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.
by CFBIBlog | Apr 28, 2020 | CFBI Blog, Home Inspection
Most people know that smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer in the country. It’s why so many of them steer clear of smoking and stay away from secondhand smoke at all costs.
But what people don’t always realize is that the second-leading cause of lung cancer could be right inside their homes without them even knowing it. A gas called radon causes more than 20,000 lung cancer-related deaths each year.
If you’re thinking about buying a home in Orlando, Florida right now, performing a radon test beforehand should be a no-brainer. The last thing you want to do is move into a house with elevated radon levels and be exposed to it for years to come. The other reason you may need to perform a radon test is if the state of Florida requires it.
Here is how to find out if radon is an issue in a new home you’re considering.
Begin by Learning About the Dangers of Radon
Before you begin trying to figure out whether or not radon is an issue in a new Florida home you’re considering, make sure you learn as much as you can about it.
For those not familiar with radon, it’s a gas that’s odorless and tasteless and pretty much impossible to detect without performing an official radon check. It’s also a gas that can lead to serious health complications if you spend too much time breathing it in.
Just how dangerous is radon? Dangerous enough that the American Cancer Society has repeatedly tried to warn homeowners about the connection between radon and cancer.
This should illustrate how important radon testing is for those thinking about purchasing a new home.
Schedule Radon Testing for the Home You’re Thinking About Buying
When you’re in the process of buying a new home, one of the things you should do is have a home inspection done on it. During a home inspection, a home inspector will look at a home from top to bottom and alert you to any potential problems in it.
As part of your home inspection, you can also opt to have a radon inspection done. A radon test kit will be used to measure the radon levels in a home during this type of inspection.
Hire a home inspector that knows how to detect radon if you’re going to schedule these services. They should have extensive experience when it comes to radon testing.
Consider Your Options If the Home Has High Levels of Radon in It
There is a chance that a home inspection company will come back to you following a radon check and tell you that there are, in fact, elevated radon levels in a home you’re considering buying. Think about all your options before deciding what to do next.
If you don’t feel comfortable buying a home with radon in it, you can always back out of the deal. But you can also ask the seller of the home to pay to have a radon mitigation system installed in the home. These systems can be used to lower radon levels in a home in a hurry.
Don’t Pass Up on the Chance to Have a Radon Check Done on a Home
Some homebuyers decide against having a radon inspection performed on a house they’re going to be buying. As a result, they never know whether or not their home has radon in it.
Don’t make this mistake. Set up a radon test in a home before buying it so that you have the peace of mind that comes along with knowing a home doesn’t have radon in it before moving in.
If the state of Florida has required your building to have radon testing, we also can help! We carry a radon business license, have multiple radon technicians on staff and also have a NRPP certification. HUD housing mandates certain testing to be performed and we are qualified for these projects as well.
Contact us today to schedule a radon check in a home that you’re considering right now.
by CFBIBlog | Apr 1, 2020 | CFBI Blog
Buying or selling a home is one of the most exciting, and important, moments in your life. You are embarking on a new journey - possibly starting fresh.
Before you embark on the new chapter, get a home inspection to satisfy proper standards. These are the seven important questions to ask a home inspector.
1. Who Should I Consult With Next?
If the home inspection finds any problems, ask who you should talk to next. Home inspectors have a broad understanding of all aspects of home construction. They’re usually well rounded.
Their recommendation will dive deeper into the issue. An expert may even find out the problem isn’t as bad as the home inspector originally thought.
2. What Would You Do?
It’s a powerful question to ask a home inspector because you’re giving them the floor to be open and honest. Ask them what problems you should prioritize and if they are safety concerns.
3. How Long Will the Roof Last?
The condition of the roof will be in a home inspector’s report, but ask how many years are left until you need a replacement.
If you are buying a house, see if the sellers will lower the asking price for a roof at the end of its lifecycle. If you’re selling a house, factor fixing the roof into your asking price.
4. Is the Home Well Insulated?
Houses in colder climates & very hot ones need to have excellent insulation. This affects not only your comfort but your costs.
A well-insulated home will retain heat or cool better and keep your utility bills lower in the peak months. Homes that need new or additional insulation should have the price to reflect these needs.
5. What is the Home’s Structural Strength?
Does the home have a solid base and bones? The inspector can help you point out weaknesses in a foundation or cracks in the walls.
Different cracks and sizes can mean different things. A house that is settling isn’t nearly as bad as foundational issues. Get a second opinion from a specialist to determine further action.
6. Is the Plumbing Stable?
No one wants to live in a home with leaky pipes. If sections of the waste plumbing are galvanized or cast iron pipe, get a quote to replace it with new PVC pipes.
Ask about water pressure. Low pressure means there could be leaks in hidden places. This will cause lots of damage and water bills.
7. Did You Find Evidence of Mice or Termites?
The sign of one mouse can mean an infestation. Make sure there’s a solution to eliminate vermin before moving into a home.
If the home inspection reports evidence of termites, the problem has to be solved before any transactions take place. Termite damage can be hidden behind drywall out of sight.
