by CFBIBlog | Jul 8, 2021 | Home Inspection
Did you know mold can make its way into your house through open doorways and even via your pet?
Mold in Central Florida homes is more common than you realize. If you think you have signs of mold in the house, it’s time to call in the experts.
But finding the right mold inspection company in you area can be hard. Before you decide, it’s important to know what your options are.
Check out our guide for everything to consider when hiring a mold inspection company.
Mold Inspection Experience
Choose a mold inspection company that has experience. That way, you can take comfort in knowing you are dealing with a specialist in the industry.
The best way to do this is to check out the company’s website and take a look at what their specialist mold services are.
They should provide a detailed description of all their services. This should include a visual inspection, mold testing, and sampling services. Beware of mold testing companies that offer clean up services as well. They may have other interests besides your health.
And don’t be afraid to ask questions. Inquire about their training, qualifications, and certifications they have to conduct mold inspections.
Online Customer Reviews
Whenever you hire a service you should read the reviews first. They are a great indicator of the quality of service the company provides. Reviews are usually honest and should help you form your decision.
Read the company’s responses to reviews. Do they respond well to feedback? Or, do they react in an unprofessional manner? If they’re positive and receptive to feedback, they may be a good choice.
It can also help to ask around, especially if people you know have used their services. Gauge insight into how they felt and whether they would recommend their services.
Mold Inspection Equipment
Choose a mold inspection company that takes necessary precautions. This includes the health and safety of their customers and employees. So don’t be afraid to ask if their equipment and products are certified.
The use of improper equipment and techniques can agitate mold and cause it to spread further. This can become a bigger and more costly problem to deal with.
Mold Inspection Fees
Comparing inspection fees is a good way to narrow your search to suit your budget and needs. Mold inspection fees can vary from company to company. But there should be standard pricing you can use for comparison.
Most companies will state their starting prices and rates online upfront. And give you the option to request a free quote.
Keep in mind that a cheap service doesn’t mean they will provide the best quality service. It’s important to consider all aspects of hiring a mold inspection company. This will help you to make an educated decision.
Find the Right Mold Inspection Company Today!
If you think you have mold in the home, it’s important to take care of the problem fast. Avoid risk to the health of you and your loved ones.
Don’t wait until it’s too late to call a mold inspection company. At Central Florida Building Inspectors, we offer many mold services. These include mold inspections, mold tests, and indoor air quality services.
If you’re in the Greater Orlando area, schedule your mold inspection today.
by cfbi1 | May 7, 2021 | Home Inspection
CFBI has collaborated on a blog entry for Redfin. Check it out here: https://www.redfin.com/blog/thing-to-know-about-home-inspection/
by CFBIBlog | Apr 19, 2021 | Home Inspection
A balcony may look sturdy, but how can you know for sure if it has not been inspected?
According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), over five years, a quarter of a million people were injured due to balcony failures in the US. 15% were due to balcony railing and structural failure or collapse.
Does your commercial property have a balcony? If so, it is time you have a balcony railing inspection. Balcony safety is essential for commercial buildings, after all.
Read on to learn the benefits of routine balcony inspections.
Adhere to Balcony Railing Specifications
Your commercial building needs to meet your state building codes. The Florida Building code has balcony and railing specifications. It includes details such as railings height and spacing guidelines.
If your property is old or a new-build, do not presume the balcony meets specifications. Balcony inspections will ensure you avoid significant fines and prosecution. If you are building a property, get advice from professionals to meet specifications.
There are other codes, such as the International Residential code, that you may need to abide by. Save the time of research and inaccurate measuring with professionals. Also, sometimes regulations change, so you keep up to date with routine inspections.
Identify Areas of Deterioration
Balcony inspections will find areas of deterioration and make sure they do not get worse. Your balcony is exposed to the elements, so over time, it can decline, even to the point of collapse.
During inspections, you will be given potential solutions to prevent further decline. Maybe you need to waterproof your balcony or include drainage.
Sometimes older balconies have nails instead of secure fastening. A balcony railing will need bolts. It is details like this that a balcony railing inspection will identify.
