by CFBIBlog | Aug 4, 2023 | CFBI Blog
Did you know that some Americans are budgeting up to three weeks of income toward summer vacations? If you run a hotel, that means you need to prepare for a surge in bookings. And that also means you need to make sure you’re operating a safe building where guests can feel comfortable.
Plan on committing to regular building inspections from certified experts. And keep reading to learn about the nine benefits of having your hotel’s balcony railings inspected!
1. Ensure a Safe Building for Guests
The main reason to get a balcony inspection is to make sure you’re providing a safe environment for your guests. When people book a stay at your hotel, they have expectations that their safety is top of mind.
Summer storms can wreak havoc on building materials. This is particularly true in areas prone to hot and humid summers. If you operate a hotel in an area with volatile weather, you’ll need to be especially committed to routine hotel inspections.
2. Discover Safety Issues
A balcony inspector is trained to spot problems that conflict with balcony code requirements. Their job is to offer an objective account of your building’s condition. Further, they will provide recommendations for improvements and, in some instances, estimated costs.
Even if you think you are good at spotting issues like rot or loose screws, you won’t have the expertise of someone trained as an inspector. For the most thorough evaluation, you need to hire a professional to look at your balcony and building.
They will understand how problems like rusted metal or poor drainage can contribute to bigger problems down the road. They also can look at things like support beams and other areas of vulnerability.
3. Gain Access to the Best Inspection Methods
Quality building inspectors will have sophisticated ways to inspect your building. You’ll learn much more about the state of your structure than you would by just making quick visual assessments. Beyond just the railings, inspectors can give you a detailed report regarding all aspects of your building.
Drones can provide footage of your roof and other portions of the property that are difficult to see. Inspectors will use moisture meters to assess the integrity of your structure’s walls. They also will know when to wear protective gear, like safety goggles or harnesses.
4. Avoid Liability
The last thing you want to see happen is a guest sustaining an injury at your hotel. If a guest falls or hurts themself on account of a faulty balcony railing, you will be liable for the problem.
You may need to cover the costs of medical bills. And your hotel’s reputation will sink if people know that the structure is unsafe. You can prevent these scenarios by getting regular inspections and heeding the suggestions.
5. Help Determine Your Maintenance Budget
Investing in regular hotel inspections may sound like a hassle. But doing so can help you plot an annual budget and account for upcoming expenses more easily.
For example, if you own a waterside hotel, corrosion is a realistic expectation. High salinity levels in the air can break down balcony materials more quickly.
An annual inspection can help you understand the state of your fasteners, railing, and decking. And you’ll be able to anticipate a timeline for future repairs.
6. Comply With Regulations
Do you know the regulations regarding inspections in your state? As a business owner, you should check. You may need to have hotel inspections at particular intervals to operate legally.
Turn to a state-licensed inspector for these evaluations. You can trust that these individuals will have the experience and trained eye to spot problems.
For instance, they will know if the type of railings you have are compliant with current requirements. And they will assess things like the condition of your railing, the spacing of the slats, and the level of rust.
7. Steer Clear of Bigger Expenses
Think of balcony railing inspections as a preventative effort. In other words, you can avoid much more costly repairs to your property later if you address smaller issues first.
Your balcony inspector might suggest trimming nearby trees to avoid the buildup of debris. They may suggest replacing parts that are warped, water damaged, or rusted.
These smaller efforts are worth your time. Maintain a balcony repair checklist after meeting with an inspector so you can prevent larger structural repairs later.
8. Maintain a More Attractive Property
A balcony inspection can keep your property looking its best. While safety is the top goal, the curb appeal of your property matters, as well. An inspection can alert you to structural issues, many of which also show up in the appearance of balcony railings.
Waterproofing a railing or replacing one as needed will enhance the appearance of your hotel. And your guests will notice. A well-kept hotel reflects well on you, and it might just earn you better ratings.
