What to Expect During Commercial Property Inspections in Florida

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.

Termite Control: 7 Signs Your House May Have Termites (And What To Do About It!)

by CFBIBlog | Jan 2, 2021 | CFBI Blog

If you’re having a little pest trouble at home, you’re among the 80% of homeowners in the country concerned about pest infestations. Sometimes you may have a pest infestation, and you don’t even know it, especially if you have termites. It’s no wonder we call them the “silent destroyers” because these little buggers can wreak havoc in your home, and you’ll be completely oblivious until it’s too late.

However, you don’t have to hold your breath and hope that your shed or cabin won’t crumble any second because of an unknown termite infestation. The first step in termite control is knowing if you have termites in the first place, but it’s not that easy. Termites are silent killers, so don’t expect to see a swarm of termites marching across your sitting room for you to call pest control.

Although it’s hard to spot the termites, some subtle signs could point to a termite infestation. Knowing these signs is imperative for you to get rid of the termites once and for all. Keep reading and find out a few signs that you have termites at home and what steps to take if you do.

1. You Spot Actual Termites

The most obvious sign that you have termites is when you spot actual termites. Be honest with yourself; termites don’t just drop from the sky and into your living room.  So when you spot one or two termites, there could be hundreds more beneath your home.

Remember, termites can build their nests both inside and outside your home. That said, if you spot flying termites outside your home, it may be more than just a coincidence. This is reason enough to do more investigation and find out whether you really have termites.

Apart from checking your lawn for holes or cracks where flying termites leave, also check the crevices in your foundation. Flying termites sometimes leave through these small crevices in the foundation.

2. Hollow and Damaged Wood

The reason why it’s so difficult to tell whether you have termites it’s because they eat wood from the inside out.  If you suspect termites are munching up some of the wood in your home, then all you have to do is tap the wood. If the wood sounds hollow, you may have more than a few unwelcome guests in your home.

Sometimes the termites might overdo it and eat through the wood. If you see erupting parts on wood, you should tap it to determine whether it is hollow.  If it is, then there’s no second-guessing that you have termites.

Furthermore, wood that appears damaged could also indicate termite presence. Termites love to dig into some rotten wood, so don’t be surprised if you find a couple on rotten wood. Subterranean termites are especially drawn to wood with moisture damage, so you should keep that in mind. 

3. Discarded Wings

If you spot a few discarded wings on your lawn, front porch, or inside the house, then you might need to call termite control soon. Broken or discarded wings are among the first signs that you have termites in your home. When the swarm reaches a certain capacity, winged termites must leave the colony to establish new ones elsewhere.

Once the winged termites have set up camp, they no longer need their wings and discard them.  You can spot these wings in your window sills and front porch because termites are attracted to light. You can also find them on cobwebs around your house.

Discarded wings are a sure sign of termites infestation, so if you find a couple, contact a professional termite control company ASAP. However, first, make sure that they are actual termite wings and not some random flies. Termite wings are longer than the average insect wing, are translucent, and have a veiny appearance.

4. Clicking Sounds Inside Your Wall

Although it sounds outrageous, clicking sounds inside your wall may be termites having a field day with your wood. When termites multiply, they become voracious eaters, and they make a faint clicking sound when eating through your wood.  Before you call the Ghostbusters, you might want to call pest control first.

Sometimes soldier termites might bang their heads against the wood or shake their bodies to warn the colony of impending danger. If you hear faint banging sounds, then there a likelihood that you have termites.

5. Frass or Termite Droppings

Termite poop is also a telltale sign of termite presence, but how do you know it’s termite poop? Termite droppings look like pellets that seem like dark marks or a dark powder from afar. Some people say frass looks like wood shavings or sawdust.

Termites leave their droppings in the tunnels they make while chewing through the wood. Frass is barely a millimetre long and is hard to spot. However, termites will push all the frass out at their nest’s entrance. Look through your attic and wood around your home for frass or suspicious-looking sawdust to see if you have termites.

6. Mud Tunnels

Subterranean termites burrow through mud and create mud tubes to connect their homes to their food- the wood in your house.  These mud tunnels are found around the termites’ foundation and can lead to the epicenter of the termite infestation.

The mud tubes can retain moisture to prevent the termites from drying. This gives them a distinct appearance that is hard to mistake. Tincture through the mud tubes to find whether you have termites moving through them.

7. Outdoor Indicators

It’s easy to brush off outdoor termite indicator, but when these termites are dangerously close to your home, doing so might not be such a good idea. That said, be on the lookout for signs of outdoor termite presence. While it’s natural for termites to invade a tree and make it their home, you could also be sharing your house with them.

There’s also the possibility that the damaged tree could give in and fall onto your house. Talk a walk outside and check or signs of wood rot, holes, and frass on the tree. Also, check for mud tubes and see whether they lead to your home.