Save Money with Maintenance
You need regular commercial building inspections to prevent expensive costs down the line. It might be easy to ignore a loose railing now, but problems can increase and become more costly over time.
It is the same with rusting and other deterioration that can become costly. If issues become dangerous, you could also be liable for any risks or injuries.
Ensure Balcony Safety
And most importantly, balcony inspections will prevent injury and protect everyone’s safety. Your balcony may appear secure, but there are specifications for a reason. So, protect all users and your wallet.
It is unbelievable how spacing, and balcony railing height, can make such a difference.
Get a Balcony Railing Inspection
Commercial buildings need attention to prevent deterioration. Do not forget your balcony!
Get a regular balcony railing inspection for your peace of mind and the safety of everyone. Always ask for evidence if told there have been balcony inspections. If you do not have evidence, have an inspection!
A regular inspection every one to two years will keep your balcony up-to-date with specifications. But make sure you go with a reputable company.
At Central Florida Building Inspections, we offer commercial building inspections you can rely on. Contact us today to find out more.
by CFBIBlog | Mar 7, 2021 | Home Inspection
It is estimated that over $300 billion worth of pipes need replacement across the nation during the next decade. Some existing sewer pipes are up to 150 years old. If you are buying a home, you need a sewer scope inspection to make sure the integrity of your home’s sewer line isn’t compromised. That being said, the importance of a sewer inspection doesn’t only pertain to structural integrity.
There are many benefits of a sewer inspection. Read on to find out important information about this vital assessment process.
What Is a Sewer Scope Inspection?
A sewer scope inspection is a process of using a remote camera to provide video of the inside of your lateral sewer line. The camera is often mounted on the end of a specialized piece of equipment that snakes its way through the line.
Your lateral sewer line is the pipe you own, that connects to the sewer line owned by the municipality that provides your sewage service. If this line is compromised it can cost you a fortune in property damage if it blows out.
Not only that, you may be liable if your lateral sewer line causes any sort of damage to the main municipal sewer line. Sewer inspection costs are much lower than the cost of a lawsuit with your municipality.
You can conduct a sewer scope inspection on any sewer pipe with a proper access point. You can conduct a sewer scope inspection on septic tanks and their lines as well.
Benefits of a Sewer Inspection
In addition to verifying the structural integrity of your sewer line, a sewer scope inspection can also investigate any potential blockage. Making sure that your sewer line is free from clogs is important.
Clogs not only disrupt your home plumbing system but can also put a strain on the municipal sewer system as a whole. Sewer inspections are also great for detecting any leaks of contaminants or raw sewage.
Before buying a house it is imperative that you get a sewer scope inspection to make sure that you are not purchasing a massive headache. Remediation costs for lateral sewer line leakage can be astronomical.
So can cleaning up any contaminants or replacing your lines outright. Make sure that you aren’t inheriting a previous owner’s problems. Inspect a building’s sewer system before purchasing it.
A sewer scope inspection is a necessary part of a total pre-purchase inspection. This includes things such as a mold inspection and environmental site assessment tests.
Getting a total pre-purchase inspection helps protect your liability from inheriting somebody else’s environmental mess. It also ensures that you and your family enjoy a healthy and happy existence in your new home.
Get a Sewer Scope Inspection Today
Whether you are a current homeowner or are thinking of purchasing a new piece of real estate, getting a sewer scope inspection is important. It is a necessary part of preventative maintenance and a critical part of a home pre-inspection.
Contact us today to get an estimate or set up an appointment for your sewer scope inspection. Only a professional building inspector can make sure that your assessment is done right.
by CFBIBlog | Dec 11, 2020 | Home Inspection
Did you know that, between 2012 and 2019, there were 5.9 million single-family homes built in the US? It’s no surprise, considering that by building your own home — or renovating the one you have already — you get to create the perfect space you’ve always dreamed of for you and your family. It’s a thrilling process — especially once the foundations have been laid, much of the structure has gone up, and you can see your dream becoming a reality. However, it’s also a stressful process. Worrying about the details of construction, such as the pre-drywall inspection and the rules and regulations of building in your county or state, can be a frustrating experience.
