Residential Division

Thorough, certified residential inspections for buyers, sellers, and homeowners throughout California’s Central Valley.

Residential Inspections

Your Home. Your Investment. Your Peace of Mind.

A home purchase is one of the most significant financial decisions you will make. A Lantern and Shield residential inspection gives you an objective, documented picture of the property’s condition before you close — so you can negotiate from a position of knowledge, plan for future maintenance, and move forward with confidence.

Our residential inspections are performed in accordance with the InterNACHI® Standards of Practice and include infrared thermal imaging and moisture assessment as standard components of every inspection — at no additional charge.

Inspections typically take two to four hours depending on the size and condition of the home. Clients are welcome and encouraged to attend.

Schedule a Residential Inspection

Standard Inspection Includes

  • Foundation and structural framing
  • Roofing, gutters, and drainage
  • Attic, insulation, and ventilation
  • Electrical panel, wiring, and fixtures
  • Plumbing supply and drain systems
  • HVAC heating and cooling systems
  • Water heater
  • Kitchen appliances (built-in)
  • Bathrooms and moisture zones
  • Windows, doors, and weatherstripping
  • Fireplace and chimney (visual)
  • Garage and detached structures
  • Exterior grading and drainage
  • Infrared thermal imaging scan
  • Moisture reader assessment
Who We Serve

Residential Inspection Services

We provide residential inspections for a range of clients and transaction types throughout the Central Valley.

Buyer’s Inspection

The most common inspection. Conducted during escrow, this gives buyers an independent evaluation of the property before purchase. Know what you are buying before you close.

Pre-Listing Inspection

For sellers who want to identify and address issues before listing. A pre-listing inspection eliminates surprises, supports accurate pricing, and builds buyer confidence.

New Construction Inspection

Even new homes benefit from an independent inspection before the builder’s final walk-through. We verify that systems are installed correctly and the home is ready for occupancy.

11-Month Warranty Inspection

Most new home warranties expire at 12 months. An 11-month inspection identifies construction defects and warranty items before coverage ends.

Homeowner Maintenance Inspection

For current homeowners who want a professional assessment of their property’s condition. Useful for planning capital improvements and prioritizing maintenance.

Manufactured & Mobile Homes

We inspect manufactured and mobile homes using standards appropriate to that construction type, covering the same major systems as a site-built home inspection.

Scope of Inspection

What a Residential Inspection Covers

Every residential inspection is a comprehensive visual examination of the accessible systems and components of the home. We evaluate structural integrity, roofing, exterior, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, interior spaces, attic, and insulation — all documented with photographs and written findings organized by priority.

Our inspections are performed in accordance with the InterNACHI® Standards of Practice. Every report is delivered digitally within 24 hours and is accessible on any device.

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What Sets Us Apart

  • InterNACHI®-certified inspector
  • Infrared thermal imaging — standard, no extra charge
  • Moisture assessment — standard, no extra charge
  • 50+ labeled photographs per report
  • Report delivered within 24 hours
  • Plain-language findings, organized by priority
  • Post-inspection phone support from Mark directly
Why It Matters

The Value of a Professional Inspection

  • Negotiate from Knowledge

    Documented defects give buyers factual grounds to request repairs, credits, or price adjustments — or to walk away from a property that doesn’t meet expectations.

  • See What You Cannot See

    Infrared thermal imaging reveals hidden moisture, missing insulation, and electrical hotspots invisible to the naked eye. You see the full picture — not just the surface.

  • Plan Your Maintenance Budget

    Even a home in good condition has systems with finite lifespans. A thorough inspection helps you prioritize near-term maintenance and plan for future capital expenditures.

  • No Conflict of Interest

    Lantern and Shield Property Inspections, Inc. does not perform repairs. Our only obligation is to give you the most accurate assessment possible — with no financial incentive to minimize findings.

  • Coverage

    Residential Service Area

    We inspect residential properties throughout California’s Central Valley.

    Merced Atwater Turlock Modesto Madera Fresno Los Banos Ceres Livingston Chowchilla and surrounding areas

    Inspecting a property outside these areas? Call or text us to discuss availability.

    Client Reviews

    What Homebuyers & Owners Say

    Lai Saephan
    “We had a fantastic experience with Lantern and Shield for our home inspection. Mark was incredibly thorough, professional, and knowledgeable throughout the entire process. He carefully inspected the interior and exterior of the home.”
    Beth Christensen
    “Mark is amazing. He is professional, prepared and highly skilled. I appreciate the fact that he is WONDERFUL with communication—he’s always happy to take a phone call and answer any question I may have.”
    Rose DePalmaLeak Assessment
    “Mark was friendly and very knowledgeable of how houses are built. He came out, went into my attic, found the location of the leak from the roof and gave me an honest assessment of my options.”

    Ready to Schedule Your Inspection?

    Call, text, or complete our online form. We confirm appointments promptly and work around your schedule.