Beyond The Surface Home Inspections
Specializing the Big Bear Valley and Lake Arrowhead Communities – San Bernardino County
Meet our Inspectors
Experienced and Professional.
Meet your Inspectors Amber Gonzalez and Derek Porter.
Amber is not just a home inspector; she’s a seasoned professional in the Real Estate industry with a passion for ensuring that every detail is accounted for. With a remarkable career spanning over two decades in the pharmaceutical business that honed her skills in precision, persistence, and delivering excellence. Amber’s dedication extends beyond the inspection itself. She takes the time to educate herself and clients, empowering them with knowledge about their potential investment. Her thorough reports are not just documents; they’re roadmaps for informed decision-making.
Derek Porter served 8 years in the United States Marine Corps, where he excelled as a heavy equipment operator, drill instructor, martial arts instructor, and primary marksmanship instructor. In 2004, Derek, founded American Dream Property Inspections, a property inspection company in San Diego, offering comprehensive building, mold, and sewer inspections. With over 8,000 home and commercial inspections under his belt, he continues to operate the business today. Additionally, he served as a code enforcement officer for the city of Big Bear Lake, ensuring that community standards and local regulations were upheld.
With Amber and Derek as your home inspectors, you’re not just getting a professional; you’re getting partners who will work tirelessly to ensure that your home is safe, sound, and ready for your next chapter.
Certifications acquired through home inspector training from InterNACHI
Our Inspection Services
residential Inspections
Certified Inspectors will evaluate your property for safety, quality, and habitability. They inspect and identify issues in key systems such as structure, electricity, plumbing, HVAC, and roofing, throughout both the interior and exterior of the home, apartment or condo. This includes all types of property like Mobile homes & Manufactured Homes and Multi-Unit Homes.
pre-sale inspections
A pre-sale inspection evaluates a property before listing, identifying issues and repairs needed. It covers the home's structural components, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, roof, and systems. A detailed report outlines deficiencies, assisting homeowners in making repairs. This includes all types of property like Mobile homes & Manufactured Homes and Multi-Unit Homes.
Radon Testing
Testing coming soon. Radon testing can identify if the levels of radon in your home are dangerous. Radon is a radioactive gas that is odorless, tasteless, and invisible. It is naturally formed from the breakdown of heavy metals in the earth and can enter a home through cracks in floors, walls, drain systems, and other sources. The EPA has estimated that over 21,000 lung cancer deaths in the U.S. each year are attributed to radon. It is the number one cause of lung cancer deaths among non-smokers
Mold Testing
Our Mold Testing service provides a thorough inspection of your property for mold growth and potential hazards. We use advanced technology and techniques to detect and identify mold, and provide detailed reports and recommendations for remediation. Our certified professionals ensure a safe and effective process, protecting your health and the integrity of your property. Let us help you breathe easy with our Mold Testing service.
Drone Photography
Unlock new perspectives with our drone inspection services for most inspections when available. Soar above and capture comprehensive aerial insights, empowering you to make informed decisions and optimize your operations with unparalleled efficiency.
Thermal imaging
Thermal imaging technology allows us to visualize heat signatures, revealing hidden details and potential issues. This non-invasive approach provides valuable insights, enabling efficient monitoring, problem-solving, and informed decision-making across various industries. With its versatility and precision, thermal imaging empowers our clients to enhance safety.
Rental Property Inspections
Our rental property inspection service helps landlords ensure their property is well-maintained and safe for tenants. Our meticulous and thorough process identifies and solves any arising issues to give peace of mind. Our experienced team delivers exceptional service. Contact us today to learn more and take the first step towards keeping your rental property in good hands.
New Construction Inspections
A new construction inspection ensures that a property is built to standard by examining all critOHI.2022002644l elements including structural integrity, plumbing, electricity, and HVAC systems. Our experts will also verify finishes meet quality standards. Once complete, a detailed report of any issues with recommendations for remediation is provided, giving homeowners much-needed peace of mind regarding their investment.
4-point Inspections
A 4-point inspection assesses electrOHI.2022002644l, plumbing, HVAC, and roof systems, required by insurance companies for older or high-claim homes. A licensed inspector evaluates these systems' condition and age, providing insurers with an overview of the house, reducing risk and ensuring adequate coverage. Homeowners learn about the systems' condition for informed decision-making.
Commercial Inspection
We inspect commercial properties such as offices, warehouses, and retail spaces. Our team assesses the entire property, including structure, electrOHI.2022002644l, and plumbing systems and provides a detailed report with repair and maintenance recommendations. Trust us for peace of mind as a commercial property owner.
