Why Do You Need a Termite Inspection?

by CFBIBlog | Oct 2, 2020 | Home Inspection

Would you believe that Alaska is the only state in America without termites? They are quite fascinating creatures because they build the most intricate mud tubes and have some intriguing features. However, they are sneaky and silent, and the sheer damage they can leave in their wake is simply monumental.

They are so devastating that they are responsible for a staggering $30 billion in crops and property damages annually. Given that they can cause havoc and still remain undetected until they leave enough substantial damage, it’s important for homeowners to get a termite inspection regularly.

If you are yet to do it, we’ll give you some of the most important reasons why you need to get a termite inspection.

You Had Termites in the Past

If you had termites in your home in the past, there’s always a chance they can reinfest your home, so you need to make an annual home termite inspection. Sometimes, extermination doesn’t mean that you’ll never have to deal with termites again.

This is what we’d all want, but most pests are a nuisance in the sense that there’s always a chance they’ll return after extermination. If you have started noticing the signs you had before, hiring a professional termite inspection company can be a great idea.

You’ve Come Across Mud Packing in the Cracks of Wood or On Drywall

One of the most apparent signs that you have termites in your home is finding mud packing in wood cracks in your home.

Usually, when termites work inside the walls, they produce mud packing, which you’ll notice mostly in joints, corners, and foundation of the walls. They use this much packs as an added layer of protection in areas with cracks so that the workers can continue damaging the interior of the walls.

This prevents predators from entering these cracks, protecting the termite colony. Also, they use these mud packs to regulate the temperature in their tunnels.

If you notice these mud packings in your home, even if it’s just one, there’s a possibility that a termite colony is thriving behind it and you need to call in a pest home inspection company for a thorough inspection in your home.

You’ve Seen Hollow Wood in Your Home

Most often than not, hollow or cracked wood is a sign that you have termites in your home.

You see, termites chew on wood from the inside and leave a thin layer behind just enough to protect them from predators. The best way for you to find hollow wood is by tapping and listening to what sounds the wood makes.

Tap skirting boards, architraves, and window frames because these are the areas most prone to termites. If you hear a hollow sound, or inconsistencies in the sound the wood makes, there’s a high chance there are termites chewing through it at that moment.

In this case, it’s advisable not to take any chances, or waste any timer, and call in a professional termite inspection service. The thing is, if there are in one place, they may be in other areas of your home, so before extermination, you need to know all the areas to work on.

You’ve Come Across Mud Tunnels or Galleries

There are several different types of termites, and if you live in areas prone to the Subterranean termite, you’re likely to come across mud tunnels.

Mud tunnels are different from mud packing because they are exactly what they sound like: tunnels. Termites create these tube-like structures made of mud-like materials, which serves as a shelter from air and light.

You’ll mostly find these tunnels in shady spots, like crawl spaces, which makes them a bit harder to spot. Apart from mud tunnels, termites also create galleries in wood, which are very similar to tunnels. They make intricate honeycomb patterns as they chew on the wood, and if you find these in your home, it’s a clear sign you have termites in your home and require a termite inspection.

You’ve Found a Termite Nest

Termite nests are not easy to spot because they are usually in well-hidden areas like the subfloor or the yard. However, if you have spotted on in your home, it’s a sure sign that you have a termite infestation. Even after finding the nest, it’s still important to have a termite inspection before you can finally have an extermination.

You Found Termites in Your Yard

One of the best indications you might have a termite infestation in your home is finding termites in your garden.

If you find rotten wood in your fence or dieback on trees, check to see whether you find termites. If you do find some, it’s imperative that you call in a pest and termite home inspection company so they can investigate where the colonies are located and what areas of your home are infested.

You’ve Found Termite Swarmers

During warm summer nights, winged termites, known as alates, go up to light fixtures. If you see them in your home, there is a nest not too far away, and they are possibly looking for a place to relocate or to build a new colony.

Even if you fail to see them at height, you may find discarded wings.

Once a male and female termites find a place to build a colony, they shed their wings, mate, and start a new colony. They become the king and queen of the new colony and will start terrorizing your home from the inside. If you did find these wings or saw the swarmers, call in a termite inspection company right away.

If Your Doors and Windows Are Hard to Open

Hard to close doors and windows can be a telltale sign of termites. Wood usually swells due to moisture and termites produce a lot of it when chewing through wood and tunneling.

