by cfbi1 | Aug 29, 2013 | Home Inspection
Many factors ensure that your house is in a stable condition. One of the most important, is the foundation of the home and the state that it is in. The foundation of the home supports the full weight of the building itsself, weight from the brickwork, block work and all the interior walls in the home are distributed evenly through the structure’s foundation.
It is essential that the foundation of the home be suitable for the load it will bear, and that the correct materials are used in order to make sure that the foundation remains in place and still. It must remain solid years after the home was originally built. One of the many areas, at which, Central Florida Building Inspectors inspects is the structure foundation. Looking at this one element will be able to let you know if your house will still be standing months or years down the road.
Some of the main reasons that foundation work can be faulty are down to incorrect materials used for the job, and brick and block work that is not correctly moisture proofed can cause cracks. The last thing anyone wants to deal with is replacing foundation and walls.
This needs to be checked straight away to evaluate how severe the damage is and to get to the bottom of what’s actually causing it. It could be water build up in the cavity between the brick work, the water swells and then evaporates, each time causing the wall or structure to buckle more. Also the ground on which the original foundation was built could be unsettled causing the crack throughout the structure.
It is essential that you have a professional home inspection service carried out on any home you are potentially looking to buy. This will help give you an accurate account of what’s needing done and just how serious the issues that you are facing are.
by cfbi1 | Aug 23, 2013 | Home Inspection
For anyone buying a home is a massive investment and it takes a lot of time and consideration before you actually purchase the home of your dreams. This decision should not be rushed but should include a professional home inspection evaluation.
To the untrained eye your home may look lovely and a picture of bliss from the outside, the reality is that even newly built homes have issues and cause headaches. It has been found that the older the home the more potential there is with that home to have more serious issues than a newly built home. That is the beauty of a home inspection, absolutely everything from the state of your foundations to the condition and state of your roof and the tiles on are scrutinized.
The benefits that a professional Home Inspection Orlando service will bring are obvious. They will bring peace of mind and give you the assurances that you need in order to complete the purchase. They will give an accurate account of exactly what needs to be done and the cost of repairs If there is one thing you need to know, it’s that the house you bought today will still be standing next week!
Your full electrics will be tested for functionality and safety, AC system and also the current state of your installed plumbing system will also be looked at. You need to know that the house you are buying will not cost you thousands of extra dollars in repairs a few years down the line.
Don’t rush into the purchase of your new home without a correct and proper evaluation of its true condition. This could be money that can be used for other things or even saved for future big purchase for the home, so long as important issues are addressed at the right time.
by cfbi1 | Aug 21, 2013 | Home Inspection
For anyone involved in purchasing a home it’s probably one of the biggest single investments that the majority of Americans will ever make in their life. A professional home inspection should cost in the region of just less than a quarter of the purchase price set on the home. When it is carried out correctly, it might unearth a variety of small issues that will allow you to renegotiate the asking price offered on the home.
It can be agreed that a home inspection is a win-win for the homebuyer, for instance if the home inspector evaluates the house in question and finds nothing, or very little wrong with it, then the buyer can proceed ahead feeling confidence about the purchase. If the inspector finds issues within the home or outside the home, then again the buyer has the option to decline moving forward with buying the home, or use it as a negotiating tool to get a reduction on price. Any home improvements due to the cost of the issues need worked out.
by cfbi1 | Jul 29, 2013 | Home Inspection
For most people buying a home it is the biggest, single investment they will ever make in their lifetime. It is then an essential factor to hire a professional home inspector to survey the desired property providing reports to the finest of details.
Congratulations, you have made an offer on the house of your dreams. Make certain to go through, in fine detail, all the important documents the seller has provided regarding the state and condition of the home.
Before purchasing, make hiring the services of a professional home inspection team a priority. The hired home inspection team should carry out services that include:
- Each room of the property professionally reviewed.
- Roofing, skylights, brickwork, and all other exterior home components inspected.
- The foundation checked for movement and sound structure.
- The home electrical system checked over thoroughly for faults.
- The current installed Heating and AC system inspected.
- The water supply tested and plumbing systems inspected.
- All attic and basement spaces inspected.