The best way to avoid this frustration is by being as informed as possible. The more information you have, the more you’ll be prepared for any of the issues that come up during construction.
That’s why we’ve put together this guide on things to look for during a pre-drywall inspection. By having this information, you’ll know exactly what to look for, ensuring that nothing is missed.
Before you know it, you’ll be living in that house you’ve always dreamed of. Read on to learn more.
1. HVAC Units
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning — known as HVAC in the construction industry — are something you need to consider during your pre-drywall inspection.
Because HVAC units both control the temperature and air quality of your home, this is a very important consideration for both your personal comfort and health.
Several issues might occur with HVAC units when you’re doing a pre-drywall inspection. These include:
- Gas pipe leaks
- Venting for furnaces being angled incorrectly or blocked
- Too many units near each other
- Vents not fully sealed into wall or cabinet
- AC not consistent throughout the home
- Insulation issues
As you can see, inspecting HVAC units during your pre-drywall inspection means a safer, more comfortable home.
2. Plumbing System
Another important thing to look for during a pre-drywall inspection is your plumbing system. After all, having plumbing problems once you’ve put everything in place means not having a running toilet, or experiencing issues when you’re doing laundry.
And fixing those problems will mean having to turn off your water, tearing your home apart, and paying a ton in repairs.
It’s better to avoid this issue entirely now.
Specifically, you’ll want to look out for:
- Frame damage during installation
- Water temperature issues
- Potential leakages into the home
- Vents capped off, which can cause flooding
- The angle of drains is off
- Shower drain too high up (above floor level)
By checking out these potential issues, you won’t end up with a flooded house or water damage.
3. Dishwasher Issues
Looking out for issues with your dishwasher during your pre-drywall inspection will make a huge difference. It’s surprising how many issues can come up — and how costly they can be, considering that dishwasher repairs can cost as much as $600.
Issues to look out for include a drain line that’s loose or detached, and the lack of a drying pan, which leads to leaks.
4. Electrical Problems
You also need to ensure that there aren’t any electrical problems. By ensuring that everything is in the right place and wired right, you won’t have to tear through the walls after the drywall has been installed.
While looking for electrical problems, pay attention to:
- Placement of electrical boxes throughout the house
- Location of electrical outlets
- Cable and ceiling fan wires connected correctly
- Nonfunctioning electrical outlets
- Ensure the grounding rod is connected to the ground wire
- Missing electrical shield plates
It also may be worth having an electrician join you during the inspection so you don’t miss anything that could start a fire.
5. Problems With the Floor
This is one of the big things you’ll want to look out for. The last thing you want once you’ve installed the drywall is to have to pull out the floor and any carpeting that’s covering it.
So if you’re doing an independent pre drywall inspection, definitely look at your floors.
Because the floor is attached to the foundation and there are many pipes underneath it, you will be looking at the floor while looking at the foundation and potential plumbing issues.
With the floor, you’ll want to ensure that:
- Floor to floor tiles are arranged properly
- Floor joists being installed correctly, evenly spaced out and supportive
- Floor meeting walls and foundation at correct places
If you aren’t sure about these issues, you can always look at the original floor plan to ensure everything matches up.
6. Wall Issues
Generally speaking, wall issues are related to the interior and exterior structure of the house. If you don’t take a look at your walls during the pre-drywall inspection, you could have some serious issues such as leaks, cold in the winter because of lack of insulation, or wonky walls.
You may also need to reinstall anything that’s been installed into the wall incorrectly.
With the walls, you’ll want to ensure that:
- They are completely sealed on the outside
- They are straight and not bowed
- Insulation has been installed correctly and is not missing
- Placement of objects on walls (for example, HVAC units) have been measured and planned correctly
Remember that you’ll want to look at the walls both on the outside and the inside. Depending on what side you’re looking at them from, there will be different issues you’ll want to look out for during your home inspection for pre drywall.