This causes the wood to warp or expand, which makes the doors hard to open or close. Of course, tight-fitting doors and windows could be a sign of humid weather, but you need a termite structural damage inspection to be sure.

When to Call a Termite Inspection Service

If you have come across any of these signs, then it’s probable that you have termites in your home. We highly recommend calling in a professional termite inspection company immediately to ensure they don’t damage your property any more than they already have.

If you live in the Greater Orlando area and feel that you need a termite inspection, please contact our experts today, and we’ll be more than glad to help!

Home Inspection vs Appraisal: How Are They Different?

by CFBIBlog | Sep 1, 2020 | Home Inspection

It’s no secret that real estate can be one of the most lucrative industries to get involved in. Whether you’re buying or selling a home, chances are that you’ll need to incorporate a home inspection, home appraisal, or both at some point during the process.

But, not everybody understands the difference between the two. Fortunately, the answer isn’t as complicated as it may seem at first.

Not sure where to start? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.

Let’s take a look at everything you need to know about a home inspection vs appraisal.

Home Inspections

As the name implies, a home inspection involves hiring a professional inspector to evaluate the house. They take a handful of factors into consideration, such as the physical integrity of the home, the overall condition of its components, etc.

More specifically, and inspector typically investigates the plumbing, electrical wiring, roof, foundation, and HVAC systems in search of any issues that need to be conveyed to the parties involved.

Inspections are held so that the buyer can stay informed about any areas that need attention. For example, foregoing a home inspection puts the buyer at risk of purchasing a property that has outstanding issues. In some cases, these could be particularly worrisome, such as wiring problems.

Since most of the benefits of a home inspection apply to a buyer, they are typically the ones responsible for organizing a formal inspection.

After the inspector completes their job, they will write a report the details their findings.

This report can also be used as leverage during the transaction. For instance, a buyer may suggest that the seller should lower their asking price due to outstanding repairs the buyer will have to make if they purchase the home. They could also ask the seller to make any necessary repairs before the transaction concludes.

Home Appraisals

Appraisals are similar to inspections, but they focus more on the monetary value of the home as opposed to its overall structural integrity.

In the vast majority of scenarios, the professional conducting the home’s appraisal will be an unbiased third-party. If a lender is involved in a real estate transaction, they are usually the ones who organize the appraisal of the property.

Initially, an appraiser will evaluate the home on their own similar to how an inspector would. However, they use this information to establish the value of the property.

They use the findings from their appraisal along with the value of comparable homes in the area in order to formulate an accurate number.

During the final report that they create, the appraiser is responsible for conveying how they calculated the financial value of the home. They then send this report to each party involved— typically the lender, buyer, and seller.

This report will also include information on the current local real estate market, sales statistics related to similar homes, etc. so that each party has a full understanding of the factors that influenced the appraiser’s decision. Otherwise, it may not be entirely obvious how the appraiser was able to reach their conclusion.

Home Inspection vs Appraisal

As previously mentioned, the most obvious difference between the two is that an appraisal is conducted in order to establish value while a home inspection aims to evaluate the overall condition of a property.

An appraisal is also much more in-depth than an inspection since it involves researching market trends and other similar properties. After the inspector has completed their analysis, their role has concluded.

It’s important to note, though, that an inspector spends far more time within a home that an appraiser does.

In general, an appraiser more or less conducts a simple walk-through when visiting a property. An inspector typically spends several hours within the home while investigating the necessary attributes.

While there are a handful of similarities between the two, the most significant is the benefit that they provide to a buyer. An inspection will prevent a buyer from discovering issues on their own after they purchase the home, and an appraisal will ensure that they pay a fair amount.

Do You Need Both?

Occasionally, buyers will have no choice but to work with an appraiser if it’s mandated by their lender. If they’re paying for the home on their own, though, they don’t always have to go this route.

Although an appraisal will give you an accurate estimate of the home’s value, the price you choose to pay is still up to you. For instance, you may be willing to pay more than the market value for a home due to its geographical location.

An inspection, though, is something that you should never neglect. Without hiring a professional to conduct a thorough analysis, you’ll never be absolutely sure that the home you intend to purchase doesn’t have any outstanding issues.

So, it’s highly recommended to hire a qualified, professional inspector simply for peace of mind. Otherwise, you may find that you have to deal with costly repairs entirely on your own when they could have been handled before the transaction took place.

