by CFBIBlog | Apr 15, 2025 | CFBI Blog
Orlando’s housing market is undergoing a significant transformation. With inventory levels reaching their highest in years, buyers now have more options than ever before.
According to data from Reventure App, in November 2024, inventory growth in Orlando had surged to 12,644 active listings. This represents a remarkable 50% year-over-year increase from 8,428 listings in November 2023.
However, a new home inspection is a frequently overlooked aspect of the home-buying process. With the right property inspection tips and expert help, real estate inspection updates become essential tools.
Learn more about how you can meet inspection standards and navigate inspection process changes with this homebuyer checklist below.
Track Inspection Checklist Updates
Tracking inspection checklist updates ensures you’re always prepared. As inspection standards evolve, keeping up-to-date is key. New technologies and processes can change how homes are evaluated.
Use a checklist to monitor progress during each step. Doing so ensures that no critical area is overlooked. This includes areas like:
- Foundation checks
- Electrical systems
- Plumbing inspections
- Roof condition
- HVAC systems
- Pest damage
A well-maintained checklist is your guide to avoiding surprises and making informed decisions. Regularly reviewing updated checklists helps you stay on top of important tasks.
With every update, you gain clarity on the latest inspection requirements. It gives you confidence throughout the inspection process while protecting your investment.
Pest and Termite Inspections
Pest and termite inspections are an essential part of any new home inspection. Termites alone cause an estimated $6.8 billion in property damage each year (Business Wire). Other pests like ants, rodents, and cockroaches can also sneak in and become a health risk and cause damage.
Regular inspections catch early signs of infestation. Look for mud tubes, hollow wood, or droppings. Have professional inspectors check common places where pests can hide inside, like:
- Walls
- Crawl spaces
- Basements
- Attics
- Wooden framing
- Plumbing entry points
Even new construction homes aren’t immune. Hidden pests can slip through during construction. They can cause serious structural damage before you even notice a problem.
Technology Integration in Inspections
Technology is changing the way inspections are done. Modern tools now enhance every step of the new home inspection process.
Drones provide aerial views of roofs and hard-to-reach spots. Infrared cameras detect hidden moisture and insulation issues. Mobile apps help inspectors log issues in real time.
Digital reports are faster, clearer, and easier to share. These upgrades improve accuracy and transparency. Buyers get more insight with less guesswork.
Embracing tech-based real estate inspection updates means fewer surprises after move-in. Ask if your inspector uses the latest tools for better, smarter inspection results.
Focus on Energy Efficiency
Energy efficiency is a key part of today’s new home inspection. Buyers want homes that reduce energy use and lower utility bills. The use of ENERGY STAR appliances in a home can save around 30% on utility bills, equating to around $8,750.
Inspectors check insulation, window seals, and HVAC systems. They also assess appliance efficiency and spot potential air leaks. These areas affect daily performance and long-term savings.
A home with strong energy features can be easier to maintain. Ask your inspector to highlight any problem spots.
Simple fixes now can prevent higher costs later and improve overall performance.
Building Codes and Compliance
Building codes and compliance matter, even in new construction. Just because a home is new doesn’t mean it’s perfect. Mistakes happen during construction.
A new home inspection should verify that everything meets local and state regulations. Inspectors thoroughly check:
- Plumbing
- Electrical systems
- Structural elements
- Fire safety features
- HVAC installation
- Stair and railing requirements
Each area plays a role in ensuring the home is safe, functional, and up to code. Code violations can delay closings or require costly fixes.
An inspection ensures the builder follows the required standards. This protects you from legal issues and future repairs. Always ask for documentation showing compliance.
Knowing your home meets today’s codes gives you confidence and peace of mind.
Mold and Air Quality Considerations
Mold prevention and air quality are critical issues in Florida’s humid climate. Mold can grow in hidden areas like behind walls or under flooring. It thrives in moisture and poor ventilation.
