by CFBIBlog | May 19, 2022 | CFBI Blog
In the US, an estimated 23 million homes rely on private wells for drinking water. Well water provides a reliable and renewable source of drinking water, making them so popular. The EPA does not regulate these private wells, so homeowners are responsible for the safety of their well water.
In Florida, 90% of the population relies on groundwater for drinking water. Although groundwater is better protected from contaminants than surface water, chemicals and bacteria can still reach them. As a result, well water testing is essential to know if your water is contaminated.
Read on to learn more about testing well water in Florida to ensure your family’s water is safe.
1. Florida Water Testing Laws
Florida does not have any laws that require individuals to test well water when private homes are sold. But, some lenders like the Federal Housing Administration and Veterans Affairs will require water tests as part of their loan process. You, the homeowner, are responsible for setting up the water well testing to close on your loan.
Florida has laws about public sources of drinking water being tested, but there are no laws that require private well owners do routine water testing. It is up to private individuals to test that their water meets EPA and local standards.
Some counties in Florida have rules that call for well water testing when an individual builds a new private well or conducts repairs on one. Regardless, if you are building a new home and a new well, you should get the groundwater tested to ensure your water is safe.
2. What Should Your Well Water Test Kit Check For?
You should test your well water for nitrates and bacteria. These are the two most common types of water contaminants found in Florida groundwater. But, you should also be aware of other pollutants common in your local area.
Florida has a lot of agriculture which can cause runoff of toxins and pesticides to make their way into the groundwater. Sulfer is another common issue that Florida homeowners find in their drinking water. Some other contaminants you can test for include:
- Ions
- Fluoride
- Arsenic
- Total Dissolved Solids
3. How Often Should You Do Well Water Testing?
You may have had your water tested when your home was built, or you first bought it, but the quality of your well water changes over time. You should get a well water test at least once a year. A test for potability, nitrates, and bacteria should be a priority.
You should test your water even if no one has gotten sick or there has been no change in taste or color. There could still be contaminants in your water that you don’t notice. If you do see a difference, it’s best to get a well water test kit and check for contaminants as soon as possible.
When testing well water, you’ll want to test from two places, the source of your water and the tap. These sources will give you a clear idea of the safety of your drinking water.
Make Sure Your Drinking Water Is Safe
Well water testing is a simple and cost-effective way to ensure your drinking water is safe. Testing on a routine basis will point out any issues, so you can hire a professional to help you get your drinking water safe again.
Are you worried about your home’s well water? We here at Central Florida Building Inspectors can help you get back your peace of mind. Click here to schedule a well water test today.
by CFBIBlog | Apr 11, 2022 | CFBI Blog
Are you aware that the average American uses over 80 gallons of water a day at home?
Some homeowners are lucky enough to have access to a well. There are many benefits of this water source, including having cleaner and tastier water quality. However, you should test well water on a regular basis because some things can go wrong if left untreated.
Are you wondering what you need to know? Keep reading to learn all about the cost of a well water test.
The General Cost
When it comes to well water test kits, it’s important to know that the prices can vary based on a range of factors. For instance, the brand name of the kit, the accuracy of the test, and the depth of the well can all contribute to the price.
The cheapest kits can cost as little as $150 or less. The most extensive and high-quality tests can end up costing you as much as $2,000, depending on the type.
The phrase “you get what you pay for” certainly applies to well water test kits. It’s might be tempting to save money by getting one of the cheapest kits out there, but that could end up backfiring because the results might be far from accurate.
Why It’s Worth the Money
Are you wondering why it’s important to test your water in the first place? It’s crucial to test the water at least once a year because it’s possible for dangerous chemicals and bacteria to get into your water supply. Nitrates, dissolvable metals, and pH levels are other possibilities that can put your family’s health in jeopardy.
Keep in mind that the test is only accurate if it’s performed correctly. You could literally throw your money down the drain if you don’t follow the test instructions to the letter. This is why it’s often a good idea to seek out a professional who has years of experience.
There are some instances in which you’re obligated to test and treat well water. For example, if you have a USDA or FHA loan. The last thing you’d want to do is break a contract and deal with the fallout of the consequences.
A certified well tester can ensure that everything goes as smoothly as possible.
Are You Ready to Cover the Cost of a Well Water Test?
Now that you’ve learned all about the cost of a well water test, you can make sure that everything is fine with your water supply. Your loved ones will appreciate having that peace of mind each time they get a glass of water, for instance.
CFBI is here to serve all your inspection needs, including those that are residential and commercial. We can even handle specialist services, such as mold, radon, and termite inspections. Our customers trust our expertise and attention to detail.
