If you’re planning to buy or sell a house, you’ll need a home inspection to make sure everything is in good shape. Use this comprehensive guide to learn what to expect from the home inspection process.

The Essential Guide to Home Inspections of All Types

CAPITOLA — So, your house needs a new roof. You’ve received bids from three different roofers, and as you look them over, you see a lot of variation, from the scope and materials to the price. What are you to make of this? What could account for all these differences if the bids are for the same job? Which roofer is giving you the most accurate price? One way to gain some insight is to solicit the help of the roofers themselves to explain the differences to you. Here’s a good strategy: Hide the price on roofer A’s bid and send it to roofer B. Ask them to explain why their bid may have more merit or benefit than the other. Read more

<h1>Steve Daddario: Up on the Roof</h1>
<h6>By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter</h6>
CAPITOLA — After taking a break from college to focus on saving money, Steve Daddario figured he’d be back the following year. However, it wasn’t long before he encountered a totally different form of higher education. “At age 22, I was married and attending college with plans to become a minister,” he recounts. “When my wife and I found out we were expecting, I decided to take a year off from school to prepare for our upcoming expenses. A friend of mine was a roofer, and he offered to train me and give me some work, so I took him up on it.”
It didn’t take Steve long to realize he’d found his true calling up on the roof. “Once I got into the trade, I never looked back,” he says. “I really enjoyed being outside and working with my hands. I stuck with it and was contracting by the time I was 28. In 1982, I started life as a roofing contractor, and more than 30 years later, I’m still at it. It’s been quite a ride!”
Originally from Seattle, Washington, Steve resides today in Santa Cruz with his wife, Dawn, where he appreciates the laid-back atmosphere. “I enjoy living in Santa Cruz; it has a really mellow, small-town feel, as opposed to the hustle and bustle of San Jose, where I previously lived for about 20 years. Plus, I love to surf, so it’s really a perfect place for me.”
When he’s not out catching waves, Steve spends most of his time outside of work fishing, playing music and hanging out with family. “Dawn and I have three adult children and two grandsons, all of whom live in the Bay Area, so we get together pretty often for birthdays and holidays. I also love to go fly fishing when I get a chance, as well as play bass guitar for our church worship team. I was in a Christian band for about 10 years that did prison ministry, performing for inmates throughout Central and Northern California, so music has been a pretty important part of my life.”
In regard to his life and career, Steve espouses the importance of treating others well. “Early in my career, I promised myself that if I ever went into business, I would regard people as more important than profits,” he explains. “That continues to be a core value for me, which I think is why our company feels more like a family than a business. I find when you treat people with respect and reward them—both tangibly with money and intangibly with praise—they develop a sense of pride and ownership, which results in better morale and performance.”
When asked what his future retirement might look like, Steve says he’ll have no trouble finding uses for the extra time. “I’d like to do some more traveling, surfing and fishing. I’ll also invest more time toward people, whether in my personal friendships, my church or charitable activities.”
Ask Me Anything!
Q: Do you have a favorite band or musician? 
A: A few of my favorites are Tower of Power, James Taylor and Weather Report.
Q: What’s your favorite thing to do on a rainy day? 
A: Work out and read a good book.
Q: What’s your favorite holiday? 
A: Easter, because of its religious significance.
Q: What’s your favorite local restaurant? 
A: The Crow’s Nest Restaurant in Santa Cruz.
Q: What’s your favorite season? 
A: Fall. Things get less crowded in town, but the weather is still good, as are the waves.

Owner

Steve Daddario: Up on the Roof By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter CAPITOLA — After taking a break from college to focus on saving money, Steve Daddario figured he’d be back the following year. However, it wasn’t long before he encountered a totally different form of higher education. “At age 22, I was married and attending college with plans to become a minister,” he recounts. “When my wife and I found out we were expecting, I decided to take a year off from school to prepare for our upcoming expenses. A friend of mine was a roofer, and he offered to train me and give me some work, so I took him up on it.” It didn’t take Steve long to realize he’d found his true calling up on the roof. Read more

Steve Daddario is owner of Daddario Roofing Company, Inc., a Diamond Certified company since 2008. He can be reached at (831) 440-7000 or by email.