7. Roof Problems
Any problems with your roof can create a large number of issues. You don’t want leaks in the middle of a rainstorm — and you also don’t want to feel unsafe, which could happen if the roof isn’t installed correctly and threatens to collapse.
For these reasons, checking your roof is a key part of a pre drywall home inspection.
With the roof, you’ll want to check out problems with:
- Exposed nails
- Issues with it being sealed properly
- Waterproofing issues
- Issues with bracing or frames
By focusing on these potential problems, you’ll avoid living in an unsafe or uncomfortable house later.
8. Foundation Issues
Just like with your roof, if there are any issues with your foundation, you could actually be endangering yourself. So add this to your pre drywall inspection checklist. The foundation holds up the entire house, so it needs to be strong and planned and built correctly.
It also needs to be placed upon the land in the right way.
Even if the construction itself is well-done, you also want to avoid any issues that would mean any exposed land beneath the foundation.
With the foundation, you’ll want to check out problems with:
- Grading of the house (is it sloped, for example)
- Any exposed land beneath the house (which would have to be covered with an additional foundation)
- Anything that might compromise the structure of the house that is built on the foundation
Additionally, if anything looks uneven to you with your naked eye, that’s something to flag.
9. Issues With the Crawlspace
There can be many issues with the crawlspace. Even though they aren’t as important in terms of safety as they might be with the foundation, these issues can still create unpleasantness.
If you have a large amount of mold growing in there, for example, it can make your house unpleasant to live in.
To avoid these issues, ensure that:
- Gutters are installed properly
- Ensure that the ground is sloped in such a way that water does not go toward your crawlspace
- Seal your home properly so that water does not get in
Note that if you come across any of these problems later, it may be because a gutter has been damaged in a storm.
10. Problems With the Windows
You’ll also want to ensure that there are no issues with your windows when you’re doing a pre-drywall installation. Otherwise, you may end up suffering in the winter when it’s cold — or having issues with flooding when it’s raining hard.
When taking a look at your windows during a pre-drywall inspection, ask yourself:
- Are they sealed correctly?
- Are they in the correct place for installation?
- Are there any potential waterproofing problems?
It may seem obvious, but make sure the windows are installed in the right direction. The last thing you want is a window that can’t be fully opened because it bumps into a cabinet nearby!
11. Correct Doors and Other House Parts
It may seem unlikely, but sometimes, the construction workers make a mistake and install the wrong doors and windows. Even though you’ve spent hours of planning choosing the right doors and other house parts you want, this is an oversight that can easily occur.
When going through your pre-drywall inspection, ensure that the doors and other house parts that are going to be installed as everything is put in are the ones you chose.
12. The Drywall Itself
Finally, you’ll want to look at the drywall itself. If you’re not using the correct type of drywall, this can make many of the careful observations you’ve made so far meaningless.
Look for areas that would require moisture-resistant drywall.
Additionally, double-check the plans to ensure that it’s being installed where it should be.
Need Help With Your Pre-Drywall Inspection?
Once you’ve gone through the list, you’ll know everything you need to look out for while completing a pre-drywall inspection. However, it can feel like a lot to look out for. And what do you do if you need help?
Here at Central Florida Building Inspectors Inc., we know what’s required in every house inspection — and what to do if you find anything wrong. We’re here to answer any questions you might have and help you with any needed repairs.
You can also find out about our pre drywall inspection cost.
Go to our contact us page to learn more.
by CFBIBlog | Nov 2, 2020 | Home Inspection
Are you in the final stages of closing on a home? Are you currently in search of a new house (either actively or passively) and looking to get an advantage? If so, then you need to schedule a pre-purchase inspection on the house.
Doing so can give you more confidence in your purchase. If they find anything that raises a red flag, the seller can take care of it before you close on the home. If there aren’t any glaring issues, then you’ll have more peace of mind with your purchase.
Be sure to read below to learn all that you can about a pre-purchase inspection for your home.
What Is a Pre-Purchase Inspection?
A pre-purchase inspection (AKA home inspection) is when you request to have an inspector come into the house you’re interested in buying to look at the overall quality of the home.
