Common Items Found During Home Inspections - Trilogy La Quinta, CA

Using inspection reports from our 10 most recent Trilogy La Quinta home sales, we compiled the most common items inspectors flagged.

Homes in Trilogy La Quinta are generally around 20 years old. Development was between 2003 - 2011. Below are the most commonly found issues found by our inspector Dean.

• Cracked or lifted roof tiles: Age and desert heat cause concrete tiles to crack or shift, which can lead to leaks if left unrepaired. $300–$1,000 (spot repair)

• Missing or worn roof sealant or bird screens: Sealant around vent pipes and flashings dries out in the sun; bird screens often go missing. $250–$600 (renew sealant and screens).

• Aging HVAC units (15–20 years): Most are original to early-2000s builds; still running but near end of life. $8K–$14K replacement / $250–$400 annual service)

• Water heater near end of life: Typical lifespan is 10–15 years; many exceed that. $2,000–$3,500 (new gas unit).

• Failed or fogged dual-pane windows: Heat breaks the seal, allowing moisture between panes. $250–$500 per window.

• High or low water pressure at main shut-off: Mineral buildup or regulator variance causes stress on plumbing or reduced flow. $250–$500 (adjustment or replacement).

• Electrical safety issues: Open knockouts, missing cover plates, or exposed conductors—small but serious code violations. $100–$300 minor / up to $1K for panel work.

• Improper AC anchoring or missing insulation: Units shift on pavers; missing insulation reduces efficiency. $150–$400 (anchoring + foam wrap).

• Stucco cracks or unsealed wall penetrations: Desert settlement and sun exposure cause cracks that risk water intrusion. $300–$800 (patch + paint per wall).

• Missing sediment trap on gas lines: Common code miss at heaters and furnaces; prevents debris from clogging burners. $250–$350 per install.

For homes with pools, we bring in a dedicated pool inspector, Rudy De Ana, to analyze the pool and equipment. Many Trilogy pools are original builds, so older pools often show several of the issues listed below.

• Cracked or lifted roof tiles: Age and desert heat cause concrete tiles to crack or shift, which can lead to leaks if left unrepaired. $300–$1,000 (spot repair)

• Missing or worn roof sealant or bird screens: Sealant around vent pipes and flashings dries out in the sun; bird screens often go missing. $250–$600 (renew sealant and screens).

• Aging HVAC units (15–20 years): Most are original to early-2000s builds; still running but near end of life. $8K–$14K replacement / $250–$400 annual service)

• Water heater near end of life: Typical lifespan is 10–15 years; many exceed that. $2,000–$3,500 (new gas unit).

• Failed or fogged dual-pane windows: Heat breaks the seal, allowing moisture between panes. $250–$500 per window.

• High or low water pressure at main shut-off: Mineral buildup or regulator variance causes stress on plumbing or reduced flow. $250–$500 (adjustment or replacement).

• Electrical safety issues: Open knockouts, missing cover plates, or exposed conductors—small but serious code violations. $100–$300 minor / up to $1K for panel work.

• Improper AC anchoring or missing insulation: Units shift on pavers; missing insulation reduces efficiency. $150–$400 (anchoring + foam wrap).

• Stucco cracks or unsealed wall penetrations: Desert settlement and sun exposure cause cracks that risk water intrusion. $300–$800 (patch + paint per wall).

• Missing sediment trap on gas lines: Common code miss at heaters and furnaces; prevents debris from clogging burners. $250–$350 per install.

In Trilogy and throughout the Coachella Valley, buyers typically pay for the home inspection and choose their inspector. We recommend Dean Rivale, who charges $400–$850 depending on square footage and whether the home includes a pool. For pool homes, Dean partners with Rudy De Ana, whose pool inspection is included in the same fee.

There’s no way to predict how a seller will respond until repairs are requested, but on average, sellers in Trilogy cover $2,500–$5,000 in repairs.

We often recommend asking for a credit instead of repairs. This gives you control to use our trusted local vendors. While sellers are legally obligated to complete agreed-upon repairs, a credit avoids uncertainty over workmanship and timing.

Once your offer is accepted, escrow opens and your earnest money deposit (around 3%) is held until closing. During the 17-day contingency period, you’ll complete your inspection and, if needed, renegotiate repairs or credits.

If no agreement is reached and contingencies remain open, you can walk away with your full deposit refunded—your only cost being time and the inspection fee.