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 | 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.
by CFBIBlog | Dec 29, 2022 | CFBI Blog
Owning a home is an investment. You have to protect your home so that it increases in value.
One way to do so is by maintaining it. This calls for more than just giving the interior a fresh coat of paint. You must inspect your home.
A home inspection is a great way to identify issues. You should never skip one, as doing so can risk your home and investment.
It’s a good idea to inspect your home often. How often should you be inspecting your home? Read on to learn more.
What Is a Home Inspection?
A home inspection is an assessment of a property. The home inspector will perform an objective visual examination of the physical structure.
The inspector will also examine the house’s systems. These include heating, cooling, and plumbing systems. The house’s foundation and roof are also a significant part of the inspection.
Explained: How a Home Inspection Works
On average, an inspection can take from 2.5 to 4 hours. The size of your home will determine how long the inspection will take.
The inspector will evaluate the conditions of the property using state-of-the-art technology. Once the inspection is complete, the homeowner will receive a report. The report will outline the findings.
How Often Should You Schedule a Home Inspection
New construction inspections are a must. An inspector will inspect the structure and every primary subsystem. The goal is to ensure that the building process is up to acceptable standards.
This type of inspection will help to identify defects. The inspection report will go over recommendations that you should follow.
You need to schedule a one-year builder warranty inspection. This is important as most home builders offer a warranty on their new houses. Should any issues be found during the inspection, the home builders will have to address them before the end of the warranty.
You should inspect your home if you plan to obtain a new homeowners insurance policy. Most homeowners insurance companies also require an inspection for policy renewal. The last thing you want is to be caught off guard without a policy.
A four-point insurance inspection is ideal for this process. This type of inspection focuses on the electrical, HVAC, and plumbing systems. The roof is also part of this inspection.
Consider scheduling a home inspection after a severe storm. Strong winds can cause significant roof damage. You want peace of mind knowing that your roof is in good condition.
Don’t Wait: It’s Time to Inspect Your Home
Scheduling a home inspection is one of the best things you can do to protect your home. As you read, there are several occasions when you should inspect your home. Don’t put it off, as doing so can worsen issues that you might not be aware of.
Ready to experience these home inspection benefits? Contact us now to schedule a home inspection.
by CFBIBlog | Dec 3, 2022 | CFBI Blog
The EPA reports that household water leaks waste nearly 1 trillion gallons of water each year. As well as all the money you waste on water that you never use, the economic impact of water damage can be huge. If you have a damaged sewer, you face the risk of foundation problems and even sinkholes emerging. If you suspect you’ve got an issue, you need to get a sewer scope inspection. But what are they, and when are they necessary?
Read on for everything you need to know in our sewer scope inspections guide.
What is a Sewer Scope Inspection?
Every property connects to city sewers, an HOA tap, or a septic tank via a lateral sewer line. This line is out of sight and frequently out of mind. Unfortunately, it’s easy for many of us to forget it’s even there when either maintaining our homes or thinking about purchasing a home.
The problem is that these sewers are susceptible to:
- Clogs and blockages
- Backflow
- Cracking
Some telltale signs include strong sewer smells in the home, damp spots on the lawn, or at its worst, contamination of your drinking water. This could expose your family to potentially deadly germs, including Cryptosporidium, Legionella, and Salmonella.
During a sewer scope inspection, the inspector will run a camera along the length of the sewer. They will examine the entire length of the sewer, looking for any signs of blockages or damage. They’ll then prepare a report advising you on how to fix any issues.
When to Get a Sewer Scope Inspection
Every homeowner should schedule routine sewer scope inspections as part of their regular maintenance program. This is especially true in the following instances:
- Older property
- Damp patches on the lawn
- Increase in rodent activity
- Large trees that could damage sewers with their roots
Homes built before 1984 commonly had clay sewer pipes. They’re more susceptible to damage, so they require regular inspection.
Essential for Homebuyers
No homebuyer wants to start paying for structural repairs as soon as they move into a home. But the only way to be sure that the sewer line is in good condition. If you purchase a plumbing scope inspection, check that it includes a sewer scope inspection.
The report will either set your mind at rest or allow you to make some informed decisions. You could use it to ask the seller to pay for the cost of repairs.
Ready for a Sewer Scope Inspection?
This guide for sewer scope inspections has shown that they can save you a lot of frustration and expense down the line. They can help you spot and fix problems early before they do serious damage. They can also help you to make an informed decision about a property purchase.
At Central Florida Building Inspectors Inc., we’re proud to offer high-quality sewer scope inspections. In some cases, they’ve saved Florida homeowners thousands of dollars!
Call us today at 407-658-8297 or schedule a sewer scope inspection online today!
by CFBIBlog | Nov 28, 2022 | CFBI Blog
According to the Census Bureau, roughly 18 million Americans were military veterans in 2018. This figure accounted for roughly 7% of the adult population.
Americans find several ways to express their gratitude for veterans, and this appreciation extends to the federal government. For this reason, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers several loans to help veterans purchase a home.
A VA loan comes with two primary benefits. First, the borrower rarely needs a down payment.
Second, there are no private mortgage insurance requirements. However, the property must pass a VA inspection, which includes the VA water test.
If you’re unfamiliar with these tests, don’t worry! We’ll explore four essential facts in this guide.
1. What Does a VA Water Test Look For?
The primary concern in a VA water test is ensuring the property has safe drinking water. However, the VA has no specific requirements for water tests. As such, these tests aren’t looking for any specific contaminants.
Instead, water tests must ensure that the water on your property meets local health requirements. Usually, this means your water cannot contain the following:
- lead
- coliform
- nitrites
- nitrates
Some locales lack a local health authority. In these cases, your home must meet state standards or provisions set by the EPA.
2. How Long Will Your Test Results Remain Valid?
The VA does not conduct your water test itself. Instead, a local health authority will test your water and verify if the sample passes inspection.
If so, you can report this information to the VA. You will have 90 days from the time health officials conduct the test to do so.
What happens if you don’t make the 90-day deadline? Generally, you can request another test to ensure the water meets the requirements. However, this can prolong the loan approval process.
3. What About a VA Well Water Test?
Some locations may receive their water from well sources. In general, these fall into two categories:
Private wells require a water test conducted by local authorities. These follow the standard requirements laid out previously.
Shared wells have a few more requirements beyond standard water test requirements. The well must also support each property within its network with safe water.
Likewise, this well must include a permanent easement that allows access for maintenance and repairs. However, if the water comes from a spring or cistern, it only must pass a water test.
4. Who Pays for Water Tests
VA lenders must ensure the water test passes examination before closing the loan. Often, veterans pay for these tests out of pocket. However, they can also ask for reimbursement from the lender afterward.
Find a Quality Well Water Testing Agency
The VA water test is crucial in getting a VA loan for homebuyers. However, you may not know where to get a reliable inspection for the loan.
Many Central Florida residents turn to us for this task. Our company offers well water quality testing for homeowners and buyers. Contact today to schedule an appointment!
