Inspecting the Barbie Dreamhouse

Move over, Ken! Home Inspector Barbie has a lot of work to do to make sure this Barbie Malibu Dreamhouse in the Real World is ready for all-nighters and slumber parties galore. Follow along to see how Barbie goes about inspecting this Barbie Dreamhouse. Pay special attention to the important features to look out for in a beachfront home. 

Meet Home Inspector Barbie 

For this (imaginary) inspection, let’s pretend that Barbie is a new home inspector working in California. While home inspectors in California are not required to be licensed, Barbie knew that passing her National Home Inspector Exam (NHIE) and having extra credentials is an excellent way to stand out as a professional.  

And of course, Barbie wouldn’t be nearly as successful without her network of friends made through an association such as the California Real Estate Inspection Association (CREIA). But that’s Barbie, always going above and beyond! 

Inspecting the Barbie Dreamhouse 

The classic Barbie Dreamhouse is here in the Real World. This three-story marvel of construction boasts of pools, outdoor dance floors, and plenty of natural lighting. Oh, and it’s pink! Located in Malibu, California, this Dreamhouse is a big, pink, beachfront dream come true. There’s just one thing…this place has Ken written all over it. Is this really the Dreamhouse, or the Mojo Dojo Casa House? Here’s how Barbie would inspect this property from top to bottom, inside and out. 

Pink Goes with Everything — Except Mold! 

First things first, Barbie will inspect the outside of the property. She checks the grade, all drainage areas, and surrounding vegetation to make sure all coasts are clear for a stable foundation. She’ll check the railings, stairways, and patios to make sure they are up to code, and make sure all exterior walls and beams are clear of any signs of wear and tear.  

We’re in Malibu, so ocean spray and humidity could cause some serious damage over time. Speaking of humidity…the carpeting that lines the outdoor walkways could be mold heaven! Good thing Barbie took some extra certifications! She is now a Certified Mold Assessor Technician, so she can make sure these carpets are safe for guests. 

What (or Who) Was This Made For?  

As she works her way from room to room, Barbie uses her camera to take pictures of all aspects of the home that she wants to include in her report. But something is a little off. When was the last time this place saw some regular maintenance? And what’s with all these horses? 

As always, knowing a little about who built the home and when will tell you what kind of property you’ll be dealing with. There could be a lot of issues down the line if the person who built it doesn’t know their Ken-struction. And handy-Ken fixes (like duct tape) could be a ticking time bomb for the perfect disaster. 

Common Issues in Beachfront Properties 

Though a beachfront party house might sound like a dream come true, there’s a lot of potential weak points that could turn this dream into a nightmare:

• Mold/mildew, other humidity challenges 
• Flood risks 
• Saltwater corrosion 
• Termites and other pests 
• Roof and foundation issues 
• Lack of pool safety features 

Luckily, aside from some bizarre design choices, it seems that Ken didn’t do so much damage after all. This Dreamhouse is ready for the Barbies to come home! 

How Long Will It Take for Barbie to Inspect the Dreamhouse?

In Barbieland, it’s pretty easy to float from room to room and fix issues with a positive attitude and active imagination. But in the Real World, things are a little more complicated. Considering all the extra features in a property like the Dreamhouse, a full inspection could take a whole day, even with a pro like AHIT-certified Home Inspector Barbie on the job. She will probably also recommend calling in a specialist for features like the outdoor kitchen, dance floor, and the pool, to make sure everything is totally safe for Girls Night — every night.  

As always, home inspection professionals know that a fast inspection is rarely a good inspection. Every home will have different needs based on its age, size, and location, to name just a few important factors. 

Anyone Can Become a Home Inspector

Home inspection isn’t just for the Kens, trust us. The home inspection industry needs women inspectors with great attention to detail, a strong foundation of knowledge, and the desire to make her own schedule and follow her own path. Sounds like Barbie to us. And don’t worry, you don’t have to don all that pink. If you’re ready to get started in a career that will allow you to be the boss, let us empower you.