by CFBIBlog | Nov 5, 2023 | Home Inspection
You might think that getting a home inspection is an unnecessary expense. But according to a recent study by porch.com, 86% of inspectors find something that needs attention.
However, home inspections are not just about finding problems; they can also save you money in the long run. A thorough inspection uncovers any hidden issues that could cost you a lot more if left unchecked.
While optional in many states, this relatively small upfront cost can save you thousands. Let’s explore why buyers and sellers benefit from professional home inspection services.
Peace of Mind for Buyers
As a buyer, you gain peace of mind about the actual property condition. The inspector will examine all areas of the home to assess thoroughly:
- Structural integrity: Inspect foundation, framing, floors, walls, and roof for soundness
- Exterior: Inspect roof, siding, windows, doors, porches, and decks for wear, damage, and leaks
- Electrical systems: Check for safety, capacity, and code compliance
- Plumbing: Assess pipes, water pressure, drainage, water heater, and institutions for leaks, clogs, and corrosion
- HVAC: Evaluate furnace, AC, ductwork, vents, and chimneys for proper function, leaks, and airflow
- Insulation and ventilation: Check levels for water intrusion or condensation issues
- Energy efficiency: Assess windows, air sealing, and systems for savings opportunities
- Safety Issues: Check for mold, lead paint, radon, asbestos, and fire hazards
Buyers can make an informed purchasing decision with a detailed home inspection report. You’ll understand which repairs and maintenance you may need and can budget as required.
Avoid Surprises
Moreover, home inspections help buyers avoid expensive surprises down the road. Without one, you won’t know what potential problems lurk behind the walls or underneath the floors.
Unexpected repairs or replacements, such as for the roof, foundation, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC system, can be costly after moving in. An inspection allows you to prepare, budget, and negotiate accordingly.
Nobody wants the nasty shock of a $10,000 furnace replacement or foundation repairs shortly after moving in. Inspections provide vital information buyers need to plan for maintenance and repairs.
Negotiation Leverage
Buyers also gain leverage when negotiating with the seller if the inspector finds some issues. You can request the seller complete repairs before closing or negotiate the ultimate price down to help offset future repair costs.
Either way, you recoup the value of any unanticipated defects brought to light during the inspection process. Don’t overpay for a home with problems you didn’t know about.
Verify Quality of Renovations
When reviewing a home, buyers pay attention to any recent upgrades or renovations the seller has done. However, not all contractors perform work correctly or up to the current building code.
That’s where inspectors can provide critical insight. They will look at any areas the seller has upgraded, like the bathroom, kitchen, flooring, deck, etc. The inspector can determine if the renovators completed the work the right way and met the safety standards.
Knowing the quality of recent restorations helps buyers determine if they will need to do extra repairs. It may justify negotiating a lower price to fix subpar contractor work discovered during the home inspection.
Peace of Mind for Sellers
Like buyers, sellers also gain peace of mind by purchasing a home inspection. As a seller, you take responsibility for disclosing all known material defects to potential buyers.
It protects you from legal disputes from buyers who uncover issues you failed to disclose. You don’t want accusations of concealing defects, even on accident. Getting out ahead of problems looks good to buyers and covers you legally.
Find and Fix Hidden Defects Before Selling
You want buyers to have a positive impression of your property when you list your home. However, even the most diligent seller can overlook minor defects that could negatively impact a sale down the road.
For example, the inspector may discover a small roof leak high on the structure that is invisible from the ground. Or electrical wiring issues lurking behind walls and under floors that are working fine.
Home inspectors have specialized training, tools, and a keen eye for detail. They know how to look for hidden problems the average homeowner doesn’t even realize could be present.
Maximize Home Value
Inspection reports also empower sellers to make repairs to maximize the home’s market value. Fixing issues before listing will show care for the property and can prevent buyers from negotiating the price later.
Avoid Disputes and Delays
As a seller, you want your home sale to go as well as possible. A professional home inspection helps facilitate this by avoiding complications, disputes, and delays.
A Smooth Transaction
If you provide a detailed inspection report upfront, you build trust and confidence with buyers right from the start. It shows you have nothing to hide. Buyers will appreciate this transparency and planning on your part as the seller.
Disputes
However, failing to provide an inspection gives buyers reason to doubt your transparency as a seller. Why didn’t you have one done? What are you concealing?
