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 | Aug 2, 2021 | CFBI Blog
From 2001 to 2016, there were 239 balcony collapses in the United States. This resulted in more than 4,600 emergency room visits.
You often hear news stories about tragedies involving people overloading balconies. But you may not know that railings not up to code are one of the top causes of balcony collapse.
Proper balcony railing inspections are imperative for the safety of occupants. Hotels, apartments, condos, or any structure that has a balcony needs special inspection and approval.
If you recently bought a building with a balcony, the information below will tell you everything you need to know about railing safety. It will help you know how to identify dangerous balconies. And will explain the proper steps to take to make sure your building is safe and secure.
How Do Balcony Railing Inspections Work?
Many states like Florida have special requirements for buildings with balconies that are three or more stories. A Central Florida Building Inspector balcony inspection will assess every component of the structure. This includes decking, wall attachments, fasteners, ledger boards, and railings.
Inspectors will look for loose or improper connections. They might look for “toenailing,” or fastening two pieces of wood together with angled nails, rather than a bracket. Inspectors will look for nails (which can pull out) used in place of screws.
Most balcony railings are made from anti-corrosive materials, such as steel. But corrosion of connectors and fasteners can be a sign that the balcony needs maintenance or replacement. Wood rod is another indicator that the balcony railing is not secure.
Balconies exposed to the elements are more susceptible to these problems. Also, structures near the ocean can see more rot and corrosion due to sea salt.
Also, balcony railing specifications can change over time. Older railings may not meet current buildings codes. For instance, these regulations determine the maximum space between pickets or bottom brackets.
Regulations determining the height of railing also can change over time. And they may be different for residential and commercial buildings.
How Often Should You Have Balcony Railing Inspections?
The state of Florida requires initial balcony railing inspections for new constructions. You also must get one when establishments change ownership. You must submit a certificate that demonstrates inspection and an application for approval.
You also must update the license every three years. Note that ground level or decks no more than three feet in height are exempt from these requirements.
Find a Licensed Inspector Near You
Now that you have an idea of the importance of balcony railing inspections, schedule yours today. It will give you the peace of mind that your property will be safe for you or anyone using it.
For over 30 years, Central Florida Building Inspectors has provided professional inspection services. These include residential, commercial, and industrial properties.
We are a family-owned business that prides itself on quality work and excellent customer service. Reach out to us today to learn about our competitive pricing and to schedule an appointment.
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 | May 22, 2021 | CFBI Blog
You know that your home needs a fire detector and, in some cases, a carbon monoxide detector. These are critical, life-saving technologies, but did you know that you might still be at risk from another dangerous gas?
Radon gas is a form of radioactive gas that comes up through the soils outside and under our homes. If there are any cracks or open pipes or drains, then radon gas can get into your home and make you sick.
There are no visible signs of radon in your home. It is colorless, odorless, and tasteless, so the only way to find out it’s there is through testing or if you develop symptoms of radon poisoning.
What are the signs of radon poisoning? Read on to find out!
Breathing Issues
Did you know that radon exposure is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers and the second leading cause overall?
It should come as no surprise then, that one of the biggest symptoms of radon poisoning is respiratory problems. This can come in the form of frequent bouts of bronchitis or pneumonia, especially if you were not prone to them previously.
The longer you are exposed to radon, the more severe your symptoms will become.
Raspy Voice
If you are exposed to radon, then you might start noticing that your voice is changing. Your voice might start to sound hoarse or raspy.
This usually only happens to people who are long-time smokers or who have another underlying health condition. If you notice that your voice is sounding more raspy than usual and it doesn’t go away, then you should speak to your doctor and schedule a radon test for your home.
Loss of Muscle Mass
Radon can impact other parts of your body apart from your respiratory system.
Another common sign of radon exposure is a reduction in your overall muscle mass. You might notice tasks that were once easy are starting to become more difficult. You’ll also feel fatigued while doing normal activities like walking.
Other indicators of reduced muscle mass include weight loss and anemia.
Chest Pain
You know that radon exposure can lead to respiratory issues. You might also notice that you are experiencing ongoing chest pain along with them.
You should never ignore chest pain. Go visit your doctor or an emergency room if you are experiencing this symptom.
Are You Experiencing These Signs of Radon Exposure?
Spotting the signs of radon poisoning is not always easy. You may not even know that you’ve been exposed until you’ve experienced a significant amount of it. It’s important to be proactive and have a professional come out to perform an inspection, especially if you live on a lower floor or have a basement.
Wondering who to call to perform radon testing in Central Florida? You’re in the right place! Contact Central Florida Building Inspectors today to learn how we can help you find peace of mind.
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.
