by cfbi1 | Apr 14, 2014 | Home Inspection
Anybody that has been through the homebuying process will tell you it can be an extremely stressful and a testing time. There are a number of important factors that need considered when buying a home, such as location,
pricing, and the current condition of the structure. Another factor is the life expectancy of major systems in the home.
You need to be certain what you finally choose is the best investment that you can take. The best way to determine that is with a pre-purchase inspection report.
A professional home inspection should be an unbiased, detailed report of the home’s true condition. As a homebuyer, you need reassurance and a trained inspector’s advice can help bring that assurance you need.
Home evaluations can take anything up to 3 hours, and in some cases longer, it depends on the age, location, and size of the property. It is highly recommended that when the walkthrough takes place you attend it with the inspector.
Advantages of attending the walkthrough…
- 1. You will be able to see the true condition of the property first-hand.
- 2. You will be able to ask any questions that come to mind. (Remember to ask as many questions as you can because it’s the inspectors job to explain the answer.)
It is important to understand that a home inspector’s job is not just to point out and highlight the negative factors of any property that is inspected. It is also the home inspector’s job to promote and highlight the positive attributes.
A home inspection is a very valuable service, but it is sometimes ignored and overlooked. Many people see is as an added cost and too much of an extra strain on an already tight budget. The truth is, by avoiding or ignoring a home inspection service you are stepping out in blind faith. When it comes to providing a roof over your head, and providing your family with a safe home, you can’t afford not to hire a home inspector!
by cfbi1 | Apr 11, 2014 | Home Inspection
You’ve decided it is time to sell the house. A number of reasons exist that could have made you come to this conclusion. It might be your family is growing out of this house. When you first purchased it, you only had one child that was fine in a two-bedroom home, now it’s not. Or, another could be you prefer a better area or just want an ‘upgrade’.
Whatever reason you may have to sell your home, some serious items need considered before placing the sign out in the front yard. Things like, how the landscaping appears. What does the entry way look like? Are there visible cracks or water stains on the ceiling?
You don’t want to steer a prospective buyer away from your home if certain things are not fixed before trying to sell.
Although it is not required, a pre-listing inspection by a certified inspector, helps you know precisely what needs fixed for the home to sell quickly. On the other hand, the report could also help you determine if it’s better to sell in an AS-IS condition.
If you sell it in its current condition due to the inspection report listing major fixes are required, it means the sale price needs lowering. This is not ideal if you are trying to sell it for extra money to assist purchasing the next home.
Based on the report received from the inspection company, get an estimate of the costs to repair.
If the costs to repair major items is upwards of $10,000 but the fixes increase the value of the property by $15,000 investing in the repairs might be the better choice. If the value does not exceed the cost of repairs, you might be better off selling with an AS-IS contract. This is an essential decision to make about your future, hire an inspector.
Photo Credit: wikimedia.org
by cfbi1 | Apr 7, 2014 | Home Inspection
If you are a first time homebuyer, everything can quickly become overwhelming and sometimes the emotions can takeover leaving your judgments from being the best they can be.
So, it’s important to not let your stress dictate every decision needed in the process. More often than not, if you are properly prepared for the steps of buying a home, you’ll feel better about it and make better choices.
Just as you would prepare for a job interview, also prep and find questions to ask during the inspection service. Don’t forget to write them done and bring them with you. It’s easy to get distracted and forget what you wanted to ask in the first place.
Assuming you’ve done the necessary research finding the right inspection company to check your home, here a few important things to ask about during the evaluation.
What is the Life Expectancy of each Major System?
This is a biggie, usually a qualified and experienced inspector can give you a ballpark estimate of when a major system might quit on you. Typically, the answer is not going to be exact; at least you have an idea as to what you need to save for when it comes to replacing one of those systems should you purchase the home.
Is this the appropriate amount of Insulation?
In order to keep your utility bill low after buying the home, it’s essential to have right amount of insulation. In the attic, insulation seals in the heat and vice versa during the cold months. Ask the inspector about insulation inside the walls.
Will you be checking the Septic Lines and Sump Pump?
It’s also imperative that you ask the seller when the last time the septic received maintenance. The absolute last thing you want after buying the house is to deal with overflow. Ask the inspector when it’s necessary to have the septic inspected again once you’ve purchased the home.