Without an inspection report, any issues found by the buyer’s inspector can lead to accusations, price negotiations, and strained relations.
A clean inspection report gives buyers peace of mind about purchasing. If they find issues, buyers also have time to process the findings and decide how to proceed before money changes hands.
They might request repairs or ask for a price reduction. Or if defects are minor, buyers may proceed with the sale as-is.
So don’t wait for problems to arise! The cost of the inspection can give you information that can make or break a sale. Or at least save you money in the long run.
Home Inspection Services Protect Investments
So, home inspection services are a necessary expense. They provide an unbiased, expert analysis of the property’s condition. For a small fee relative to most real estate’s value, buyers and sellers receive insights that help protect their investment.
Schedule a home inspection with Central Florida Building Inspectors before your next purchase offer or sale. Our experienced team delivers the peace of mind savvy buyers and sellers deserve. Let’s work together to ensure your next home meets your needs.
by CFBIBlog | Oct 4, 2022 | Home Inspection
Building inspections make up a $6 billion industry today, which speaks to the importance of this skillset and service. Inspecting a building is a prerequisite to finalizing any purchase or sale, or opening it for business. Building contractors will go through their checklist to make sure that the property is up to par and that there are no red flags.
What is a building inspection? What should you know about them?
In this building inspection guide below, we’ll answer these questions, along with debunking some myths about these inspections.
Myth #1 - A Building Inspection Accurately Predicts Future Problems
A building inspection is an official examination of a property, carried out by a certified professional, that verifies the safety, code compliance, and viability of a particular property. Homebuyers get property inspections to know that they’re buying a quality house. Commercial property owners need a certified inspection before they can open their doors and occupy their buildings.
With that said, these inspections don’t necessarily predict future problems. While they do catch certain red flags, building inspectors have a set scope that they stick to. You should get a separate inspection to assess potential future red flags.
Myth #2 - You Don’t Need an Inspection for a New Property
Many people also underestimate the importance of inspections, to the point of foregoing them if the property is new. Even if a building is brand new and in mint condition, it must still pass inspection.
You need to verify that it is up to code no matter how old the building is. Also, there’s no guarantee that a new building was built safely or correctly.
Myth #3 - You Can Handle the Inspection Yourself
Never try to handle your own property inspection. Even if you do some research, it pales in comparison to the knowledge of a credible professional.
Only certified professionals understand issues like the risk of termites and foundation problems. They also have certifications for mold, radon, and wood-destroying organisms. They also belong to organizations like the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI), the Indoor Air Quality Association (IAQA), and the International Association of Certified Indoor Air Quality Consultants (IAC2).
Myth #4 - Appraisals and Building Inspections Are the Same
Appraisals and building inspections are two different projects. Because of this, you should hire different professionals to handle them. A building inspection checks for code issues, while an appraisal will let you know how much a property is worth.
An appraisal becomes necessary if you’re making a transaction and want an up-to-date look at its value and how much you can expect to earn.
Consider These Building Inspection Tips
Building inspections are part of doing business in real estate. Knowing the importance of these inspections and the right way to handle them will help you get the results that you need from any transaction.
Work with nothing but the best professionals when you need inspections or other services.
Central Florida Building Inspectors, Inc. can help you out with various residential and commercial inspections. Take time to contact us online if you have questions, or give us a call at (407)658-8267.
by CFBIBlog | Jul 7, 2022 | Home Inspection
There are over 7 million housing units in Florida as the state continues to have a thriving market. If you’re selling or buying a new property, you might be looking into getting a home inspection done.
But what does a Florida home inspection entail? Why should you get one done and what are their benefits?
That’s what we’re here to look at today. Read on to find out more about Florida home inspections and their role in finalizing home transactions.
What Constitutes a Florida Home Inspection?
A home inspection is exactly what the name implies. It’s a process by which someone examines your home to see if there are any problems that you might not have noticed.
Most home inspections go over a bunch of mechanical systems in your house, but a Florida home inspector also looks at other factors. This includes the structural integrity of your home and other aesthetic blemishes.
Everything from electrical to HVAC systems is examined during a home inspection. Your walls, chimneys, plumbing, and overall foundation are also looked at as well.
Why Should You Get Florida Home Inspections Done?
Getting a home inspection done means you get a better sense of any lingering issues in and around your home. This is crucial if you’re looking to sell or buy a new property.
