by cfbi1 | May 27, 2014 | Home Inspection
When you are thinking about purchasing a property, or you already own a property, make sure to contact a professional home inspection company for a home review on that property. A home inspection is not just a one-time service, there are many specialist services home inspection company’s offer to give customers peace of mind.
One service, we will have a look at today, is a wind mitigation test. A wind mitigation test is a service that is carried out to help homeowner’s qualify for a discount on their insurance premiums. The discounts and lower prices are usually given by insurance providers to homeowners that have suitable wind resistant features protecting their homes, e.g. roof straps, impact-resistant windows, and/or reinforced garage doors.
Having adequate wind resistant features protecting your home helps significantly, especially if your home is located in an area where there is high hurricane activity and severe wet seasons. The insurance providers see that having suitable protection decreases the chances of that home being damaged during strong storms. This results in the insurance company being less likely to pay out in damages every time there is a hurricane or every time the wet seasons hit.
When a wind mitigation test is carried out on the home’s roof, gable end bracing, even the design, the positioning of the building, add wall connections will all be evaluated and correctly inspected. Garage doors and fitted hurricane shutters will be tested for functionality and safety. After submitting the test to your insurance company they will calculate the appropriate discount amount.
If you would like a wind mitigation test carried out on your property to lower your insurance premiums, then contact a local professional home inspection company today. Make sure that your home is safe during these tough weather seasons and that you have the best insurance coverage should anything unpredictable happen.
Photo Credit
by cfbi1 | May 23, 2014 | Home Inspection
Did you know that around two out of every five homes in the USA suffer from some sort of major defect? The thing about major defects is that they are generally not cheap to fix, hence the term major defect. A major defect, such as, a damaged neglected roof can cost anything upward of $15,000 to fix and repair.
The only real way that you can protect yourself financially from large repair bills is by investing in a home inspection service. If you are looking at buying a home, then a professional home inspector is the person that you need to hire. They can look over the property that has caught your eye and give it a proper assessment based on knowledge of current building codes.
A fully qualified home inspector is trained to find the hidden issues that lay unseen. The kind of issues that most people don’t see due to lack of home inspection experience. The good thing about hiring a home inspector is that their services can save you money in the long run.
Potential and existing problems can be highlighted and evaluated helping you to make the best and informed decision regarding the property purchase. You need help to determine if it’s a suitable investment opportunity.
Home inspections are becoming more and more popular, and most bank lenders will now require that a home inspection is carried out during the home buying process. When choosing a home inspector, keep in mind that you are looking for the most skilled and experienced of home inspection companies. This assures that you get the best inspector to provide the needed services.
Its common sense to include a home inspection service when you are going through the home buying process. You don’t want to sign on any property until you have a completed home inspection report in your hand with detailed information about the home you are looking at.
Get the home you are looking to buy, inspected today. Be confident that the property is a safe environment for you and your family to build your lives.
Photo Credit
by cfbi1 | May 22, 2014 | Home Inspection
In the past, building standards were not as strict and far more relaxed then what they are today. This means there were a number of various materials used in everyday construction because they were cheaper to work with. Unfortunately, it has been found out that some of the materials used pose a serious health risk, and only now people are starting to see the affects it is having on a person’s health.
The one material that brings the most concern is the prior use of asbestos in building and roof materials. At the time, asbestos posed no real serious health risks. Now however, it is known that if asbestos materials are broken up or disturbed the asbestos particles can enter the respiratory system and lungs.
The thing with asbestos poisoning is that the effects don’t show immediately and sometimes take years to surface when it might be too late to do anything about it. There are three main illnesses caused by asbestos listed below.
The first is, Mesothelioma, this is a cancer that affects the lungs and the lining of them, in addition to the digestive track.
The second is, Asbestosis, this is scarring of the lungs, which comes about from long periods of exposure to damaged asbestos throughout the years. Shortness of breath, that worsens over the years is one of the symptoms.
The third is, Lung Cancer, those who are smokers have a higher risk of this disease if asbestos fibers are inhaled into the lungs.
If you have any concern regarding the materials used in the construction of your home, especially if it’s over 30 years old contact a professional home inspection company. They usually offer a free consultation, and if they are not certified to handle asbestos inspections, they can refer you to a certified asbestos inspector.
If you would like to know a detailed list of items in your home that might contain asbestos, you can read more via the Consumer Product Safety Commission, here.