Inspectors use special tools to detect hidden mold and test indoor air quality. Poor air can trigger allergies or long-term health issues. Check that ventilation systems are working and humidity is controlled.
A proper inspection identifies risks before they become serious problems. These inspection process changes reflect the growing focus on environmental factors in a new home inspection.
Radon Testing
Radon is a colorless, odorless gas that can build up in homes without warning. It’s a leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers. Even new homes can have radon issues, especially in certain regions like Orlando, FL.
A new home inspection should include radon testing when recommended. The test is simple but important, as it can reveal hidden dangers before they affect your health. Early detection makes all the difference.
Inspectors place a detector for a set time to measure levels. If levels are high, mitigation systems can fix the problem. Ask your inspector if radon testing is needed in your area.
Post-Inspection Recommendations
Post-inspection recommendations are crucial for ensuring your new home is safe and functional. After the inspection, your inspector will provide a detailed report highlighting any issues found.
These recommendations may include repairs, upgrades, or areas that need further evaluation. Minor issues, like cosmetic fixes, can usually wait until after the closing process concludes.
Prioritize high-risk issues, like structural problems or mold, right away. If any major concerns arise, consider negotiating with the seller for repairs or a price reduction.
Acting on these recommendations early can save you money and prevent future headaches. Ask for clarification if you’re unsure about any suggested actions.
Your New Home Inspection with Central Florida Building Inspectors Inc. Today
A new home inspection plays a crucial role in identifying hidden issues before you finalize the purchase. It helps confirm that the builder followed current inspection standards. Using these property inspection tips and a homebuyer checklist guides each step with confidence.
Central Florida Building Inspectors Inc. has served the Greater Orlando Area and its surrounding areas since 1988. Our state-licensed and certified inspectors perform thousands of home and commercial inspections every year. As a family-owned business, we pride ourselves on the quality of our inspections and our excellent customer service.
Contact CFBI to schedule your inspection with us today.
by cfbi1 | Jun 2, 2017 | Home Inspection
The reason it’s important to think about radon gas is a very simple one; Radon gas is dangerous to your health if you live in a home with high concentrations of it. Therefore, it is essential for anyone in a home to look into radon testing. Take the time to check your home’s air quality and be confident it is free of radon gas emissions.
For those of you who don’t know, Radon gas is known to be the second largest cause of lung cancer in the U.S. just behind smoking. Florida is a hot spot, and Uranium is found in soil all around the state. Uranium in soil is natural, and the breakdown of that uranium is what causes radon gas.
You just need to be sure that the levels of Radon Gas emitted in the area you live is not putting your health at risk.
There are a few ways to go about checking into radon gas emissions. Department of Florida Health website includes helpful information for your local area. Another option is to contact a home inspection company that is state-certified to test for radon gas.
Give yourself peace of mind, and know the levels of radon in your home are low. Most professional home inspection companies offer radon testing as part of a specialist service.
It is worth being concerned about radon gas, as it is colorless and odorless. Data shows that many Florida homes have an above average level in the air quality, which is why it is important to test it.
In most cases radon gas, can be reduced. A radon technician will be able to assist in the best methods to decrease the risk level. If you are thinking about buying a property, it is smart to test for radon prior to purchasing.
Stay in touch, connect with Central Florida Building Inspectors, Inc. on our Facebook Page
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by cfbi1 | May 15, 2017 | Home Inspection
Any homeowner, or anyone looking at buying property needs to be sure that they learn a thing or two about Radon Gas—it’s as simple as that. Radon is the second common cause of lung cancer in the United States of America, Radon gas is created by the natural breakdown of uranium in the soil found all over the U.S.
The scary thing about Radon is that it is completely colorless and odorless, meaning a home’s occupants can easily breathe it into his or her lungs without noticing it. Radon can also enter into a house through cracks in the foundation, through the expansion joints, and other cracks and holes around the base of your home’s structure.
If you have never heard of Radon, you need to know that is dangerous!