A home inspection results in a written opinion from an inspector. This allows you to address any defects or issues, and will definitely help you when you’re shopping around for contractors.
Best of all, a Florida home inspection helps improve the longevity of the home you’re buying or selling. Addressing these issues allows you to sell it at a higher price, or know what the issues are before making a purchase.
What to Expect During a Florida Home Inspection
So what actually goes down during a Florida home inspection? It’s actually a lot more simple than you might imagine.
The inspection typically starts with a site evaluation. The homeowner or the person in charge of the property shows the inspector around and lets them know where everything is. They’ll probably ask a few questions here as well.
After that, an inspector begins conducting a thorough examination of your home. This might include looking for roof leaks, any infestations, mold, radon testing, and a whole host of other tests.
After the inspector is finished, they’ll produce a report that has all their findings. This report might include a few photographs and descriptions of infestations or damage they’ve found during the inspection.
Make sure you’ve got the best possible Florida home inspector for the job. Some are specialized in specific areas, so it’s good to narrow your search depending on your home.
Understanding Home Inspection Services
A Florida home inspection is a big part of selling or buying a new home in the state. Use this guide to help you understand what a home inspection entails and why they’re so important.
Are you looking for reliable building inspection services in central Florida? Contact us today and we’ll get you started on a solution right away!
by CFBIBlog | Jan 4, 2022 | Home Inspection
Did you know, according to a study from Repair Price, the average home inspection report finds around $11,000 worth of needed repairs? Doors that need adjusting made up the most common repair on the list. An average of 55 percent of homes had doors that needed an adjustment!
Are you planning on buying or selling a home? One essential step in the home buying/selling process is the home inspection.
Having an inspection before you sell or buy a home can help you avoid the hassle of fixes later. Regardless of whether you’re buying or selling, this home inspection checklist can help you make sure you and your professional inspector hit all of the essential home inspection points.
Foundation
Foundation issues promise costly repairs down the road. The most obvious foundation red flag for a home inspector is cracking. The foundation may crack or you could see cracks in the walls or floor.
A foundation may also sink or settle. Some settling is normal, especially for a newer home. However, if you notice one side of a home is much lower than the other, this is a bad sign for the foundation.
Exterior
How does the exterior of the home look? You can swap out cosmetic issues like paint colors or paving stones easily but deeper damage requires more time and money to fix. Your home inspector should look closely at major concerns like the condition of the roof, the siding of the house, and the chimney (if applicable).
Additionally, don’t forget to check the landscaping. Pools or large puddles of water may indicate drainage issues. If there’s a septic tank, be sure to check on that as well.
Interior
Here are some major points about the interior to hit during a house inspection:
- Proper insulation
- Proper operation of all windows and doors
- Checking attic and/or basement for termite damage
- Signs of water damage on walls and floors
- Appliances in working order
- Any leakage from sinks and showerheads
These are all in addition to doing a slow walk-through of the house to assess the general appearance of the inside of the home.
Plumbing/HVAC
When assessing the plumbing and HVAC, you can ask yourself or your home inspector the following questions. Does the hot water work from each faucet in the house? Do any pipes leak either under the sinks or in crawl spaces?
Does each vent in the house produce sufficient airflow? Do both the cooling and the heating functions work? Have air filters in the A/C units been changed recently?
Electrical
The final step in your home inspection checklist is the electrical components. Exercising great caution, your home inspector will check out the condition of the electrical systems of the house. Do all of the outlets work?
Are there any exposed wires in the house? Do you know where the service panel is? Do any of the breakers or fuses appear to be over-heating?
Start Checking Off Your Home Inspection Checklist
As you and the home inspector you hire go through this home inspection checklist, you’ll ensure that everything in the home is functioning properly and in top condition to buy or sell. If you live in Central Florida and are planning on buying or selling, check us out at Central Florida Building Inspectors. All of our inspectors are state-licensed and certified to offer you the highest quality of home inspection available.
Contact us today for more information!
by CFBIBlog | Oct 4, 2021 | Home Inspection
Did you know the buyer’s market is so intense these days that buyers are putting in some really over-the-top offers? Portland real estate agent Esty Perez recalls a bidding war where one party put in a bid over the asking price and sweetened the deal with added high-value cryptocurrency. In such a competitive market, you want to make sure you’re getting what you deserve as a buyer. That’s why a home inspection contingency is so important when you’re putting in an offer, big or small.