For a reliable well inspection or anything else, don’t hesitate to reach out.
by CFBIBlog | Dec 6, 2021 | CFBI Blog
Are you buying or selling a new home or commercial property? Hiring a certified building inspector can help provide you peace of mind, knowing that your investment is safe and structurally sound. But with so many inspection options available on the internet…how do I find a reputable home or commercial building inspector? In addition, what are some important factors to consider when hiring home inspection services?
If you’re looking for great service and high-quality inspections, here are some things you need to pay attention to when shopping for inspection services.
1. Reputation
The reputation your home inspector has is important when considering them for hire. Search their references and reviews for good and bad customer experiences. You should always make sure they have proper licenses and qualifications for the work they intend to do.
2. Cost
When deciding between your options for inspectors, the cost is going to be crucial. Make sure you ask for a detailed list of the services provided and the accompanying prices. This detailed report will help as you compare costs between companies.
3. Insurance Coverage
There’s anyways a chance that some part of the home inspection could go south. Should something go wrong, you need to find out who is liable for potential damages- you or the home inspector.
Ask whether or not the inspection company has insurance in case of an accident. You want to know that should something get damaged due to the inspection, the home inspection company will take care of the damage costs.
4. Specialization
You may want to seek out a specialized home inspector depending on your exact needs. For example, perhaps you want to know if your home’s foundation is stable or if you need to make repairs. You’ll need an inspector that specializes in inspecting home foundations and overall structural stability.
Consider what you need long before you start searching for an inspector. That way, you can be sure you’re getting the quality services you actually need!
5. Accessibility
Whether by phone or through email, you have to be able to properly communicate with your home inspector. That way, you can share necessary information with them about your home, your needs, and when you want them to do the inspection. You can also get any necessary follow-up information after the initial inspection.
If you can’t get in touch with your inspector easily, you may want to search elsewhere. Keep an eye on how often your inspector contacts you before making the hire.
The Best Tips When Hiring Home Inspection Services
Now that you know what to pay attention to when hiring home inspection services, you can start shopping for the inspector that fits your needs. Remember to do plenty of shopping around before settling on one particular inspector!
Do you need a professional home inspector to come to view your property?
We’re here to help. Contact us with any questions or concerns you have about our home inspection services, and continue reading our blog for more helpful information today!
by CFBIBlog | Nov 4, 2021 | CFBI Blog
Do you have an unexplainable cough, chest pain, or hoarse voice? Have you ever had your home, business, or rental property inspected for radon? While many people keep carbon monoxide detectors in their homes, almost no one considers a radon inspection because they don’t know about the dangers of radon.
The dangers of radon gas in your home are more extreme than you might think. Keep reading to learn all about the dangers of radon exposure and what levels are hazardous to your health.
What Is Radon?
Radon is a naturally occurring gas. Most of the time, in normal quantities, it’s unnoticeable and it shouldn’t have a negative impact on your health. In large quantities, however, it’s problematic.
Most radon exposure happens in businesses, schools, and even homes. Many people go through their lives never knowing that they’re being exposed to radon because the gas has no color or smell. This means that most people will never notice it until it causes health problems.
Radon comes from deep underground. Many people don’t know that it exists at all, but it comes from uranium. As the name implies, radon sends radiation out into the world.
The True Danger of Radon
In short, radon is a carcinogen. This means that it’s a cancer-causing substance. The largest and most common risk of radon exposure is lung cancer.
As a matter of fact, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer. The first is smoking. If someone is a smoker and has too much radon exposure, they have an even higher risk of lung cancer.
With a high level of radon (20 pCi/L), people who smoke have over 7 times greater chance (260/1000 people vs 36/1000 people) of developing lung cancer than people who do not smoke.
That said, 32/1000 people is still too many. Radon is the #1 cause of lung cancer among people who do not smoke (with the #2 cause being secondhand smoke).
How Much Radon Is Too Much?
So what level of radon is dangerous?
As we mentioned before, radon exposure is normal and fairly harmless in small amounts. Everyone comes in contact with radon, but most people won’t experience problems if they aren’t subject to long-term exposure.
While 20 pCi/L of radon is very dangerous, the dangers start at 4pCi/L. Levels below that are still less than ideal, but they’re not as likely to cause long-term damage.
Because you can’t notice radon levels in your home, it’s almost impossible to identify when you have a radon problem. This is why it’s so important to have professional radon testing. Even if your test shows that you don’t have an excessive level of radon in your home, it’s better to be safe rather than sorry when the health of you and your family is at stake.
Don’t Underestimate The Dangers of Radon
Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer overall and the top cause amongst people who don’t smoke. The dangers of radon may seem insignificant to non-smokers, but many people develop lung cancer every year.
If you have never had your home tested for radon, we want to help you. Contact us at Central Florida Building Inspectors (or CFBI Inc.) to ask any questions or schedule an inspection today. We want to keep your family safe.
by CFBIBlog | Jun 10, 2021 | CFBI Blog
If you’re looking to buy a new home, water quality is likely not high on your checklist. The water supply at your new property must be safe and sanitized.