9. Improve Your Property’s Value
Lastly, you should pursue an inspection because it can boost your hotel’s value. An attractive hotel with strong structural integrity could command a higher asking price. Should you ever seek to sell your property, you’ll have an advantage.
Gradually maintain and improve your property over time. Then you won’t have to spend a lot on last-minute improvements. You also will be less likely to face unpleasant surprises when a potential buyer has the property inspected.
Get Balcony Railings Inspected
You want to feel confident that the balcony railings in your hotel are sturdy when guests lean over them. Make sure you’re having regular balcony and hotel inspections. Professional inspectors can help you spot structural issues before they become major problems.
When you need hotel inspections to keep your property safe, contact us for help!
by CFBIBlog | Jul 8, 2023 | CFBI Blog
There are about 10.4 million residential pools in the US.
A pool is a great addition to any home. It provides a place to relax and have fun during the summer and also helps increase the value of a property. There can, however, be certain issues that arise with them.
One of the most common problems is pool leaks. Before you go online and start searching for “Pool leak detection near me”, you may want to get an idea of what goes into pool leak detection and how much it will cost.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know. Keep reading for more.
Pool Leak Detection Cost Factors
Like with many home services, there can be pool features that affect the exact cost of pool leak detection. This is because there are a range of factors that can have an impact on the price.
Pool Inspections
If you think you might have a pool leak, the first thing you need to do is have it inspected. This will often cost somewhere between $125 and $250.
A pool inspector will look at the lining, railings, gaskets, skimmers, and other accessories. These should all be properly intact. They’ll also make sure there are no issues with the mechanical elements, electrical hookups, and chemical levels.
The inspector will then provide you with information on how you can fix any leaks or prevent them in the future. They might recommend additional work if you have any extensive areas, such as underground pool plumbing.
Type of Pool
The type of pool is another important factor as it determines how difficult the inspection is. For above-ground pools, leak detection can cost between $200 and $500.
With inground pools, the inspection takes more work, and there’s likely to be more complex plumbing. Leak detection will typically cost somewhere between $350 and $600.
Type of Liner
There are three main materials used for pool liners: concrete, vinyl, and fiberglass. These can have a huge impact on the cost of repairing a leak.
For concrete liners, the repair is usually about $75 per linear foot. Fiberglass liner repair and recoating typically costs about $300-$400. If you need to repair or replace a vinyl liner, it can cost anywhere from $350 to $3,600.
Leak Type and Location
After an inspection, you’ll have a better idea of where a leak is located and how severe it is. Naturally, some leaks require a lot more work to fix than others.
Tile repairs, for example, are fairly inexpensive, costing about $20-$30 per linear foot. Main drain repair is one of the more expensive fixes and is often about $400-$700.
Leak Size
In almost all cases, the smaller a leak is, the less it will cost to fix. In some situations, a waterproof patch may be enough (at least as a temporary solution). These typically cost about $20-$30.
In extreme cases, however, you might have to excavate a part of your lawn so that the leak is accessible. This could easily cost from $50-$200 per cubic yard.
Labor
This is often the most expensive part of pool leak detection. It’s also arguably the most important.
You want to ensure your pool is inspected by a qualified professional to be sure they can find the leak and determine the best solution. Bear in mind that they’ll also have all of the equipment required, which the average person won’t have access to.
Additional Costs
Water often causes damage beyond the original issues. A leak in a home can lead to mold, for example.
If you have a leak in your pool and it takes you a while to notice it, there could be damage to the pool structure and the surrounding lawn area. There may be other costs if there’s any other work you need to do as a result of a pool leak.
Pool Coping
Coping that sits behind your pool wall can sometimes be damaged. Repairing this typically costs from $30-$50 per linear foot.
Beam Repair
An inground pool will have structural beams to keep it stable. If you need to replace these, it will usually cost about $75 per linear foot.
Erosion Repair
A significant pool leak can cause erosion, so you may need land leveling, regrading, and landscaping services to deal with this. Soil removal should cost around $8-$25 per cubic yard, and then you’ll likely pay $1-$12 per cubic yard of grading.