But what is a home inspection contingency exactly? And is it really worth the effort of adding it to your offer?
We’re here to fill you in. Keep reading below to learn why you should consider a home inspection contingency when submitting a home offer.
What Is a Home Inspection Contingency?
A home inspection contingency is a clause written into a purchase offer that allows the buyer to back out of the deal if the inspection goes poorly. Essentially, a contingent offer of any kind is one that’s dependent on the results of the specified contingency.
Benefits of a Home Inspection Contingency
A home inspection contingency allows you to evaluate any major or minor issues before you follow through with your purchase. This can be essential, especially in older homes where issues are often more prevalent.
A home inspection is often also required if you’re working with a loan provider. Most lenders won’t offer financial assistance without a completed home inspection.
A home inspection contingency also gives you a little more wiggle room to negotiate with the sellers. Once the report returns, you’ll have the chance to request repairs. For homes that have been on the market for a long time, this can be a great chance for them to make some snappy repairs and finally close the sale.
A home inspection contingency also gives you a chance to back out of the sale. After the pre-purchase home inspection has been completed, you’ll have the chance to withdraw your proposal within a certain window of time.
It will also give you more insight into what to expect when you’ve moved in. What repairs will you have to make on your own? What areas of the house can you leave alone and leave as-is?
Benefits of a Home Inspection Contingency
Buying a home is a stressful process, so to prevent any hiccups after the sale has closed, it’s important to add a home inspection contingency to your offer. With the guide above, you’ll be able to decide whether a contingent offer is right for you!
Looking for a qualified company to inspect your new home before purchase? The team at Central Florida Building Inspectors is here to help.
We offer everything from complete home inspections to thermal imaging to mold testing. Schedule an appointment with one of our state-licensed inspectors today to get started!
by CFBIBlog | Aug 26, 2021 | Home Inspection
Imagine it, you’ve hired a company to build your new home, and everything is in place except the drywall. You want to be done, to have the last layer put in place so you can relax in your new home. Yet, rushing to get drywall on can be a mistake.
For example, over 35 percent of respondents in a survey reported electrical problems in their homes. These respondents probably wish they had taken one more step before declaring their home finished.
Pre-drywall inspections are crucial if you want to know about any structural issues in your home. If this interests you, don’t click away. This article will highlight 4 reasons to hire a pre-drywall inspector.
1. Pre-Drywall Inspections Can Discover Plumbing Issues
If you aren’t worried about plumbing issues in your new home, think again. Countless American homes suffer from damaged plumbing, and a mere leak can cost up to 200 dollars annually.
Rushing to get your house’s drywall done can hinder any attempts at fixing damaged plumbing. This is why it’s crucial to consider a pre-drywall inspection, as they can detect plumbing damage before any commitments are made.
2. They Can Also Find Faulty Wiring
Bad electrical wiring isn’t an uncommon problem. And it is one that will cause you an immense amount of irritation down the line.
A pre drywall inspection report will tell you if all your outlets and lighting are working properly.
A lot of new homeowners find themselves worrying about pre-drywall inspection costs. If you’re one of them, know that there are affordable options. So don’t hold off any longer!
3. An Inspection Will Evaluate Structural Integrity
The last thing you want after applying drywall is for the whole house to come tumbling down. When shoddy materials are used in construction, things can go wrong fast.
A pre-drywall inspection can evaluate whether your home’s builders skimped out on necessary materials.
4. They Will Also See if The Building Is up to Code
As sad as it is, many contracted companies can and will make mistakes while building your home. This could be something as simple as a misaligned doorframe, to something more severe, like improperly laid foundations.
When your building isn’t up to code, it can cost you a lot of time, money, and effort. One of the benefits of a pre-drywall inspection is that it can determine if there are any issues in your home due to shoddy building.
An Inspection Can Save You Time and Money
Many people every year fail to get Pre-drywall inspections. The issue is that prematurely declaring the job done can be disastrous for you and your family.
Going over a pre drywall inspection checklist is a crucial step in becoming a homeowner. They’ll alert you if there are any significant issues with your home, like bad plumbing or wiring.
If you want to make sure your home is in it for the long haul, then don’t put off hiring a pre drywall inspector. If don’t know where to start, make sure to contact Central Florida Building Inspectors! We have the knowledge needed to make sure your home is safe!