Steve Daddario: Up on the Roof

SUNNYVALE — A roofing project is a major investment—not only in terms of money but also in terms of your home’s long-term integrity. That’s why it’s crucial to hire a contractor that will give you confidence in the lasting value of their work. Here are three things to look for in a roofer that will help ensure a quality hire: 1. License California law requires any roof to be installed by a licensed roofing contractor. This ensures the work is overseen by an individual who is well-versed in and adheres to the state’s building code standards. Any legitimate roofer has a license that’s registered with the state, so it’s a good idea to verify this before hiring. Read more

<h1>Andres Serva: Trading His Badge for a Roofer’s License</h1>
<h6>By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter</h6>
SUNNYVALE — After trying out a career in law enforcement, Andres Serva decided to leave the Force and join the roofing industry. “I became a police officer in 2016, but after a few years I started to consider other career options,” he recounts. “Working in law enforcement was becoming more challenging due to all the politics and liability involved. Also, the job required a substantial time commitment. My father-in-law was a roofing contractor, so I became interested in the field and eventually decided to make the change. I started out in a minor role and worked my way up to management. After gaining further experience, I decided it was time to branch off and start my own company. That was in 2020, a challenging year to start a business, but fortunately it wasn’t as tough as I’d expected and we made it through.”
Today, as owner of Sersiv Roofing Corporation, Andres says he enjoys the freedom of being his own boss. “One thing I love about having my own business is that I get to do things my way. I have the freedom to innovate and implement new products and ways of doing things. It’s a big difference from being an employee—or a police officer, for that matter!”
A resident of Sunnyvale (where he lives with his wife, Giovanna, and his son, Devin), Andres spends his time outside of work on a variety of activities. “I spend most of my time with my wife, whether at home or out and about. We like going to different restaurants, sightseeing, going to the movies, attending San Francisco Giants games and traveling out of town to places like Big Sur.”
In regard to a professional philosophy, Andres espouses the value of an everlasting education. “My mantra is, ‘Never stop learning,’” he says. “I never want to become complacent, so I’m always willing to try and learn new things. As a roofer, that means staying up-to-date with the latest techniques and technologies, as well as utilizing the latest and greatest methods for administration and advertising. Things are always evolving and you can never know everything, so it’s good to keep learning and growing.”
When asked what he would do if he were to retire tomorrow, Andres says he would see the world. “I would go traveling with my wife. The first place we would probably go is Italy. I’m half Italian, so that has been on my bucket list for a long time.”
Ask Me Anything!
Q: What’s your favorite local restaurant? 
A: Good Karma Artisan Ales &amp; Café in San Jose.
Q: Are you an early bird or a night owl? 
A: I’ve evolved—I used to be a night owl, but since getting into roofing I’ve become an early bird.
Q: What’s your favorite thing to do on a rainy day? 
A: Stay in and watch movies.
Q: If you could time travel, would you go to the past or the future? 
A: Neither—I like being in the present.
Q: What’s your favorite holiday? 
A: Christmas.

Andres Serva: Trading His Badge for a Roofer’s License By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter SUNNYVALE — After trying out a career in law enforcement, Andres Serva decided to leave the Force and join the roofing industry. “I became a police officer in 2016, but after a few years I started to consider other career options,” he recounts. “Working in law enforcement was becoming more challenging due to all the politics and liability involved. Also, the job required a substantial time commitment. My father-in-law was a roofing contractor, so I became interested in the field and eventually decided to make the change. I started out in a minor role and worked my way up to management. Read more

Andres Serva is owner of Sersiv Roofing Corporation, a Diamond Certified company. He can be reached at (831) 706-2045 or by email.

