Your insurance company wants a contractor inspection. We do them.
California insurers are now requiring home inspections by licensed general contractors — not standard home inspectors — before issuing or renewing coverage. Onyx provides thorough, code-compliant inspections that satisfy insurer requirements across Los Angeles.
Why California insurers are requiring contractor inspections
This is not a routine update to insurance policy. It reflects a fundamental shift in how insurers are assessing risk across California — and it's affecting homeowners across Los Angeles regardless of the age or condition of their property.
The insurance landscape in California has changed significantly
California's exposure to wildfires, earthquakes, and flooding has driven a surge in claims that insurers were not pricing for. In response, major carriers have tightened their underwriting standards, pulled back from high-risk areas, or exited the California market altogether. The ones that remain are doing far more rigorous due diligence before issuing or renewing policies.
Part of that due diligence is requiring home inspections — not from general home inspection companies, but from licensed general contractors. The difference matters. A standard home inspector looks at general condition. A licensed general contractor evaluates structural integrity, building code compliance, construction quality, and the kinds of risks that lead to major claims.
For homeowners, this can feel like an unexpected hurdle. It doesn't have to be. A thorough inspection by the right contractor can also surface issues that, when addressed, improve the safety of the home and potentially lead to more favorable insurance terms.
What a licensed general contractor sees that a standard inspector doesn't
Insurance companies are not making this requirement arbitrarily. A licensed general contractor brings a different level of expertise to a property assessment — and that difference is exactly what insurers are looking for.
Structural expertise
A licensed general contractor is trained to evaluate foundational integrity, framing quality, load paths, and structural conditions that a standard home inspector may not have the background to assess accurately.
Building code knowledge
General contractors work with local building codes daily. They can identify work that was done without permits, construction that doesn't meet current code, and conditions that represent a real compliance risk — not just a cosmetic one.
Risk identification
Beyond what exists today, a general contractor can identify vulnerabilities in a home's design or construction that make it more susceptible to damage in a fire, earthquake, or flood — the exact risks insurers are trying to quantify before issuing a policy.
Professional accountability
Licensed general contractors are held to professional standards by the California Contractors State License Board. Their license, insurance, and ongoing accountability give insurers a higher degree of confidence in the findings than an unlicensed inspector can provide.
A comprehensive assessment of your property's condition
An Onyx insurance inspection is not a quick walkthrough. It is a methodical evaluation of the conditions that insurers care most about — documented in a written report you can submit directly to your carrier.
Foundation & structure
Evaluation of foundation condition, signs of settlement or cracking, structural framing integrity, and any visible indicators of deferred maintenance or past damage.
Roof condition
Assessment of roofing material condition, age, drainage, flashing integrity, and any areas that present a near-term risk of failure or water intrusion.
Electrical systems
Review of visible electrical components, panel condition, service entry, and any conditions that represent a fire or safety risk under current California code.
Plumbing systems
Inspection of visible plumbing supply and drain lines, water heater condition, signs of active or past leaks, and any conditions that present a water damage risk.
Exterior & site
Assessment of exterior cladding, windows, doors, grading, drainage, and site conditions that could contribute to moisture intrusion or fire exposure risk.
Code compliance
Identification of unpermitted work, construction that doesn't meet current code, and conditions that may require remediation before a policy can be issued or renewed.
What homeowners should know before the inspection
A contractor inspection is an opportunity as much as it is a requirement. Understanding what to expect — and what the findings might mean — helps you approach the process with the right mindset.
What the inspection report is used for
The written report produced by Onyx documents the condition of the property across the systems and components your insurer is concerned about. It is submitted directly to the insurance carrier as part of their underwriting review. In some cases, the insurer will require remediation of specific items before coverage is issued. In others, the report alone is sufficient to satisfy the requirement.
Either way, having the inspection completed by a licensed general contractor — rather than a standard inspector — gives the carrier confidence in the findings and reduces the likelihood of follow-up requests.
What happens if issues are found
If the inspection uncovers conditions that need to be addressed, Onyx can provide a scope of work and pricing to remediate them. Because we conducted the inspection, we already understand the property — which makes the repair process more efficient and the scope more accurate than starting fresh with a separate contractor.
In many cases, completing the recommended repairs not only satisfies the insurer's requirements but also improves the long-term condition of the home — which can translate to lower premiums and better coverage terms over time.
Why homeowners across Los Angeles choose Onyx for insurance inspections
We are a licensed California general contractor with years of experience across remodels, additions, ADUs, and new construction in Los Angeles. We know what insurers are looking for — and we know how to document it clearly.
Valid CSLB license
Our California Contractors State License Board license is active, current, and covers the full scope of general contracting work — which is exactly what insurers require from the contractor performing the inspection.
Full insurance coverage
Onyx carries general liability insurance and workers' compensation coverage. Both are required by California law and are typically verified by the insurer before accepting an inspection report.
Local expertise
We have built and renovated homes across Los Angeles — from Santa Monica and Pacific Palisades to West Hollywood, Hancock Park, and Brentwood. We understand local building conditions, common construction methods, and the issues that show up most frequently in LA properties.
Insurance inspections across Los Angeles
Onyx performs insurance inspections throughout the greater Los Angeles area. If your neighborhood isn't listed, call us — we likely cover it.
Westside
- Santa Monica
- Pacific Palisades
- Brentwood
- West Los Angeles
- Westwood
- Mar Vista
- Venice
- Marina del Rey
- Playa Vista
- Culver City
Mid-City & Hills
- Beverly Hills
- West Hollywood
- Beverly Grove
- Mid-City
- Cheviot Hills
- Rancho Park
- Pico-Robertson
- Hancock Park
- Bel Air
- Hollywood
South & Southwest
- Baldwin Hills
- View Park
- Windsor Hills
- Ladera Heights
- Inglewood
- Hawthorne
- El Segundo
- Westchester
- Playa del Rey
East & Central
- Los Feliz
- Silver Lake
- Echo Park
- Koreatown
- Pasadena
- Glendale
- Burbank
- Studio City
- Sherman Oaks
Schedule your insurance inspection
Call Onyx directly or send us the property address and your insurance carrier's inspection requirements. We'll confirm availability and get the inspection scheduled quickly.
What to have ready when you call
- Property address
- Name of your insurance carrier
- Any specific requirements or forms from the insurer
- Current coverage status and renewal deadline if applicable
- Any known conditions or recent repairs at the property
What happens after the inspection
- Written inspection report delivered within the agreed timeframe
- Documentation suitable for direct submission to your insurance carrier
- Scope and pricing for any remediation items identified, if needed
- Availability to speak directly with your insurer or broker if questions arise