The main objective is for them to find any defects or larger issues with the house. They take a look at things such as the home’s plumbing, walls, foundation, windows, roof, electrical system, attic, floors, doors, basement (if applicable), and so on.
A home inspection generally takes anywhere from 2 to 4 hours but can depend on the actual home and also the extra services (termite, mold, radon, sewer scope) the buyer may order. Once the inspector has had a look at everything, they will write up a report for both the buyer and their agent to take a look at.
Just to clarify, a home inspection that comes back with a few common issues shouldn’t automatically deter you from the property. It’s merely to make sure you know what you’re getting.
By alerting you and the seller to certain issues, you might be able to negotiate for the seller to make the necessary repairs or lower the home’s asking price so that you can pay for the repairs yourself.
How to Get a Pre-Purchase Inspection
To get a pre-purchase inspection, you merely make the seller or realtor that you’re working with aware of your interest in having one done.
As far as who pays for the inspection, that’s for you to work out. Generally, the buyer (you) would be the one to pay for it. However, a seller will sometimes pay to have a pre-listing inspection performed so that they can get out in front of any potential issues.
In order to schedule your inspection, simply reach out to a trusted Central Florida pre-purchase inspector. They’ll have the experience and know-how that you need to ensure you’re walking into a good situation when you close on the home.
The more experience they have, the more in-depth and information their final reports will be. Make sure that they inspect all the necessary aspects of your house that you need.
For example, you never want to assume that a home inspector will check things like the sprinklers, pool and spa, mold issues, etc. Make sure they do before you schedule with them. Also ensuring proper licensing and credentials is very important.
What Does the Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist Include?
This is the biggest piece of the puzzle. You want to hire a pre-purchase inspector that covers as many different facets of the home as possible.
Here are several things you’ll want to make sure the pre-purchase inspection service will take a look at during their visit:
- Plumbing
- Bathrooms
- Electric system
- HVAC system
- Gutters
- Siding
- Stairs
- Landscape
- Attic
- Roof
- Interior and Exterior walls
- Framing
- Insulation
- Smoke Alarms
- Kitchen Appliances
- Windows and Doors
The pre-purchase inspector is knowledgeable on all of the features and has been trained for how to spot issues and complications of each.
Make sure the inspection service you hire has an elaborate training process for their employees. It’s okay to inquire about the specific inspector they’re scheduling for your property.
What Should I Expect?
The pre-purchase home inspection process is virtually pain-free for both the buyer and seller. The inspector simply works out a time to come by and spend 3 to 4 hours performing their due diligence on the property, checking all necessary aspects of it.
Both the buyer and seller can be present during the home inspection process if they wish, but if the house is vacant our inspectors all have special Realtor Lockbox Access and can enter the home if give permission before hand.
Generally, you can expect it to cost anywhere from $300 to $500, but the total depends on your property’s size, the time of year, demand, the age of the house, location, and so forth.
Too many people make the mistake of skipping their pre-purchase inspection in an attempt to “save” themselves a few hundred dollars.
However, without the inspection, you might purchase a home with a faulty HVAC unit that breaks down after you seal the deal on the house. Now, you’re forced to spend thousands of more dollars to fix it. Something you could’ve avoided with a pre-purchase inspection.
What Are Some Common Issues?
There are many common issues that a home inspector has been trained to find. These issues need to be resolved prior to your closing on the house.
Common problems include things like mold, wood rot, sealing problems on doors/windows, pest infestations, water damage, or cracks in the stucco and foundation issues.
You shouldn’t have to have a trained eye to avoid these problems. Hire a pre-purchase inspector to alleviate the risk of buying a home.
Schedule a Pre-Purchase Inspection for Your Future Home Today
Now that you have seen an in-depth guide on the pre-purchase inspection process and why it’s so important, it’s time to schedule one for your future Orlando area property today.
Be sure to read this article for more information on the 7 important questions that you need to ask a home inspector before you hire them.
For more inquiries, please feel free to reach out via our contact us page and we will be happy to assist you further.
