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 | 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.