Don’t Skimp on the Questions to Ask a Home Inspector
Whenever you aren’t sure about something, don’t skimp on the questions to ask a home inspector. Even if they don’t have the answer, they can point you in the right direction.
Get the inspection and be on your way to a new exciting journey.
If you’re in need of the best home inspectors, contact us today.
by CFBIBlog | Feb 3, 2020 | CFBI Blog
Selling an older home has its disadvantages. Sometimes homeowners have to invest a lot of money to bring the home up to code.
Rules are in place to protect home buyers and mortgage lenders. The goal is to ensure a home isn’t being sold with hidden problems. We often hear about termite inspections but there is a long list of things that are covered under a home inspection.
Home purchases require homeowner insurance. Insurance companies can be hesitant about issuing a new policy if the home doesn’t pass a 4 point inspection.
Are you a home seller or buyer looking for information on what is a home insurance inspection? Keep reading to learn more about four-point inspections and why they are required.
What Is A 4 Point Inspection?
A 4 point inspection is an inspection that insurance companies can require of a homeowner when writing a policy. It differs from a buyer’s inspection which is an extensive inspection of a home during the home buying process.
The buyer’s inspection addresses a clause in mortgages that allows a buyer to back out of a home sale if there are significant issues uncovered. The homeowner and buyer can negotiate terms in the purchase contract and still move forward with the purchase.
With the 4 point inspection, the insurance company will not write the policy if the home fails in designated areas.
A home buyer cannot substitute the buyer’s inspection. The insurance company will only accept a 4 point inspection form covering the following areas.
- Electrical
- HVAC stands for Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning
- Plumbing
- Roofing
Some insurance companies provide the form they want to be completed.
Who do You Hire?
If you are in the process of buying a home and you’re hiring a professional home inspector, ask if they can also provide the 4 point inspection.
In cases where you are seeking new homeowner insurance, contact a home inspector to see if they provide the service. Most inspectors can do this for you, or you can hire a real estate inspection company that provides the service.
The only other option is to hire contractors in each area to do separate inspections. This could cost significantly more money.
It is important to understand that the insurance company will only accept inspections from licensed certified contractors. Do not risk a denial by having a friend sign-off on the form.
Don’t Do Nothing
It is important to note that if you need a new policy and refuse to get the inspection, your mortgage company can place forced insurance on your home.
This insurance can come at a high cost and not offer terms beneficial to the homeowner.
Don’t Lose Your Dream Home
A 4 point inspection may seem like a nuisance, but it is a small blip in the full scheme of things. If you’ve found the home you really love, do what it takes to satisfy the insurance company.
If you are in central Florida looking to get an inspector, we want to help. Click here if you are ready to schedule an appointment or have questions.
by CFBIBlog | Aug 11, 2019 | CFBI Blog
In 2018, tropical cyclones cost the United States $30.4 billion in damages. This seasonal natural disaster is often responsible for the most wind damage per year.
Of course, it’s not the only source of wind damage. Tornadoes and even thunderstorms are other culprits. Tornadoes alone caused $672 million in economic losses.
That’s why wind mitigation inspections are so important before you buy a new home. Your insurance company may ask for them if you live in an area that experiences these weather patterns.
To find out what a wind mitigation inspection entails, check out the guide below.
What Is a Wind Mitigation Inspection?
A wind mitigation inspection is when a licensed inspector evaluates wind-resistant features on a property. These features help protect a home during storms.
Some states require wind mitigation inspections and some do not. Even if not required, it’s wise to have this inspection done is the property is located in an area where storms occur often.
What Is Inspected?
A wind mitigation inspection can be carried out by an official inspector, a licensed contractor, an engineer, or an architect. Sometimes an inspection team will have more than one of these people come out to inspect the home.
These professionals will examine the roof, how the roof is secured to the walls, windows, doors, garage doors, general construction, when the home was built, and water resistance.
The professional will check all points of potential wind damage that could be inflicted by a major storm.
What Is the Purpose of an Inspection?
Every year, news outlets report millions and billions of dollars worth of damage due to storms. There’s nothing we can do to prevent the storms, but there are things we can do to prevent the damage.
There’s no way to know how susceptible a property is to wind damage without a wind mitigation inspection. Not only will the inspector tell you the weak points in your home, but they will give you suggestions for how to fix them.
How Much Does the Inspection Cost?
Thankfully, a wind mitigation inspection does not cost an arm and a leg. On average, it should cost less than $100.
Usually, however, homeowners and potential homeowners combine this inspection with a general home inspection. We offer a discounted rate for the wind mitigation add-on if done in conjuction with a general home inspection.
What Are Wind Mitigation Credits?
The best part of a wind mitigation inspection is that your insurance company might reward you for your efforts. These rewards are given through wind mitigation credits.
If your home has more protection, the insurance company will have discounts available. You can have a huge chunk of your hurricane or wind premium discounted.
Finding Inspection Services
Wind mitigation inspection is a smart prevention strategy. Even if you already own the home, this inspection can illuminate weak points in your home and allow you to improve them before a disaster occurs.
The price of the inspection is cost-effective when you consider the potential to save. Your insurance company can even reward you for your efforts.
To find the best wind mitigation inspectors in the Orlando area, don’t forget to stop by our page.
