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.
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.
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.
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.
