In the majority of home buying cases, if there is a lender involved they will require a home inspection. This is part of the process of closing on a new home. The advantage of home inspections is if something comes up at the inspection, the seller will be required to fix it before the sale is completed. (Check the agreement for the inspection clause). As the buyer, you have the right to decide on the home inspection company.
Try to arrive early at the property to be inspected. This allows time for the inspector to get his equipment set up, take a preliminary survey of the interior, and get a picture of the front of the property. The picture will provide reference points of the roof, and exterior, which are essential in the evaluation process.
From the outside of the home, the water meter is checked to determine any leaks from the system or underground. All fences surrounding the property would also be checked, pools, spas, barbecues, ponds, irrigation systems, sheds, patios, plumbing system, outside ac system unit, to name a few.
The structure of the home is reviewed as well, the foundation, walls, windows, doors, the gas meter the main electrical panel, all are assessed.
The inspector will need access to the roof to get an accurate account of its current condition, and determine the need for repairs. Same goes for the attic and crawl spaces all will be included in the evaluation to give a detailed and accurate report of the home’s condition.
In order to give a correct evaluation, we address every component and system that found on the property (not including specialty services: Mold, Radon Testing, Termite, and Thermal Imaging). All key elements, repairs are digitally photographed to complete the report.
There is no need to elaborate on just how important and crucial it is to have your potential home checked over by an experienced home inspection company. When the time comes for you to go and view your selected property it is a wise idea to have a ready prepared checklist to take with you. Below is a list with a few pointers on just what you should be looking to include on your own personal checklist.
Roof Condition
Arguably, one of the most important factors that should be high on the list to check is the roof. The roof should show no signs of sagging from end-to-end, but in some cases, the roof can be a victim of neglect. Keep your eyes open for water puddles on flat roofs. The existence of water puddles could mean incorrect drainage is not allowing the puddles to run into the gutter, as they should. Where and if possible, ask for a full history of previous repairs, and if any repairs has been made to the roof.
Wiring Hazards
The condition of the electrical wiring throughout the home must be checked, be on the lookout for any frayed wiring or live exposed wiring. Note: it is best to take an experienced inspector with you, in regards to making sure your safety is not at risk. All electrical outlets must be checked and not overlooked, keep an eye out for breaker boxes, which by law needs correct labeling.
Windows/Doors correctly functioning
You should be checking that all doors and windows work properly. Check all door locks to make certain they work to lock, safely securing the home. The windows need to be free from cracks or broken glass, and check it they open and lock.
Pests
Make sure your home is free from termites, wood boring insects, and carpenter beetles. These pests do a good job of destroying the wood within a structure. Remember to ask for report history on any pest inspection that has been performed.
There are many important factors that need to be checked and that is why it’s important that before you buy any home, you hire the services of a professional home inspection company.
It has recently been found out that most home sales hang in the balance and are either swayed one way or the other by the experience of the home inspector involved in the sale. The National Association of Home Inspectors (NAHI) have found out that potential home buyers don’t bother to check the credentials of the people they employ to carry out a home inspection on their property.
If you are looking to buy a home, and are in need of a professional qualified home inspection service, then Central Florida Building Inspectors can help. CFBI assist homebuyer’s and homeowner’s all around Florida buy and sell their homes effectively. Enlisting a professional home inspector to evaluate the state of the home, will help pinpoint any issues that need sorted before the home is sold or placed on the market.
To the inexperienced, the exterior of the home might look put-together, but there are situations where the ‘exterior’ is simply covering what is really happening on the inside. That’s why it’s important to have a professional experienced inspector carry out a pre-listing home inspection. They will be able to check all the important factors on the home, from the foundation to the roof, all will be checked to offer assurance that it is in proper safe condition for moving in.
You have the right to know that your home is safe and the foundations are correctly doing their job right. You don’t want to be locking the front door in the morning and coming back to your home being lifted off into the horizon by the latest gust of wind. (Florida is known for its unpredictable weather).
When looking for a professional company to execute the home inspection make sure that they have plenty of experience in the industry and have the credentials to back it up. A home inspection is there for you and is for your benefit, it can save you time and money when carried out appropriately.
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.