Termite Control: How to Get Rid of Termites

If you happen to have termites, your next move should be to get rid of the termites. If you don’t know how to handle the entire affair, here are a few ways to get rid of those pesky termites.

Use a Liquid Termite Barrier

Use a liquid termite barrier around your house to get rid of the current termites and prevent future infestations. This liquid barrier is an actual poisonous barricade that kills termites when they come into contact with it.  All you have to do is pour or spray the liquid barricade around your home’s foundation.

However, you can also use the liquid termite barrier in specific areas where the termites have made their home. You can spray it on wooden posts, furniture, and the likes. Liquid termite barriers are among some of the most effective termite control products you could try out.

Use Poisoned Bait

If the barrier doesn’t work, then poisoned bait ought to do the trick. Poisoned bait is so effective because the termites don’t even have to take the bait. All you need is one or two foraging termites who will take the bait and spread the poison to the rest of the colony.

The poisoned bait method is especially effective for minor infestations or smaller colonies. You should replace the bait stake after every twelve months or if one of the bait stakes becomes wholly infested. You might need some professional help if the infestation is too severe.

Boric Acid

Boric acid isn’t the most immediate way to get rid of termites, but it gets the job done. If you want to sidestep the toxic chemicals that come with pesticides, then boric acid is the best solution for you.  Boric acid affects the termites’ metabolic process, and they should be dead within five to seven days after the first contact.

Note that using boric acid is not an entirely non-toxic solution. However, it‘s lower in toxicity compared to most of the other termite extermination methods. You can either use the powdered or the solution form of the acid to eliminate the termites.

Direct Chemical Application

When you can see the actual termites, there’s no better way to get rid of them than direct chemical application. All you have to do is spray or pour the chemical into the hole, crevice, or rafters where you see the termites. 

Call in the Pros

The most foolproof method is calling in the pros so they can take care of your termite problem once and for all. These pros can carry out a termite inspection and testing, then take the necessary steps to eliminate the pests. 

Termite Infestation Is Manageable

Although termites are a handful to deal with, termite control is possible provided you take the proper steps to handle the situation. In case you have termites, you can use any of the above solutions to handle the mess. However, calling in the pros is the surest way of getting rid of these pests.

With the plethora of termite control companies, it might be difficult to find a company worth your time and money. For professional, effective, and practical termite control, contact us today, and we’ll sort you out.

Putting Together a Hurricane Preparedness Plan for Your Home

by CFBIBlog | Aug 5, 2020 | CFBI Blog

We all hear the experts talking about how important it is to create a hurricane preparedness plan each time a hurricane threatens the coast. But, the truth is that too many of us don’t actually heed to the advice until it’s almost too late.

This is dangerous for more reasons than we can list here. However, it would be foolish to think that it can’t happen to you.

Hurricanes are very real threats to most of the state of Florida and there is no such thing as a hurricane proof house. So, if you don’t know where to start with your hurricane preparedness checklist, fear not. We’ve outlined some steps to take that will get you pointed in the right direction below.

Hurricane Preparedness Tips That Could Save Your Home

The best advice we can give is to start early. Hurricane season begins in June and doesn’t end until late November. Taking action at the start of Spring will alleviate headaches and dangerous situations later in the year.

Let’s take a look at those actions that will prevent a catastrophe from turning into a life-altering event.

Start With the Yard

Make sure you have a place to secure outdoor furniture and other items such as the grill and outdoor plants when a hurricane is announced. These are often forgotten in the moment of panic and can cause significant damage when the winds pick up. A hurricane can move items several miles so you’re not only saving your belongings and home but also the safety of others.

Save the Garage Door or Carport

Your garage door may seem sturdy now but it can become as fragile and dangerous for your home in a hurricane as a bomb. Make sure your garage door is reinforced with horizontal wooden beams or have a vertical garage door brace installed.

If you have a carport, make sure the posts are secured to the ground and the roof is braced. This type of structure can rip your home into pieces when the wind blows through.

Don’t Forget the Porch

The same goes for the porch or deck. It’s essential to secure these structures to your home and anchor them firmly in the ground.

Seal the Holes in Your Wall

While the holes in the exterior of your home where the cable wires come through may not leak during a typical storm, a hurricane is not a typical storm. Winds and rains will literally be coming in sideways and these holes will be susceptible to leaks and other damage if they’re not sealed up. A simple tube of caulking or silicone should do the trick.

Look Up! - Don’t Lose Your Roof

Florida requires builders to attach your roof to the walls of your home with metal straps but it’s still a good idea to have them inspected. 

Beyond the straps, you should ensure that your roof tiles or shingles are not missing or cracked and tightly secured. One good gust of wind can tear the entire roof off with just a few loose. If your roof is severely damaged, it’s best to install a new one.