Understanding the Differences

With the above information about the nuances of a home inspection vs appraisal in mind, you’ll be well on your way toward making the decision that’s best for you. If you are purchasing a home in Central Florida or the Orlando area, call us today to set up a home inspection.

Want to learn more about how we can help? Feel free to get in touch with us today to see what we can do.

5 Essential Elements of a New Construction Inspection

by CFBIBlog | Mar 9, 2020 | Home Inspection

Just because it’s a new build, doesn’t mean it’s perfect.

We make mistakes. We’re only human. This is why you want to get your new construction inspection by a professional to make sure it’s built to code and it’s exactly the way you envisioned.

You’re paying for it, right?

Do You Need a New Construction Inspection?

Yes! You don’t want to be stuck paying the bill down the road to fix the damage that could have been caught by a home inspector.

New homes can have flaws, too.

You are essentially giving this new construction a test ride. You are the first one to figure out any little kinks in the system.

There are a number of things that can go wrong when building a home. The foundation could be cracked, improperly installed electrical wiring or leaking around windows. You want these dealt with before closing.

Here is a list of five essential elements of a new construction inspection:

1. Structure and Foundation

Problems with the structure or foundation are no joke. Homeowners usually pay thousands of dollars to fix foundation issues.

The structure and foundation are the bones of the house and any problems can cripple the integrity of the home.

A professional inspector can make sure there’s adequate waterproofing (enemy number one for foundations), no cracking or movement, the wood framing is even and complete and the roof is properly installed.

2. HVAC and Ductwork

Your HVAC unit is an essential part of your central Florida home and you want it running as efficiently as possible to keep your home cool. This is also an expensive unit to fix if any problem should arise.

Common problems include leaks in the ductwork, loose connections, problems with the thermostat and inefficient airflow.

3. Insulation

Insulation controls the flow of heat. You’ll see an increase in energy bills without proper insulation.

Our inspectors will make sure there’s adequate insulation throughout your new home during the construction process.

4. Doors and Windows

Doors and windows are areas where moisture could potentially enter the home causing problems such as mold growth and structural water damage. A new construction inspection will check for gaps around openings and proper water-resistance.

5. Plumbing and Electrical

These two systems should be thoroughly checked because even a small crack in a pipe or improperly wired outlets might be difficult to detect at first but will quickly cause complications.

Plumbing: Our inspectors will check the water meter, water heater, service line, and service entrance. Pipes will be checked for leaks or corrosion and valves and faucets will be inspected to see if they are functioning properly.

Electrical: An electrical problem can be a potential safety hazard which is why you want to have it thoroughly checked by a professional. Inspectors will make sure your new construction has an electrical system large enough to accommodate the property, that there are proper wiring and correct switches and outlets installed throughout your new home.

Hire a Professional Inspector

Central Florida Building Inspectors are available to answer any questions about your new construction inspection. Don’t hesitate to contact us and schedule an appointment.

Inspection Time: What Does a Home Inspection Look For?

by CFBIBlog | Jan 3, 2020 | Home Inspection

Whether you’re doing a pre-listing home inspection or preparing for a pre-purchase inspection, you need to be ready. So, just what does a home inspection look for?

Answering this isn’t as easy as it might seem since you’re really asking, “what do home inspectors look at?”

Home inspectors can’t look at everything in a house, so there are some standard areas that need the main focus.

Inspectors hone in on things that are common problem areas or tend to need repairs. We’ll discuss what these are and how home inspections typically proceed.

What Happens During a Home Inspection?

What’s covered in an Orlando home inspection can vary a little from one business to another, but there are lots of common things that get looked at. Our home inspector will check the following parts of a home:

• Insulation
• Framing
• Exterior Walls
• Foundation
• Ventilation
• HVAC (Heating & A/C)
• Ductwork
• Kitchen & Appliances
• Plumbing
• Water Heater
• Electrical
• Fireplace
• Siding & Trim
• Interior Components
• Doors & Windows
• Smoke Detectors
• Driveway & Sidewalks
• Landscaping (as it relates to structure)
• Gutters
• Roof & Roof Covering

Most home inspections are considered “non-invasive” in that the inspector can’t look very far beneath the surfaces of what she’s checking. For example, if there are termites or rodents in the walls, they aren’t likely to be discovered without a special check.

Services such as mold or radon testing can sometimes be performed by a home inspection service for an extra fee as well.

What Does a Home inspection Look For?

There are certain problems a home inspector will be especially on the lookout for. These could be potential health hazards, signs of possible structural damage, or poorly functioning home systems.

