by cfbi1 | Aug 30, 2013 | Home Inspection
Before any purchase or attempted purchase on the home you are looking to live in, it would be a sensible option to hire a home inspector to carry out a professional home inspection. It is also recommended that you select and hire your own contractors when looking to have the repairs done that are needed. This would ensure that you were getting a professional job done taking into consideration that some contractors may be looking to cut corners by choosing cheap appliance replacements and less experienced building firms.
It is a good idea to try be present when it is being inspected, this will give you first-hand experience and you can see with your own eyes what is needing done or replaced on the home. It also allows you to ask any questions that you may have regarding the property directly to the home inspector.
It is important to know that every home will need repairs of some sort, even if you are moving into a new building. Many homes usually have minor issues needing fixed. It is also good to have a trustworthy contractor at hand who can give you an accurate and correct figure of the repair costs. Once you have the results of your home inspection, then get in contact with a trusted contractor who will help you differentiate between what are major concerns and what are minor issues.
For anyone looking to purchase a home, a professional inspection is the best way to move forward. Central Florida Building Inspectors understands the needs of the homebuyer and can produce accurate surveys on every home they inspect.
It’s easy to spot the obvious faults, lights not working, air conditioning malfunctioning, but for the issues that only a trained professional can find, you need to call in an experienced home inspection company.
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 | 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 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.