Photo Credit
by cfbi1 | May 21, 2014 | Home Inspection
The sight of termites in and around your home is never a good thing. As a homebuyer, it can be a deal killer and it’s a sign that you’ll need to dip into your emergency funds in order to treat and eradicate them. After they are gone, you’ll need to repair the damage caused to the home’s structure. In any case, the termites are not welcome visitors.
Most termite treatment plans are very effective in eliminating and keeping termites away. Although, the treatment would need to be regular to ensure that once the termites are gone that they stay away.
The state of Florida is a termite hot spot, which is not good news to residents or potential homebuyers needing to relocate. This means homeowners have a duty to keep their eyes peeled for termite infestation, termite activity, and damage.
Termites love dark and damp rotting wood; they are voracious wood eating insects that work in a team to devour. The insects have a tendency to get into any cracks in a home’s foundation. Once inside they have access to any wood used in the structure’s joists. If termites are not treated, and found early, the damage they cause is both devastating and costly.
The problem with termite damage is that it happens from the inside out and is difficult to detect until the damage is advanced. The best way to ensure your property, or your potential property, is termite free is to request a termite inspection.
Most home inspection companies offer a termite inspection as part of a specialized service. If you have any concerns, regarding termite infestation, then make sure to speak with a local and certified home inspector.
A professional home inspection company is able to provide you with a qualified and experienced home inspector. A home inspector is able to evaluate the damage and instruct you on what the most effective treatment plans are, and the best way to get repairs done. Get termites treated fast, so you don’t have to move out when they move in!
Photo Credit
by cfbi1 | May 20, 2014 | Home Inspection
When you are looking to buy a home, there are many specialized services a professional home inspection can offer you. One of the services that is very important is the testing for mold. Mold is very distinctive and has a recognizable odor. The first thing you are likely to notice is the smell, which indicates the presence of mold. It is up to you to hire a an inspector to help find the location of the mold, and the best way to treat it.
Mold can be found hiding in many places, the bathroom, old carpets, rugs, behind the kitchen backsplash, among other objects within the home. What you need to determine and understand is if the discovered mold is the type that is harmful to your health, and too dangerous for your family to be around.
It is not uncommon for people to be frightened and wary of the presence of mold, as it can cause serious health issues. Mold can also take its toll on your finances and can spread rapidly if left untreated. That means millions of spores becoming airborne, moving into different rooms through the air conditioning, and into your lungs.
Few home insurance providers cover mold related problems that means out-of-pocket expenses for you if the mold is found after the purchase. If you have any concerns regarding mold in the property you want to buy, then it’s best to contact a local home inspection company. Ask about specialist services they offer that can help you.
In most cases, mold is not detrimental to your health; however, you should be getting it checked out. This is especially important if the house has been sitting vacant for a few months. The right inspection can give you peace of mind.
Mold can be treated, if caught in time. Don’t let mold ruin the opportunity of buying a home, especially if the mold can be treated and eradicated beforehand.
Photo Credit
by cfbi1 | May 19, 2014 | Home Inspection
Buying a home is “up there” with the most important decision you will make in your life. So much needs considered when looking to buy a home, things like, location, cost, size, layout, nearby schools, and myriad of other personal preferences. Each need to be looked at and weighed before any final decision to buy is made.
The buyer needs to research everyone that is involved in the home buying process such as mortgage brokers, realtors, insurance company, appraisers, and home inspectors since of them play a dynamic role throughout the process.
In the home buying process, the home inspector you choose to employ can become your ally, as they are the ones providing you with detailed documentation you need to help you make a wise decision about the property.
It’s not unheard of for buyers to make a personalized checklist to assist them in finding a property in good condition. This can be beneficial before even considering such a large purchase like a home.
The condition of the following all need to be considered
- the roof
- the foundation
- property age
- major systems i.e. HVAC, Plumbing, Electrical
- materials used to construct it
Homebuyers can often be fooled into believing they have found a great deal when only the roof needs repaired. The reality, though, is a new roof can cost thousands to replace, so be wary of great deals when in actuality it is a fair deal.
The best and safest way to know if a home you want to purchase is stable is to hire a home inspection company to provide an evaluation. A professional inspector covers areas you need to know about. It is an excellent way to learn of issues or to highlight the positives of a property.
As a homebuyer, one of the best decisions you make during the process of buying a home is to hire a certified and licensed home inspector. Based on the final inspection report make the choice to buy the property or walk away from it.