Signs of Mold or Water Damage

Not only are these damage in and of themselves, but they could also be health hazards or signs of larger problems.

Roof and/or Chimney Damage

A roof protects us from all sorts of weather conditions—any of which can cause a great deal of wear and tear, but how often do we ever inspect our roof areas for damage?

An Outdated or Inadequate Electrical System

If your house has a fuse box, this should be replaced soon. If there are circuit breakers that can’t accommodate today’s electrical needs, these might need to be upgraded.

Dampness in the Basement or Crawlspace

This one is obvious, especially if it’s in the basement. There’s likely to be mold and there’s a possibility of foundation damage as well.

A Foundation Needing Repair

Any concerns with the foundation, such as cracking or crumbling, need attention.

Well-Functioning Home Systems and Major Appliances

The HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems all need to be in good working order. Larger appliances also need to be functional and will remain with the house when it’s sold.

Simple Repairs that Haven’t Been Done

These could include insufficient weather-stripping on doors and windows, minor wall or ceiling cracks, a dripping faucet, non-GFCI outlets in bathrooms or kitchens, a bathtub needing caulking, or various other things.

Remember What to Do Before Inspection

Small repairs should be taken care of as a courtesy. However, your very first concern—even before the home inspection and before potential buyers see your home—should be making it clean and presentable.

Remember, a bad first impression is a lasting first impression—and that can be hard to undo!

When you ask “what does a home inspection look for?” and need some help, you need to keep this in mind.

If you’re looking for a good Orlando home inspection service, be sure to take a look at our customer reviews. If you hire us, we’ll do our best for you so that your positive review can be added to all the others!

Staying Safe at Home: 5 Important Reasons Why You Should Test for Black Mold

by CFBIBlog | Dec 17, 2019 | Home Inspection

There are many potential dangers in a home, but there’s one that might be lingering right under your nose that you haven’t noticed.

However, just because you don’t notice it (as it can be hidden from sight), doesn’t mean you won’t feel the potential health impacts of it. We’re talking about black mold, which left on its own, can put your family’s health at risk.

Here are 5 reasons why you should test for black mold…

1. Black Mold is Not Always Visible

If you know what black mold looks like (it can be black or dark green), then you already know you need a service that can safely remove it. Unfortunately, not all black mold presents itself.

It might be hidden behind drywall, baseboards, or cabinets. Basically, places that are moist with minimal ventilation can be breeding grounds for this type of mold. But you might need a professional to find it.

2. It Lies In Waiting – Until It’s Disturbed

Typically, black mold stays put unless the spores are knocked free by construction, for example (kind of like asbestos fibers). So while you might think your home is mold-free, it might be a ticking time bomb if you don’t have testing and something dislodges the mold into the indoor air.

3. It Can Trigger Allergies

If you find yourself with watery eyes, stuffy nose, and other allergy symptoms, there’s a chance black mold could be the culprit. Especially if you notice the allergy symptoms of mold are present year-round, and not just seasonally.

Black mold is heavier than some other types of spores, so they typically won’t stay airborne for very long. But they still have the potential to cause you allergy misery until you find it and address it.

4. Black Mold Can Be Poisonous

Beyond the possible allergy symptoms from black mold, there are other possible health impacts that are more severe. Black mold contains mycotoxins, which are most dangerous when inhaled.

There’s a condition called mycotoxicosis that can mimic a cold or flu. Those with asthma and allergies are at particular risk, as exposure to these spores can lead to headaches, fatigue, fever, and even respiratory distress.

If you exposed to black mold spores for a prolonged period of time, you might end up with more severe consequences including cognitive impacts (memory), hair loss, cramps, unexplained weight gain, and even numbness in your extremities.

The immunosuppressant quality of black mold could even lead to organ damage.

5. It Can Lower Property Value

This reason to test for black mold is not health-related. However, imagine if you’re selling your house and the buyer’s inspector finds green/black mold hiding in places (and other potential hazards like radon) you didn’t know about.

That could lead to losing a potential buyer or having them use the mold as a negotiating point in their favor. That means selling for less than you expected. It’s not a surprise you want, especially if you’ve put money into upgrading your home for the market.

Get The Test For Black Mold

If you’re concerned about your family’s allergy symptoms, or you just want to make sure there are no surprises hiding that could end up causing problems down the road, then you should test for black mold.

Contact us to find out more about our mold testing and other services.