What’s in a Wall? 12 Things to Look for During a Pre-Drywall Inspection

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.

Pre-Purchase Inspection: What to Know Before You Buy

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.

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.