expertise bring a sharp eye for detail and a commitment to clear, honest reporting.
As the owner of Vanguard Property Inspections Inc. James conducts thorough inspections of all major home systems, explains findings in plain language, and delivers easy to understand digital reports within 24 hours of inspection completion utilizing Spectora report writing software. Whether you’re purchasing your first home, evaluating an investment property, or simply want a current evaluation on your existing home, James focuses on safety, function, and long-term value so you know exactly what you’re buying.
James is an InterNACHI Certified Professional Inspector, ICA Premier Certified Home Inspector, IAC2 Radon & Mold Testing Certified, FAA Part 107 Drone Licensed and completes ongoing training to stay current with building standards and best practices.
- Veteran Owned/Operated
- NHIE Compliant
- ICA Premier Certified Home Inspector
- ICA Certified Mold Inspector
- InterNACHI Member ID: NACHI26012041
- InterNACHI Radon Tester
- InterNACHI Mold Inspector
- IAC2 Radon & Mold Certified
- FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot (#5272032)
Certifications acquired through home inspector training from InterNACHI
El Dorado Hills' Premier Inspection Services
Residential Home Inspections
Starting Price: $425
Comprehensive residential home inspections provide buyers and sellers with detailed insights into a property's condition. We evaluate the foundation, structure, roofing, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, safety components and more, identifying issues early. Our thorough reports include photos, recommendations, and expert guidance, helping you make confident decisions and protect your investment long term.
Condo/Townhome Inspections
Starting Price: $400
Specialized condo and townhome inspections focus on interior systems and shared structural elements. We assess electrical, plumbing, HVAC, walls, ceilings, and common areas while noting association responsibilities. Our detailed reporting highlights potential concerns, maintenance needs, and safety issues, ensuring you understand the property before purchase or sale decisions.
Radon Testing
Add-On Starting Price: $200
Standalone Service Starting Price: $300
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that is colorless, odorless, tasteless and found throughout California. Radon is the natural breakdown of uranium in the soil. According to the EPA, elevated levels of radon gas is the second leading cause of lung cancer among nonsmokers. Professional radon testing will detect this harmful uranium byproduct. We use NRPP approved and calibrated equipment to measure radon concentrations, providing reliable results and explanations. If elevated levels are found, we offer guidance on mitigation options, helping you create a safer living environment for your family.
Sewer Line Inspection
Add-On Starting Price: $350
Standalone Service Starting Price: $500
Advanced high definition imaging allows us to inspect underground pipes without invasive digging. Using specialized cameras, we identify blockages, cracks, root intrusion, and deterioration within the main sewer lateral line. This evaluation helps prevent costly surprises, supports maintenance planning, and ensures your property's plumbing system functions efficiently and reliably over time.
Mold Inspection
Starting Price: $400
Comprehensive mold inspections identify growth and hidden moisture issues that contribute to mold development. We thoroughly assess your home for the presence of mold and potential sources that can lead to mold growth through an in-depth visual inspection, air quality sampling, thermal imaging, moisture and humidity measurements, and more. If mold is suspected or discovered, samples of the affected areas are sent to a state certified testing lab for further analysis. Our inspection report provides clear findings and recommendations to help protect your health and property, and ensuring a clean, safe indoor environment for occupants.
Thermal Imaging
Starting Price: Standard Service
Thermal imaging for home inspections uses infrared cameras to detect surface temperature anomalies, identifying hidden issues like moisture leaks, insulation gaps, and electrical faults . By capturing heat signatures, inspectors can visualize missing insulation, water intrusion behind walls, and overheating circuits, offering a more thorough, non-invasive assessment than a visual inspection alone.
Drone Imaging
Starting Price: Standard Service
Drones used in home inspections provide a safe, high-resolution aerial assessment of roofs, chimneys, and hard-to-reach exterior areas, replacing dangerous ladder climbing. They capture 4K photos and videos of shingles, flashing, and gutters, helping inspectors identify structural issues, leaks, or damage. If the inspector determines the roof is unsafe to traverse due to recent or current weather conditions, the integrity of tiles, or exceeds the personal comfortability for a steep roof (>4/12 slope), a drone may be utilized to perform the required inspection. Commercial drone operators must possess an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate.
The Best Modern Report in the Industry
The Best Modern Report in the Industry
While Vanguard Property Inspections Inc. encourages our clients to walk through the home with us, we understand that you may be too busy, and may not have time to do so.
Regardless of whether or not you attend the inspection, we will compile a comprehensive Spectora report, which includes all of the information you need to determine the condition of the home.
We will deliver our report within 24 hours of the conclusion of your home inspection, so that you can quickly access a full overview of our findings – and discuss them with us and your agent.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is a home inspection?
A home inspection is an objective visual examination of the physical structure and systems of a house, from the roof to the foundation. Home inspections are designed to protect the buyer, by revealing problems they might not have noticed otherwise.
How much does a home inspection cost?
Our home inspections start at $375. The cost will vary based on the square footage of the home, the age of the home, and location of the home. Call, text, or email us for a quote today!
How long does a home inspection take?
Home inspections generally take 2 to 4 hours to complete. The duration of a home inspection depends on many factors such as the size of the home, the condition of the home, and the ability to access certain areas of the home (roof, crawl space, attic, etc.).
Should I attend the inspection?
Although it is not necessary, we do recommend that you attend the inspection so you can ask questions and learn more about the home. You will learn a lot from the inspection report, but we always encourage you to attend!
What if the inspection report reveals problems?
It is important to note that no house is perfect. At the end of the home inspection process, we will provide a detailed report that describes the physical condition of the property, with images and videos highlighting what may need repair or replacement. The information provided is to allow a potential buyer to make an informed decision about moving forward with the transaction. It is not pass or fail.
What Else Can We Answer?
At Vanguard Property Inspections Inc., our job isn’t complete until you feel comfortable and all of your questions and concerns are answered.