Chemical Refresh
A leak can cause an imbalance of pool chemicals, so you should check this before you start using your pool again. You can get a home test kit for about $15. If you want to hire a professional to rebalance your pool chemicals, you can expect to pay somewhere between $50 and $100 an hour.
Can You Detect a Leak Yourself?
DIY pool leak detection is possible, though it’s not always the best idea. You may be able to find it simply by using a pair of goggles and inspecting your pool yourself. Repairing a leak, however, is usually a lot more challenging.
If the leak is very small, waterproof tape or other patching supplies should only cost you about $30-$45. Bear in mind that there’s a good chance your repair won’t be sufficient, and it will continue to get worse with time. For the best results, you should always hire a professional to do such work.
Pool Leak Detection Near Me
Before you go online and search for “Pool leak detection near me”, it’s best to consider your exact needs. You want to make sure you hire a local company that’s reliable and experienced so you can be confident things will be done right.
CFBI is the leading residential and commercial building inspection company in Florida. We can perform pool inspections and pool leak detection services along with a range of other services too. Take a look at our swimming pool inspection page to find out more about how we can help you.
by CFBIBlog | May 24, 2023 | CFBI Blog
It costs an average of up to $1,000 to fix a pool leak if you don’t catch it in time.
The expense only goes up the longer you wait. Detecting the warning signs of a leak avoids costly damages and keeps your pool healthier for longer.
Don’t fret if you’re looking for pool leak detection near me and you’re stumped. We’ll teach you everything you need to know, so don’t go anywhere.
Signs of a Leaking Pool
When looking for leaks, the most obvious sign is water loss.
A significant drop in the water level of a pool is a clear sign that it’s leaking. On average, an outdoor pool should only lose a quarter of an inch of water per day to evaporation. Any more and a leak is likely.
Other signs of leakage include:
- Visible cracks
- Wet spots
- Algae growth
- Unexplained water bills
The Importance of Professional Pool Leak Detection
Some leaks are easy to identify.
As the pool owner, you and your family, loved ones, or customers are regularly in and around your pool. Often, you’re the first to notice the signs of water damage.
Yet some pool leaks are insidious, hard to spot, and will cause trouble if left unattended. Professional pool leak detection services are a necessity, and for several reasons:
- Detection accuracy
- Early pool leak detection
- Safety
- Efficiency
- Preventing further damage
- Saving costs
Professionals have the tools and the skills necessary to accurately diagnose pool leaks. They will identify preventative steps and repair methods necessary to save time and money - and reduce downtime for maintenance.
On top of this, pool leaks are hard to find.
A pool is a large body of liquid and finding the one spot it’s leaking from is time-consuming and labor-intensive. Whether it’s you, your family, or your employees who are looking for it, a pool leak costs you effort, energy, and money for every moment it continues.
Professional detection services will identify the source of a leak quickly, allowing for faster repairs and minimal safety concerns.
Benefits of Hiring a Leak Detection Service
It’s far easier—and less stressful—to hire a professional pool leak detection service. That’s because professionals have the expertise to diagnose and deal with leaks and provide a comprehensive service package to fix any issue.
They’ll not only find the leak but assess the extent of any damage and recommend the best course of action. This ensures the leak is repaired and can prevent further pool damage in the future.
It may initially seem expensive to hire a professional detection service, but in the long run, it will save you money. Accurate leak detection will prevent damage to your pool, waste water expenses, and more expensive repairs later on.
Professional Pool Inspections
What should you expect during a professional leak inspection?
During a pool inspection, a professional inspector will thoroughly examine the pool and its associated equipment for any signs of damage, wear, or potential leaks. This can help identify issues before they become significant problems and ensure the pool is functioning correctly and safely.
Most inspections cover three aspects of your pool: your pool’s structure, its plumbing system, and its filtration equipment.
The inspector may also perform pressure or dye tests to identify hidden leaks.
