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.
by CFBIBlog | Jan 27, 2023 | CFBI Blog
The average age of a home in the state of Florida is 34 years old.
Whether you are selling or buying a home or renewing your home insurance on an older home, chances are you will need a 4-point inspection in the near future. In some cases, an upcoming 4-point inspection may be stressful, so it’s important to be prepared.
One way you can do this is by being aware of common reasons that 4-point inspections fail and how to spot the issues. This information will help you avoid unpleasant and expensive surprises.
Keep reading to find out about the most common reasons 4-point inspections fail.
What Is a 4-Point Inspection?
A 4-point inspection examines 4 major home systems: plumbing, HVAC, electrical, and roof. The purpose of the inspection is to give details about the condition of a building for insurance purposes.
4-point inspections are a highly effective way for insurance companies to mitigate risk, they don’t take long to conduct, and they don’t cost much. You should get regular inspections on your home to catch problems before they cause major damage.
Full inspections are even more comprehensive and will include doors and windows, drainage, and exterior conditions, among other things. For most insurance purposes, a 4-point inspection is enough.
Common Reasons 4-Point Inspections Fail
Most 4-point home inspection failures come from a handful of problems. Here are some of the most common ones.
An Aging or Leaking Roof
Roof problems develop over time, so they often are a reason for a 4-point inspection failure on older homes.
Inspectors will be looking for leaks and water spots, and missing or broken tiles or shingles. The age of the roof, the roofing material and the life expectancy of the current roof will all factor in.
Electrical and Wiring Problems
There is a range of things inspectors will look for when inspecting your home’s electrical system. Some of these include:
- Defective electrical boxes (Federal Pacific, Zinsco, Sylvania, among others)
- Double-tapped breakers
- Live knob-and-tube wiring
- Open electrical splices or unprotected cables
- Amperage too low for electrical loads
- Screw-in type fuses
- Newer electric receptacles connected to old wires
Poor or Non-Existent HVAC
HVACs are important to maintain air quality, ventilation, and the right temperatures throughout the home. Inspectors will be looking at the type of installed HVAC system and if it is functioning properly.
Window air conditioning units and space heaters are not considered installed units.
Old or Leaking Water Heater
Plumbing problems, when left untreated, can lead to big home repairs. In a 4-point inspection, various water sources will be checked. Among these are:
- Aging Water Heater
- Plumbing leaks
- Mold undetected by the homeowner
- Plumbing that is corroded or damaged
- Galvanized steel or polybutylene plumbing
- Washing machine drain hose that is damaged, deteriorated, or unsecured
4-Point Inspections
4-point inspections are an effective way of giving your insurance company a complete picture of the condition of your home. Inspection failures often come from plumbing, electrical, roof, and HVAC problems, so it’s important to be aware of the common issues.
Our team of certified and experienced home inspectors at Central Florida Building Inspectors offers commercial and residential inspection services. We provide you with accurate and trustworthy service, working with you to uncover all of your property issues. Contact us to schedule an inspection 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!