As mentioned, Radon gas is odorless and colorless, you cannot taste it or even see it, and it is capable of filling your home, and becoming a silent killer if it continues to go unnoticed. The Surgeon General of the US has already said that Radon is the second biggest cause of lung cancer in the states, just behind smoking. If you are a smoker, and your home has high levels of Radon gas, then you are at a higher risk of developing lung cancer.
Each year the EPA says that thousands of people die of cancer related deaths due to Radon inhalation. In average of 1-in-15 homes has serious Radon levels that need addressed.
How can I get a Radon Test?
To get your home tested for Radon, simply contact a local home inspection company. A home inspection is the safest way, and most professional method in which you can get your home tested for Radon. There are a few ways to test the home and surrounding area, and if any concern are found, suitable treatment plans can be discussed. This ensures that the air in your home is safe for you to breathe in.
Don’t delay any longer; contact your local home inspection company today! Ask if they offer Radon testing services that can help you.
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by cfbi1 | Apr 30, 2017 | Home Inspection
There are many benefits of a home inspection, and it’s important to understand just how beneficial a home inspection service can be. A home inspection gives an accurate, detailed report of the inspected property. It gives the buyer all the information they need in order to make a wise and sound decision, on account that this is a critical financial choice to purchase a property.
One area worth looking at is the risk of fire inside the home. A specialist home inspection includes the testing of all working appliances in the home and inspects the safety of electrical wiring that is in place.
Fire safety and the prevention of fire in your home are essential. You should be doing all you can to reduce the chances of a fire starting in your home. The problem is fires start from various sources, faulty electrical wiring, faulty appliances, and blocked heating vents, all are ways a fire can break out in your home.
Home fire damage statistics prove that there can be major damage caused or worse, the unimaginable situation where there is a life lost. So, what can you do to ensure that your home is fire-safe, and you or your properties, are not the next addition to the statistics?
The best way is to take a safety measure, and check the appliances in your house are in working order; also check the wiring in the house is up to safety code regulations. Hire a home inspection company to review both of these items.
A professional, qualified inspector is able to test, and evaluate any potential risks that these factors pose. They can give the correct advice on how to get the problems sorted out.
You can also visit a fire safety website and gather more information on how to make your home fire proof, set up a plan or escape, and ensure your safety levels are at high levels all of the time.
Related Post:
4 Things you Need to Know about Your Smoke Alarms
by cfbi1 | Jul 3, 2014 | Home Inspection
It would be fair to say, those looking to buy a home do not have extra money to just “throw away”; buying a house is a massive investment that takes up most (if not all) of a person’s finances. Therefore, the average homebuyer should be working towards making the best investment decisions. They don’t want to buy a home that is rundown, with no prospects for a future sale.
Buying a rundown home can be avoided by requesting a home inspection. Buying a home is one of the biggest ventures a person can make. A home is a massive investment, and one should only purchase when they know exactly what they are getting into.
A homebuyer wants to get their monies worth; they will most certainly not want the hassle of having to get repairs fixed or having to put up with living in an unsafe house. These issues, if known about beforehand, could help in the decision not to buy the property.
Buyers looking to hire a home inspector should make sure the inspector is certified from the American Society of Home Inspectors. It is recommended buyers attend the home inspection in person. This is a great time to ask any questions and get the answers on the spot from a professional inspector.
A typical professional home inspection service can cost anything from $200 on up depending on size and age of the house. Once the inspection is complete, a full report with all details of house, digital photos, and more is presented to the buyer.
The inspector will be looking at the property for issues concerned with the roof, the heating, plumbing, crawl spaces, termite infestations, and many more aspects. Having an inspection report empowers the buyer with valuable information to make an informed decision. Having a detailed report gives the buyer an opportunity to walk away from the contract, give the seller an option to fix the repairs, or negotiate on the asking price.
A professional home inspector is trained and knows what to look for and their expertise can save a lot of money, time, and more importantly a lot of grief and hassle.
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