What to Do When You Notice a Leaky Pool
The repair method for a pool leak will depend on its location and severity.
For small leaks in the lining, patch repairs can be an effective (if temporary) solution. Epoxy injections are commonly used to fix cracks in the concrete and involve injecting epoxy directly into the cracks.
Leaks in the plumbing system may require replacement pipes or the services of a plumbing technician.
If a pool’s plaster is showing extensive signs of damage, it may be necessary to replaster from scratch.
How to Find a Local Pool Leak Detection Company
Once you find a pool leak, you need to find somebody to fix it. With the internet at your fingertips, you’ll find that you’re inundated with potential, so it’s important to narrow your search down.
A quick online search can net you a list of local companies to turn to. Their websites will contain information on their service packages and years of experience. Ensure the service provider you choose is fully licensed and insured to perform the repair work and hunt around for referrals or online reviews to check that their money is where their mouth is.
Remember to ask for upfront repair quotes. Requesting quotes from several pool leak specialists will allow you to compare their prices and services, and opt for the company that provides the best value.
Finally, remember to read your repair contract thoroughly before signing.
Pool Leak Prevention Tips
Adequate pool leak prevention can help reduce the likelihood of future leaks, extending the life of your pool. Preventing leaks is a three-step process that involves regular pool inspections, water management, and regular maintenance.
Visual inspections will identify leaks while maintaining proper water chemistry and cleaning the pool to prevent the buildup of algae and damage to the pool’s structure.
Keep water filters free of debris and pumps lubricated.
When inspecting your pool for signs of a leak, check for peeling paint cracks. Other signs of wear and tear might also give you a heads-up before the leak gets expensive.
Finally, check your pool’s water levels at least once per week. Unusual drops in water level are a sure sign that you’ve sprung a leak somewhere.
Pool Leak Detection Near Me
Pool leaks are frustrating, costly problems for pool owners.
But with the help of a professional, these issues can be identified and repaired with ease. Regular inspections and maintenance help prevent leaks from occurring and extend the life of your pool to save you money on your bottom line.
If you’re a pool owner in central Florida and you’re looking for pool leak detection near me, look no further. At CFBI, we’ve been in the industry since 1988 and we’ve improved our services year on year ever since. Click here to find out more about our pool inspection packages.
by CFBIBlog | May 2, 2023 | CFBI Blog
Swimming pools are a great way to enjoy the summer heat and cool down, but they also create a lot of water waste. Using a pool cover can stop up to 95% of pool water evaporation. But ensuring you have the best pool hardware and looking for pool cracks is also essential for preserving water.
Most homeowners and real estate agents write a pool inspection checklist so they are prepared and won’t need to pay unexpected costs for multiple repairs like pool leaks. This way, you stay on top of your maintenance to-do list and avoid running into issues when you book a pool inspection.
Whether you’re inspecting a pool in your backyard or on a larger property, pool safety is vital when young children or visitors are swimming in the water.
This article will give you an overview of everything you need to know about your next pool inspection.
What Is a Pool Inspection?
When you see pictures of clear, blue swimming pools online, it’s easy to think that all you need is the space and water. But, the truth is you need to look after your property with regular cleaning. And professional inspections for them to look picture-perfect.
Pool inspectors examine all aspects of your swimming pool, from the surrounding area to the internal cleaning systems. Depending on the property, there are several official guidelines for hygiene and safety. So, a professional pool inspection checks that you have all the necessary features of a safe swimming pool.
For new homeowners, it’s vital that you hire a pool inspector to ensure that the swimming pool is functional. Sometimes, it’s possible to ask to see previous pool inspections from real estate agents. This way, new buyers can assess the quality of the pool and if they need to invest in a renovation.
A pool inspection cost will vary from place to place, as it includes the property’s size and the swimming pool’s condition. The best way to determine the cost is to ask a professional company for an estimate. Or, book a consultation and receive a quote before the inspection.