Andres Serva: Trading His Badge for a Roofer’s License

Companies Rated Highest in Quality and Helpful Expertise

Diamond Certified

<img src="https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/dcr-apis/wp_contents/uploads/DCR-ADMIN/home%20inspection.jpeg" alt="undefined" style="height: auto;width: auto"/>

Home inspections are an essential step in the home buying process. They help identify potential problems that could affect the safety, functionality, and value of a property. Here are some common issues often found during home inspections:
Roof Damage: Inspectors often find issues with the roof, such as missing or damaged shingles, leaks, and poor drainage. These problems can lead to water damage and require significant repairs.
Plumbing Problems: Leaky pipes, faulty fixtures, and outdated plumbing systems are common issues. Inspectors check for water pressure, signs of leaks, and the condition of pipes to ensure they meet safety standards.
Electrical Issues: Faulty wiring, outdated electrical panels, and insufficient outlets can pose serious safety hazards. Inspectors look for exposed wires, overloaded circuits, and proper grounding.
Foundation Cracks: Cracks in the foundation can indicate settling or structural problems. Inspectors look for signs of movement, such as uneven floors, cracks in walls, and doors that don't close properly.
HVAC System: Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems are crucial for comfort and efficiency. Inspectors check for proper functioning, age of the system, and signs of wear and tear.
Moisture and Mold: Water damage and mold growth can cause health problems and structural damage. Inspectors look for signs of water intrusion, such as stains, musty odors, and visible mold.
Insulation and Ventilation: Proper insulation and ventilation are essential for energy efficiency and comfort. Inspectors check attic spaces, basements, and crawl spaces for adequate insulation and ventilation.
Pest Infestations: Termites, rodents, and other pests can cause significant damage to a property. Inspectors look for signs of infestations, such as droppings, nests, and damage to wood.
Structural Issues: Inspectors examine the overall structure of the home, including walls, ceilings, and floors. They look for signs of damage, such as cracks, sagging, and uneven surfaces.
Exterior Issues: The condition of the exterior, including siding, windows, and doors, is also assessed. Inspectors look for signs of damage, poor maintenance, and potential entry points for water and pests.
Addressing these common issues found during home inspections can save homeowners from costly repairs and ensure a safe and comfortable living environment. It is essential to hire a qualified and experienced inspector to conduct a thorough examination of the property.&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/" target="_self">Use Diamond Certified Resource to find top rated companies.</a>
Local, Top Rated Diamond Certified Companies Related to Your Topic <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/real-estate-home-inspections/ca/contra-costa-county/" target="_self">Contra Costa County Home Inspection Companies</a> <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/real-estate-home-inspections/ca/alameda-county/" target="_self">Alameda County Home Inspection Companies</a> <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/real-estate-home-inspections/ca/san-mateo-county/" target="_self">San Mateo County Home Inspection Companies</a> <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/real-estate-home-inspections/ca/san-francisco-county/" target="_self">San Francisco Home Inspection Companies</a> <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/real-estate-home-inspections/ca/napa-county/" target="_self">Napa County Home Inspection Companies </a>&nbsp;
Related Articles <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/Guide/home-inspections-of-all-types/" target="_self">The Essential Guide to Home Inspections of All Types</a> <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/find-expert-advice/" target="_self">Get Expert Advice From Owners of Top Rated Local Companies</a> <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/membership/" target="_self">Become a Diamond Certified Preferred Member (Always Free)</a>&nbsp;

Home inspections help identify potential problems that could affect the safety, functionality, and value of a property.

The Essential Guide to Home Inspections of All Types

Sections in this guide

Search this Guide

What to Know at Each Step of Your Project

Tools in this Guide

The Diamond Certified Resource Home Inspections Of All Types Blog

Search the Diamond Certified Resource Home Inspections Of All Types Blog

Diamond Certified Expert Contributors Home Inspections Of All Types

Search
Diamond Certified Expert Contributions

More
Diamond Certified Expert Contributors

Become a Diamond Certified Preferred Member Today!

Consumers Rely on Diamond Certified Resource

See Other Guides

The Essential Guide to Home Inspections of All Types

Sections in this guide

Search this Guide

What to Know at Each Step of Your Project

Tools in this Guide

The Diamond Certified Resource Home Inspections Of All Types Blog

Search the Diamond Certified Resource Home Inspections Of All Types Blog

Diamond Certified Expert Contributors Home Inspections Of All Types

Search Diamond Certified Expert Contributions

More Diamond Certified Expert Contributors

Become a Diamond Certified Preferred Member Today!

Consumers Rely on Diamond Certified Resource

See Other Guides

Browse Our Guides

Search
Diamond Certified Expert Contributions

More
Diamond Certified Expert Contributors