It’s encouraged to attend and participate the home’s evaluation, in the end, you’ll be the one dealing with repairs. Find out the most important things about the house before finalizing the contract.
Please contact us with any of your questions or concerned, we’d be happy to help.
by cfbi1 | Apr 4, 2014 | Home Inspection
For those who do not know what a building inspection involves, it is a visual evaluation of the current condition of both residential and commercial properties. For any property owners, investors, or prospective homebuyers a quality evaluation is a vital service.
A professional home inspection gives accurate and detailed information regarding the property that has been inspected. A finished report can prove invaluable and helps to make the best choice when deciding about the biggest financial decision that one can make.
Image Source
The quicker that one gets a residential or commercial property inspection the better, as in any contract negotiation process, time is of the essence!
1. Primarily, the buyer/investor will want to know what sort of condition the property they want to purchase is in. The buyer/investor will need estimated costs and figures of any repairs that are major fixed on the property before finalizing the sale contract.
2. The seller of the property also needs an expert opinion from a professional home inspector. Sellers must be confident the property they listed is in a suitable condition and ready for a quick sale. They need to assess any repairs worth fixing to make their home more desirable to buyers.
A home inspection is not solely intended to highlight just the defects and concerns of the home that is being inspected. A professional inspector also highlights the property’s positive attributes, which helps relieve the buyer or seller of any stress or anxieties that they may have about the transaction.
When a home inspection is requested, the home’s major systems are scrutinized, including the internal and external structure. The plumbing, heating/air conditioning, electrics, and roof should all be inspected to show each meets the high standards required by the American Society of Home Inspectors.
If you would like to know every element that it looked over at the time of an inspection, feel free to view Central Florida Builder’s Inspection List.
by cfbi1 | Apr 3, 2014 | Home Inspection
It can be a tricky task when it comes to hiring a home inspector, especially for those not familiar with what a home inspection should consist of. A common mistake people make is thinking that choosing the cheapest inspector is the best option available to them!
Everyone likes a bargain, no questions asked; however, when it comes to a home inspection, some people tend to grip onto their already depleting savings. They refuse to turn over another large sum of money for yet another service.
Image Source
The truth is that you need an experienced inspector who is qualified and able to provide an extensive evaluation, and hand you a detailed written report afterwards. That report should answer all your questions about the property. A decent home inspection will cost you extra money, but this is nothing in comparison to the thousands of dollars that you may need to spend in repairs, if you avoid a professional home inspection service.
Research and know whom you are hiring. When hiring your home inspector ask for proof of experience, something indicating they have performed at least 250 home inspections or more, and verify if they are NACHI certified. Central Florida Builders Inspectors is both experienced (over 15,000 inspections performed) and certified by NACHI.
Another common mistake made by people when it comes to buying a home is that they totally ignore the opportunity to hire a home inspector. You can see why people opt to neglect this service as buying a home is a large, costly investment without more bills being added.
When buying or selling a home, please do not ignore the opportunity you have to hire a professional home inspection service. It can help lead you to a happy future in your new home and ease your mind during the sale process.
by cfbi1 | Apr 2, 2014 | Home Inspection
Image Source
Law does not require a home inspection service during the homebuying process; it is an added service that has great benefits to both the buyer and the seller of a property. If you are considering putting your property on the market, then it is recommended to consider hiring a home inspector to check it over before you do so.
An experienced and trained inspector is needed to ensure a proper evaluation. They should follow up any completed inspection service with a written report of all problem areas. As a homeowner, having a completed report will allow you the necessary time it takes to maintenance the property before you put your home on the market.
It is always better to get any repairs fixed prior to the ‘open house’ where potential buyers view it. No one would buy a home that has a leaking roof, or has structural damage and overrun with termites or cockroaches. By having all repairs done and any insect issues treated means that you can stand firm on the value of your home and be in control of any haggling that the buyer may want to do.
As a home buyer having an inspection at the right time helps you make the best decision regarding that property and your possible future in it. It would be unwise to sign on any deal unless you have had a home inspection done and you are happy with its results and findings.
A home inspection is not obligatory in the homebuying or home selling process. Buying a home is a massive investment, you need to be sure it’s the right investment and the best way to make sure that happens is to find and hire a home inspector.