Sewer Scope Inspections
A sewer scope inspection checks sewer lines using a camera to identify damage and concerns. It's valuable for homeowners and buyers because it can prevent costly repairs and provides peace of mind. The inspection is non-invasive, takes only a few hours, and is recommended for any property over 20 years old or with past plumbing issues.
Environmental Phase 1 Inspections
Environmental Phase 1 Inspections help businesses determine the level of environmental risks associated with their property. Conducted by environmental consultants, these inspections identify hazards like soil contamination and hazardous waste disposal. They examine the property, review records, interview owners, and offer recommendations for remediation. These inspections are crucial for protecting people, property, and the environment.
Remodeling
We offer customized remodeling services that enhance the look and functionality of your home or business. Our expert team provides project management, demolition and disposal, electric, plumbing, flooring, painting, and more. From complete house renovations to bathroom and kitchen remodeling, we guarantee premium quality workmanship and materials. Contact us to schedule a free consultation.
Mold & Air Sampling
There are over 400,000 types of mold, and while there are only a few dozen that are toxic, exposure to many molds can lead to health problems. It can also cause structural damage to your house.
Asbestos
Asbestos inspection checks for asbestos-containing materials in properties. A thorough examination identifies the ACMs followed by testing. The report gives suggestions on safe management or removal of any ACMs found. The inspection complies with regulations & standards.
Lead Paint Inspection
Lead paint inspections test for the presence of lead-based paint in buildings built before 1978. These certified inspections promote safety by identifying hazards and providing recommendations for remediation. Pregnant women and young children, who are at higher risk of lead poisoning, can benefit from this service.
Certified Fortified Evaluators
Certified Fortified Evaluators evaluate buildings for safety & resilience to natural disasters, identify weak points, recommend mitigation measures, and reduce risk. They are essential in safeguarding properties against the destructive forces of nature, providing peace of mind to property owners and insurance companies.
Floorplan / ElectrOHI.2022002644l Mapping
Floorplans are great for investors or homeowners that want to better understand the layout of the home, or plan for where the furniture will go. ElectrOHI.2022002644l Mapping is an add-on to the floorplan that will identify where all the lights, outlets and electrOHI.2022002644l devices are located and what breakers they are connected to. This helps understand if certain circuits are overloaded or provide guidance of where to turn off power to a certain circuit.
Radon Testing
Radon testing can identify if the levels of radon in your home are dangerous. Radon is a radioactive gas that is odorless, tasteless, and invisible. It is naturally formed from the breakdown of heavy metals in the earth and can enter a home through cracks in floors, walls, drain systems, and other sources. The EPA has estimated that over 21,000 lung cancer deaths in the U.S. each year are attributed to radon. It is the number one cause of lung cancer deaths among non-smokers.
Pool & Spa Inspection
Our Pool & Spa inspection service offers a comprehensive examination of all parts and systems with experienced and certified inspectors. We find defects, leaks, or safety hazards and provide maintenance recommendations. We assess the pool/spa's structure, plumbing and electrOHI.2022002644l systems, and pool safety features.
The Best Modern Report in the Industry
At Beyond The Surface Home Inspections, we highly value your involvement in the inspection process, but we understand that life can get busy. If you’re unable to join us during the inspection, we’ve got you covered.
Our team will diligently document every detail of your potential home in a comprehensive Spectora report, so you’ll have all the information you need at your fingertips. You can expect to receive this report within 24 hours of the inspection’s conclusion, ensuring you can quickly review our findings and discuss them with us and your agent.
Your comfort and confidence are our top priorities, so if you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out. We’re here to support you every step of the way.
All You Need to Know
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a home inspection?
A home inspection is a thorough, unbiased visual examination of a house, encompassing everything from its structural components to its various systems, from the roof right down to the foundation. It’s a crucial step in the home buying process aimed at safeguarding you, the buyer, by uncovering any underlying issues that might have otherwise gone unnoticed.
How much does a home inspection cost?
Our home inspection services start at $400, with the final cost subject to factors such as the size, age, and location of the property. We understand that every home is unique, and we strive to offer transparent pricing that reflects the intricacies of your particular situation.
How long does a home inspection take?
Typically, a home inspection will take anywhere from 3 to 5 hours to complete. However, the exact duration can vary based on several factors, including the size and condition of the home, as well as accessibility to key areas like the roof, crawl space, and attic. We dedicate ample time to ensure a thorough assessment, never rushing through the process.
Should I attend the inspection?
What if the inspection report reveals problems?
It’s essential to recognize that no house is without its imperfections. Following the inspection, we’ll provide you with a comprehensive report detailing the property’s physical condition, complete with images and videos highlighting areas that may require attention or maintenance. This information empowers you to make an informed decision regarding the transaction. Remember, the report isn’t about passing or failing—it’s about equipping you with the knowledge needed to move forward confidently.