It’s recommended that swimming pools are inspected every few years, so it’s a good idea to find a reliable company. They can keep a record of all your inspections, and this makes it easier to keep track of costs.
Follow This Pool Inspection Checklist
There are some improvements that homeowners can make before inspections, such as a deep clean of the tiles and removing hazards from the nearby ground. But every swimming pool has different features, which means it’s easy to overlook an important part of the inspection.
So, to help you keep an overview of the basic requirements that allow you to pass an inspection, here are the fundamental components to consider:
- Research pool safety in your area
- Pick suitable tiles for the swimming pool
- Install a pool heater
- Explore light options for better efficiency
- Check the pool accessories are safe
- Clean the water filters
For safety requirements, you need to think about your property and the type of visitors you have in the swimming pool. Placing fences around the water prevents pets like dogs from dragging dirt from the yard. Keeping swimming floats and other safety items nearby is great for children who want to learn to swim.
Any swimmer in the pool needs to be able to touch the bottom with their feet or use a float. These are important safety instructions if the pool is in a family home.
Research your region’s local swimming pool guidelines, which will state the length of fences and water quality. Your inspector will alert you to problems during the appointment, but it’s good to be educated before they arrive. This saves time and money investing in safety upgrades.
Benefits of a Pool Inspection
Buying a property with a swimming pool is exciting, and many people put this feature at the top of their priorities when scouting for a home. But, if you move to a new place with an old swimming pool, it can be expensive to make repairs. Especially if it’s a large swimming pool that takes up most of the outdoor space.
Hiring a pool inspector allows you to assess the current structure and evaluate if it’s worth investing in renovations. A professional can advise you on the safety requirements so you build a new swimming pool up to the government’s standards.
Another reason to book a pool inspection is to keep people safe in the water. Even though most pool inspections don’t include water testing, they prevent other issues like cracked titles and blocked filters. This limits the risk of accidents near the swimming pool and gives you more peace of mind.
The internet gives us endless information on fixing electricity problems, but when there’s water involved, you need to be extra cautious. It’s better to hire a qualified pool inspector to come and identify issues in the swimming pool. This saves money on buying equipment that doesn’t work or worsens a problem with a lack of experience.
Your pool inspector knows where to look at the pumps and light features, so you don’t need to put yourself in an unsafe situation.
Without the correct guidelines, homeowners can face high fines for not getting their swimming pool inspected and ignoring this swimming pool inspection checklist. Don’t waste money on avoidable issues; let us inspect your property.
Book a Pool Inspection for Your Home
All you need to do is follow this pool inspection checklist, and you won’t need to worry about breaking regulations. It’s important that your inspector has experience and qualifications, as this is essential for getting official approval.
Our pool inspections are quick and efficient so that they won’t interfere with your other tasks. And you can make the most of the beautiful weather with a cooling swimming pool!
We also offer a leak detection service that reduces the amount of water waste and protects the tiles from damage. So, you can save time by looking up a pool leak detection near me online.
Pick a date and book your next pool inspection with our team here.
by CFBIBlog | Mar 25, 2023 | CFBI Blog
Your collection of financial investments sits in a pretty, pristine, and polished portfolio. At the core of your investment portfolio are stock investments, bonds, and cash. However, it also contains a wide range of assets in more tangible forms like art or real estate properties. What you can’t see can hurt you; this is why you should put a premium on rental property inspection.
Keep your investment portfolio immaculate with an inspection before you purchase a property. Keep reading to learn more!
1. Steer Clear of Unwanted Surprises
Properties are physical entities, and thus, they are subject to wear and tear. Some of these mishaps might be accidentally overlooked in a landlord inspection.
The building might have leaky roofs, utility issues, or faulty wiring. There could be mold or pests lurking in the deep recesses of the building. It would be a shame and a hazard if you found rusted support beams too late.
Buildings come with baggage. You might find that you’re okay with some issues and find remedies for them. The important thing is that you know about the property’s internal and external issues.