You can use a VA, FHA, or USDA loan to buy property if you are a prospective homeowner in Central Florida. When you finance a property using one of these loans, you likely aren’t asking yourself: “Are well water tests required for my FHA loan?”
Water tests are required if the property financed or refinanced using one of these three loans is served by a private well or some other non-public water source. Keep on reading to learn why you are required to do water testing for loans and refinancing.
Water Testing: General Information
The VA, FHA, and USDA all require water tests to look for nitrates, nitrites, total coliform, and E. Coli. They want to make sure that your water is clean and safe before you close on your loan. As the new homeowner, you are responsible for setting up the water quality test. Homeowners are not recommended to do a water quality test without the help of a professional.
Ideally, there’s a local health authority that can have one of their employees handle getting that private well water quality test. If there is no local health authority, you can hire a local testing lab, or some other independent third party can collect and deliver the sample.
VA Loan Water Testing Requirements
An independent VA appraiser will assess the minimum property requirements (the MPRs) as part of the appraisal process if you are financing your property through a VA loan.
VA loan requirements don’t have a list of safety requirements and contaminants for private well water. Well water testing for VA loans is a price that VA buyers have to pay upfront, but it’s possible to seek reimbursement from the seller.
FHA Loan Water Testing Requirements
According to FHA loan requirements, it’s up to the homeowner to make sure that the water quality meets the requirements of the proper health authorities if a private water supply is present. The water quality must meet the standards set by the EPA if there are no local or state water quality standards.
USDA Loan Water Testing Requirements
The USDA Rural Home Development requires a water quality test if the property you finance through your USDA loan has a well as its source of water. The results must meet EPA minimum thresholds for lead, nitrites, nitrates, and coliform.
Florida Water Testing Requirements
The state of Florida doesn’t require regular water testing once you have closed on your loan and moved into your new property. It’s recommended that Florida homeowners test their well water every year for coliform bacteria and nitrates.
Schedule a Water Quality Test Today
At Central Florida Building Inspectors, our state-licensed and certified home inspectors can do a wide arrange of inspection services, including water testing. You can ask us a question or visit our website to find out what our team can do for you.
by CFBIBlog | Jan 30, 2021 | CFBI Blog
The commercial real estate market in Florida is on fire. In fact, the top 10 commercial real estate sales sold for more than $820 million.
Investors are taking advantage of interest rates hovering near record lows. Major buyers like Amazon are active in Florida. The outlook for commercial real estate remains strong moving in 2021.
Commercial property inspections are one of the most important milestones in the buying process. These inspections have the ability to make or break the transaction.
Read on to learn why you should contract inspections of commercial properties. Explore why you should get a commercial property inspection before making a large investment.
What Are the Benefits of a Commercial Property Inspection?
Envision buying a commercial property and dropping a six-figure down payment. Within the first few months, a roof leak causes extensive water damage. A commercial property inspector is your best defense against this nightmare scenario.
The most obvious benefit of a commercial property inspection is identifying issues. Very few properties are perfect and free of issues.
A trained professional thoroughly inspects the building. They report back on defects and advise you on what needs repair.
Professional inspectors have a trained eye. They identify problems that the average person does not catch. This includes structural or plumbing issues, to name a few examples.
With the inspector’s report in hand, you are empowered during contract negotiations. The seller may not agree to repair the issues identified.
If this is the case, you have several negotiation options. You can walk away from the sale. Also, you can negotiate a lower price based on the fact that repairs are required.
What to Expect With Commercial Property Inspections?
Many people are interested in how detailed a commercial property inspection is. They want to know exactly what the inspector is looking for.
Your inspector takes a look at both the exterior and interior of the building. Major systems such as electrical and plumbing are inspected.
The inspector also evaluates major appliances. Expensive systems like the HVAC are inspected to ensure proper operation.
The building’s structure is a top priority. This includes everything from the foundation to the roof.
The inspector is going to check areas that are difficult to access. This includes crawlspaces, attics, and other spaces. The intent is to ensure there are no leaks, pests, or other concealed issues.
Beyond the building, the inspector reviews other areas pertinent to business operations. Parking lots, garages, and other grounds fall into this category.
Many customers want to know how long an inspection takes. The answer varies depending on the size of the property. A thorough inspection lasts several hours with the potential to go longer.
Commercial Property Inspections: A Recap
A commercial property inspection is critical to starting your business on the right foot. The inspection provides a thorough evaluation of everything in your new building.
Your inspector may uncover a major issue and save you thousands on repairs. They also provide you with invaluable leverage going into negotiations.
If you are looking to contract commercial property inspections, contact us today to schedule an appointment.