It is good practice to accompany the inspector who is carrying out your home inspection; this will allow you to see in detail the full inspection at every stage. Seeing first hand and being able to ask the questions concerning you, on the spot, will give peace of mind and confidence in the purchase. Remember you have the right to be present during the inspection, make sure to air any worries and get all your questions answered.
Some common issues and problems that a home inspection might uncover are:
- Obvious maintenance issues, such as, rotting wood on decks, new paint of coat needed, water damaged to ceilings, etc.
- Electrical Issues (small faulty fuses can grow into massive problems further down the line).
- All drainage issues need addressed even intrusions below the surface
- Leaking roofs and roofs damaged by age and weather.
- Poor ventilation, all vents within the home need to be clear of blockage and in working order.
- Failed window seals, all windows need to be checked, in case they need, resealed.
There needs to be strenuous checking for hazardous substances such as asbestos, mold, formaldehyde, lead paint and radon. As well as, all water and soil tested for contamination.
Overall, an in-depth home inspection covers 1000+ items and ranges from the foundation structure, through the home, up to the roof structure. A typical home inspection can vary in time and duration and this is dependent on the age of the structure and square footage. Prices vary, new homebuyers might end up spending anywhere between, a couple hundred dollars, dependent on house age, size, and how much has to be covered in the inspection.
by cfbi1 | Jul 25, 2013 | Home Inspection
Some home buyers find the perfect home after days, some after a few months, and a few after years of searching. It is not always about rushing in and signing on the dotted line. Yes, things may seem alright and look great in appearance, but buyers can get into trouble if they go on appearance alone. Trying to save money by not hiring a home inspection team can cost you thousands of dollars and make your dream home quickly become a nightmare.
Reasons Why You Should Hire a Home Inspector
You could have great experience in home improvement and repairs, but sometimes you need an expert’s opinion and evaluation of what needs to be done, and how much you are looking at cost wise for major repairs. Hiring a home inspection company can ensure the more complex hidden issues of a home, highlighting and bringing it to your attention. Electrical issues, plumbing issues the foundation need closely looked at, as well as, the roofing condition. All need correctly assessed by a certified inspector before purchase.
As mentioned above, the home may look like it is in fantastic condition from the outside, but chances that there could be major issues lurking under the surface, not visible to the untrained eye are high, and that’s a chance you can’t afford to ignore. The sensible choice that will help guard your safety is to hire a home inspection team.
Checks for Mold and potential moisture patches need looked at, along with radon testing. Getting an accurate account of what problems there are and any possible pitfalls will help prioritize funds and allow you to budget for any repairs needing sorted now or in the future.
When is the right time for a Home Inspection?
After you have made an offer on the purchase contract, it is a good move, to schedule a home inspection. Do this before the inspection period has ended. Even if you have signed the offer, the benefits from a home inspector mean issues, which could prove too costly are highlighted at time of purchase.
When selecting a home inspection company, it’s important to select the correct company. Choose one who can perform an in-depth inspection with an accurate account of what needs done. Inspections can range anywhere from $300 -$700 or more, and can take anything from 3-6 hours depending on the age or size of the home in question.
It’s important to be confident in who you hire, ask for client testimonials and ensure that you attend the property inspection along with the inspector. This will allow you to have any questions answered and give you first-hand knowledge of the true state of the house.
by cfbi1 | Jul 19, 2013 | Home Inspection
Whether you are purchasing a home with a well system or currently living in a home with a well, a water test is highly recommended to determine the drinkability and quality of your water. CFBI has performed hundreds of well water tests many times for FHA or VA financing requirements. FHA water tests have their own set of parameters for testing the well water. The 3 main areas covered in this water analysis are:
- Chemicals - Nitrates & Nitrites
- Bacteria - E. Coli & Total Coliform
- Lead
We also have the option of testing for any number of well water contaminants such as; pesticides, arsenic, radon gas, and many other metals and compounds you have be concerned about. Florida well water many times has a strong sulfur smell that can make drinking unpleasant. Central Florida Building Inspectors can perform a certified well water test for your Orlando Florida well system to determine its safety. Many times the results will be available within 5 days but can depend on the type of well water sampling requested.
The EPA suggests an annual test of your well water to, at the minimum, evaluate the bacteria & nitrate levels in your drinking water. We can provide routine testing for your home on an annual basis. Don’t let your family’s health be in jeopardy.