Doors and Windows Are a Must 

One of the first things people think about when discussing hurricane preparedness is securing the doors and windows. This is because these are the most vulnerable frameworks in your home.

Windows can be blown out by flying objects, and yes, even just the wind itself. Doors that aren’t sealed may let a significant amount of water in that can cause flooding and other damage.  

Check Your Homeowner’s Insurance Policy

Beyond the actual structure of your home, it’s important to note that you should double-check your Homeowner’s Insurance policy for the proper coverage in the event of a hurricane.

Many homeowners insure their homes for the worth of the home but don’t consider what it may cost to completely rebuild. Talk to your agent about what your best option is.

Do You Have Flood Insurance, Too?

Hurricane proof homes are not necessarily flood-proof homes. Flooding is extremely common after a storm so even if your home withstands the beating of the hurricane itself, you could end up with other damage if you live near any body of water, including lakes and rivers. 

Take Pictures/Videos of Your Belongings

While you’re evaluating your insurance policies, don’t forget to take pictures and videos of your stuff. Take pictures of everything because if you lose it all, you’ll need proof that you owned it prior to the loss.

During the Storm

Now that your home is ready for one of the worst types of storms on the planet, let’s glance at a quick checklist of what you should do when the storm actually hits.

Waterproof Important Documents

If a hurricane warning is issued for your area, one of the first things you should do is remove your important paperwork from your files and secure them in Ziploc bags or other waterproof containers. This includes Social Security cards, tax documents, and any other irreplaceable files.

Unplug Appliances

When the storm hits, it’s inevitable that the power will go out. The problem is, when it comes back on, it will come on for hundreds if not thousands of homes. Not to mention that every power source in your home will reactivate at once when the power is restored, which can cause a power surge that could damage your electronic devices and appliances. 

Get to a Shelter

Don’t stick around during the storm. No matter how much work you’ve done to protect it from the brutal wind and rain, get to a shelter and let the storm pass. Your life is more important than your home.

Do YOU Have a Hurricane Preparedness Plan?

Creating a hurricane preparedness plan is critical for both the safety of your home and your family.

Don’t wait until the storm is on the horizon to make your checklist or especially preparations. Take these extra measures to protect your life as soon as possible for the most positive outcome after the storm passes.

Finally, don’t be discouraged by the immensity of this checklist. Call us while you’re making plans. Our contractors are knowledgeable and friendly and we are here to help.

Make sure that your home is hurricane ready so you can think about the other important actions that may be necessary in the moment of emergency.

7 Signs Your Home Might Have Water Damage

by CFBIBlog | Jul 15, 2020 | CFBI Blog

Water damage is a serious hazard that costs the insurance industry a staggering 2.5 billion every year. It happens a lot more than most people think, and to a lot more people. In the US alone, about 14,000 people experience water damage emergencies at home or in their workplace every day, and 98 percent of basements experience water damage at least once in their lifetime.

A majority of cases could be avoided because most leaks are slow. The problem is that most people have no idea how to identify water damage in their homes. 

So what are the signs of water damage in your home?

1. Visible Stains 

Stains are among the major signs of water damage. Most water stains have a yellowish or brownish color and expand from one point to make irregular shapes depending on the direction the water takes. The first places you should look for these signs are the bathroom, basement, kitchen, and laundry rooms.

These areas generally see more water use and contain plenty of plumbing pipes that could be causing the leak. The source of the leak is likely to be a plumbing issue in these areas, although the basement could have other sources, such as flooding water. The ends of the stains may seem a little dryer than the middle because these stains are usually a result of repeat cycles of getting wet, drying, and getting wet again.

2. Mold

Mold harbors in areas that remain damp, so check your ceiling, drywall, wood, carpeting, and other materials in your home close to water sources or the stains you find. By the time you notice mold, though, the water damage may be extensive.

This means you are likely dealing with a slow and consistent leak. Mold is an airborne fungus that comes in a variety of colors, such as green, blue, black, or grey. It has a fuzzy appearance and could grow almost anywhere as long as there’s moisture so it’s easier to spot.

3. Changes in Your Walls and Ceiling

Changes to your walls and ceiling could mean you have water damage. Some of these signs can be quite obvious, especially when they make large stains, but other times they’re quite easy to overlook.

Signs of water damage in walls include peeling or bubbling paint on walls. After continued exposure, they may warp or become bloated, and in severe cases, the walls and ceilings may feel spongy.

4. Damaged Flooring

It’s easy to overlook damaged floors as well, and by the time you realize there’s a wet spot on the carpet or under your tiles, the subflooring may have taken a hit too. If you have vinyl and linoleum tiles, they will start to peel and crack when they come in contact with too much water, and if you have wood or laminate, they will warp, buckle, or cup.   

5. Musty Odors

Musty odors are another sign of water damage, although the damage may be extensive for it to smell. Most areas with this odor are also likely to be damp and humid, so if there are any areas of the house, you notice this kind of smell, inspect it for other damages such as stains and mold.