2. Get a Proper Estimate
Let’s say you’re eyeing a spruced-up home in the best location in town. The asking price is a pretty penny. What you don’t see is the myriad of hidden issues mentioned above.
Inspectors are like detectives. They know what they’re looking for and how to find the answers. If you’re paying a premium price on a premium house, you want to be sure things aren’t too good to be true.
If they find something wrong with the property in the rental property inspection, you might even score yourself a discount!
3. Ensure the Property Complies with Local Regulations
State and local property laws govern home renovations. You want a property that complies with the guidelines of city inspections. Skipping home inspections leaves much to chance.
Rented housing is a business of living spaces, a human right. Did you know that tenants have the power to sue landlords on the grounds of uninhabitable living conditions? Know what you’re getting into before you’re knee-deep in lawsuits.
4. Knowing Your Next Move
To know where you’re heading, you have to know your starting point. Are you investing to upgrade the building and resell in the future? Are you going to rent out the building?
The possibilities are endless.
Get the full picture not just for now but for the future. An investment like that needs thorough checking before pushing through. Grow your wealth by investing in rental properties with a seal of approval from quality property inspectors.
Book a Rental Property Inspection Today
Investing is like dating; you want to see the red flags so you can make informed decisions on commitment. A good rental property inspection digs up all the skeletons in the closet, whether literal or figurative. Rental property investments go on the record, so keep your portfolio clean.
Thank you for reading our article! Safety is our specialty. If you’re interested in building inspectors in Central Florida, book us today!
by CFBIBlog | Feb 28, 2023 | CFBI Blog
America has faced an ongoing housing shortage for a while now. Chalk it up to a big falloff in new construction following the 2008 financial crisis. The big home-buying frenzy of the last few years only made it worse.
So, it’s not hard to understand why Americans started building approximately 1.55 million homes in 2022. Of course, building a home is a different animal than buying an existing home.
For one thing, you don’t normally worry about things like a drywall inspection before installation. Yet, a pre-drywall inspection can offer you some real benefits. Keep reading to learn more.
1. Blueprint Consistency
Nobody likes to imagine that their contractor would cut corners to save a buck. Yet, with building material prices in a constant state of flux, contractors might look for ways they can keep costs down without necessarily mentioning it.
A pre-drywall inspection helps ensure that the building you get actually conforms with the building in the blueprints.
2. Plumbing Evaluation
The last thing a new homeowner wants in their brand-new house is a plumbing issue. After all, there’s a reason you hired professionals to build the thing for you.
Getting an inspector in before installing drywall lets them take a good, long look at the plumbing. If there’s an issue, it’s much easier to fix before the drywall goes up.
3. Electrical Evaluation
Another area where you don’t want to discover problems after you move in is the electrical system. Given how many people now work remotely, having unreliable power can become a serious problem for some people’s careers.
Having someone in for the pre-drywall inspection lets them take the same kind of long look at the electrical that they’ll take at the plumbing. If there are wiring problems, repairs will prove much simpler before the drywall installation.
4. Structural Integrity
While similar to checking for blueprint conformity, checking the structural integrity is a little different. The blueprint check is making sure the building follows the design pattern set out in the blueprint.
The structural integrity check ensures that the actual materials the contractor used will hold up to the rigors of daily use.
5. Code Compliance
Ironically, the construction of a building can prove safe and functional without meeting the local or national code requirements. The pre-drywall inspection makes sure that the contractor built your new home within the national and local codes, which can spare you a lot of headaches down the road.
Pre-installation Drywall Inspection and You
Granted, a pre-installation drywall inspection isn’t a requirement, but it’s almost always beneficial. It lets you know that the home you get will, barring something very odd, provide you with safe, functional plumbing and electrical service.
You also find out whether the home conforms with the plans set out in the blueprints without major deviations. You get a second opinion on structural integrity. Plus, you ensure that your home meets with the applicable local and national codes.
Central Florida Building Inspectors, Inc. offers pre-drywall inspections. For more information or to book an inspection, contact CFBI today.
