by cfbi1 | Aug 20, 2013 | Home Inspection
You have heard the common phrase,
“Out of sight. Out of mind.”
Many elements in the home that contribute to problems cannot be seen by the naked eye, just because it cannot be seen does not mean it isn’t there. Some of the more damaging issues that homeowner’s face are mold problems, well-water contamination, termite infestation, and Radon Gas (which is life threatening). In order to know if your new home or current home has any of these problems, you will need to schedule a specialty inspection.
Mold Inspections
Mold exists in homes that have incurred a water leak somewhere, or has moisture problems. Mold cannot grow unless there is moisture. When mold starts to grow it actually floats in the air, it cannot be seen, but often comes with a musty scent. If you start smelling something musty, it is time to get a mold inspection.
Major health issues arise when mold gets out of hand inside the home. Mold leads to allergen problems, with strong hay fever like symptoms. If struggling with constant allergies, it is best to consult a physician, and to have a mold inspection to determine if that is a root cause to the allergen problem.
Well Water Inspections
Many homes in the Central Florida area are not connected to city water, but to well water. Although, well water does not cost, it does have the possibility of high mineral, bacteria, or chemical contamination. Before buying a home with a well, it is always a smart choice to have the water tested, and to find out when the last time the well pump was changed.
Water is life giving and a necessity. Some common problems that occur with well water are high iron content. If that is the case, when washing it could turn clothes the color of rust and it is not safe to drink. Check the water before purchasing.
Termite Inspections
Termites are wood eating insects that can damage the home without you even knowing it is happening. They often damage from the inside leaving the outside still intact. A few things a homeowner can do to prevent termites, or identify that they are already inside the structure. Check any wooded decks for signs of mud tubes, do not leave wood items like firewood close to the home, and contact on Central Florida Building Inspectors, Inc. to identify if termites are damaging the home.
In summary, many components in the home cause damage without the homeowner even being aware of it. The quickest and most effective way of determining if your current home or new purchase has any of the above-mentioned problems is to schedule a specialty inspection today.
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.
by cfbi1 | Jul 8, 2013 | Home Inspection
Polybutylene is a potable water supply piping that was used in many houses built throughout the 1980’s and into the early 90’s. This particular plumbing system has had a checkered history and has a much higher propensity to leak and cause water damage to your house than other plumbing systems available. It is usually a grey plastic with blue/red markings and can be seen throughout the house at the various ‘wet areas’ e.g. bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms.
Over time, chemicals used to treat the potable water react with the plumbing material and fittings, eventually leading to leaks and sometimes complete failure of the plumbing system. This can spell disaster for some homeowners who get caught off-guard. In extreme cases, repairs may cost tens of thousands of dollars and may render the structure unsafe to inhabit. Mold growth and moisture damage will occur if this issue goes unnoticed or is hidden inside the walls.
Leaking Polybutylene
Throughout the 80’s and early 90’s, many houses were being build throughout the Central Florida area. Polybutylene is not as uncommon as you may think it is. Hiring experienced Orlando Home Inspectors to determine whether or not this type of plumbing is present in a house you or a client of yours is interested in buying is of the utmost importance. We at Central Florida Building Inspectors, Inc. have seen hundreds of houses with Polybutylene plumbing systems and can let you know if you have this type of piping. CFBI can also perform a full home and mold inspection to determine if any problems may be present as a result of this plumbing.
by cfbi1 | Jun 11, 2013 | Home Inspection
At Central Florida Building Inspectors, we know that a home purchase is one of the largest investments we will ever make. Before purchasing a property you should learn as much as you can about it, including what may need to be repaired. Your home inspection will be completed by a qualified home inspector, with attention to detail, who will provide an easy to read report, with digital photos of major concerns.
Who should have a Home Inspection? We’ll take a look at why it would be a great idea for buyers, sellers and even current home owners.
Buyers are always encouraged to be present for the inspection to learn and to familiarize themselves with the home. A home inspection will inspect all of the items that apply from the list below. The inspector will not only inspect easily accessible items such as the plumbing fixtures, electrical wall switches, and mechanical components, but will also inspect the difficult to access areas, including the attic, if possible. The buyer will receive a thorough report documenting any safety concerns, which will allow the buyer to make a more informed decision about purchasing the property.
A pre-listing home inspection can give the sellers an overview of the current condition of the house, especially if the owners are aware that routine maintenance has not been performed. The seller will receive a detailed report noting any safety concerns, items that do not function as normal, and serious issues. This information gives the sellers the opportunity to repair current and/or potential problems before listing the property.
Current home owners that are aware that minimal maintenance has been carried out on their home, may wish to have a home inspection performed to point out what repairs are necessary and to locate minor repairs before they become major problems. The owner will receive a detailed report documenting any concerns and defects that can be used as a check list for repairs.
At CFBI, we would welcome the opportunity to help give you more peace of mind in this area.