If you notice musty smells after heavy rains, it’s a sign that water got into your home, and you may have issues with your foundation, slab or crawlspace.

Older homes tend to have musty smells all around, especially in attics and basements. However, you may notice an abrupt change in the odors or extent of the smell. Florida homes built up on a crawlspace can also suffer from musty smells due to wet soils below the home.

If you feel like something is off and you’re not sure what, it’s advisable to have a professional inspector look at it to avoid risking worse water damage problems in the long run. All water damage issues are best caught early before repairs and restoration runs into thousands of dollars.

6. Increasing Water Bills

Sometimes water damage may not be apparent, but if your water bill has been higher than usual, water leaks may be the culprit. You should check for visible pipes and faucet leaks in your home and whether you have running toilets.

Check for leaks around appliances like dishwashers or washing machines as well. If you can’t find any, you should call a professional inspection company for a complete evaluation.

7. Old Pipes and Plumbing

Most of the time, especially in homes with outdated pipes and plumbing fixtures, you may find leaks in walls. Valves, fixtures, and faucets tend to wear out after a few years, and if not replaced, could cause major water leaks that lead to significant structural damages. You may be able to listen to leaks or dripping water at night when everything is silent.

Turn off all your electrical appliances to make it easier to listen to moving or dripping water. Stand close to sinks and toilets to ensure that’s not where the leak is coming from and check whether the drain pipes are in good condition. Regardless of the cause, you should have a professional come in, identify all leaks, and fix them before water restoration starts.

Hiring the Best Water Damage Inspection Company

If you notice any of these signs of water damage in your home, the best course of action is to call a professional inspection company. CFBI inspection company has professional inspectors that provide reliable and trustworthy residential inspection services.

We strive to conduct thorough and comprehensive inspections, and we’ll leave you with a confirmed report about all the water damaged areas and the water sources in your home. We have served Central Florida for years, and if you want to know more about us or get a quote, please get in touch with us today.

Why a Commercial Building Inspection is Crucial Before Buying a Business

by CFBIBlog | Jun 4, 2020 | CFBI Blog

Being an Orlando business owner in today’s economic climate can be scary enough on its own. Thankfully, we’re starting to move past government-mandated shutdowns and social distancing protocols. However, your success as a Florida business owner is never guaranteed, only one in three small businesses make it to 10 years.

There are things you can do to improve your odds, however. Obviously you need to know how to market your business and provide good customer service. But what if we told you that a building inspection could literally make or break your business?

Imagine buying a business or a commercial building to start your business in, only to find out it has severe problems. It could end up costing you tens of thousands of dollars, essentially drowning your business in debt.

Keep reading to understand why getting a building inspection is so important for the future of your company.

Ensure the Integrity of the Roof

One of the most vital components of any building is its roof. The roof of a building is its primary means of protecting the internal structure from the elements. A roof in disrepair leads to internal and structural water damage that can significantly affect the integrity of a building.

Water can lead to wood rot, drywall rot, pests, and harmful mold. An Orlando commercial building inspection will analyze the integrity of the roof and determine if it needs any repairs.

Identify Potential Health Concerns

A commercial building inspector can also discover and identify future health concerns hidden within the property. For example, as mentioned above, water leaks from plumbing, the roof, or the foundation can lead to mold growth. Black mold exposure can lead to serious health problems.

Additionally, depending on when the building was built, it could have lead paint or asbestos.

Prevent Expensive Damages or Repairs in the Future

If you’re concerned about how much building inspections cost, we urge you to think about the potential long-term costs of declining to have your property inspected. It will save you or your business money in the immediate future but could lead to extravagant costs in the long run.

Like most problems in life, the more we ignore them or remain unaware of them, the worse they get. For example, a roof damaged by hail may need a simple repair. However, if left unaddressed, your building will be vulnerable to expensive water damage issues.

Ensure the Safety of You, Your Employees, and Your Customers

Lastly, a commercial building inspection is vital for ensuring everyone who enters the building is safe and secure at all times. This includes you, your employees, independent contractors, and your customers or clients.

Not only is it your moral obligation as a building owner, but it’s also the most financially prudent option. For example, if there are electrical or wiring issues that go unnoticed, it could lead to a fire, potentially destroying your entire life’s work.

Finally, if your building is unsafe and causes harm or injury, you can be held liable. It’s not above people to sue business owners for injuries they obtain on commercial properties.

Need a Commercial Building Inspection?

Are you buying a new business with a pre-existing commercial location? Are you starting a new business and buying a property? If so, we highly recommend getting a certified Orlando Florida commercial building inspection before you sign any contracts.

If you’re in need of an inspection, we can help. Contact us today to schedule an appointment or address any questions or concerns.