Home Inspection - All About it

A home inspection is typically a brief, non-invasive evaluation of a property, often connected with the selling of that property. Home inspectors are trained and certified to conduct these inspections. They are independent contractors who are paid by the sellers of foreclosed properties. Their role is to identify repair issues and safety problems throughout the property. The goal of their findings is to offer the seller some recommendations as to how best to address those issues before the closing date.

In Florida, home inspectors are licensed by the Florida Department of Financial Services. They must renew their licenses every two years. The first inspection will be performed at the time of the purchase transaction. At that time, the inspector performs one of several examinations: a visual exterior examination; a structural examination; a pest inspection; an energy efficiency analysis; a building survey; and a leak detection assessment.

A home inspection in Florida is typically not required for residential properties unless there is a serious complaint about pest or safety problems. If the inspector finds toxic mold, the inspector may refer the homeowner to a state health department for testing. State health departments perform periodic testing for both fungus and mold. The home inspector's report on the fungus may indicate the presence of black mold, brown or black mold, or a combination of both.

For all other types of home inspections, homeowners are advised to obtain written opinions from the inspectors. Written opinions are considered the experts' take on the property's condition. Home inspectors are not required to provide an opinion regarding new construction or substantial remodeling unless the inspector has undertaken similar inspections on the new home. In this instance, he or she must submit a record of any prior non-conforming work.

Buyers interested in obtaining pre-buyer home inspection services should contact a professional home inspection agency. They can meet with prospective buyers to discuss the home inspection and determine the level of coverage needed. The agencies can also recommend additional services that will be useful to the buyer and/or his agent. Many companies offer buyer services in areas such as pest control, basement waterproofing, and water leakage detection. Buyers can save time and money by choosing services provided by an independent home inspection company.

During a home inspection, the inspector checks the plumbing, electrical system, heating, cooling, ventilating, and air conditioning systems; inspecting each one. He or she checks the roof, flooring, ceiling, windows, walls, ceilings, doors, cabinets, floors, and other interior components of the home. After completing the home inspection, the inspector provides a detailed report to the home buyer. It is the home buyer who signs the written report.

Florida has some of the best home inspection in the nation. However, not all inspections are created equal. A qualified home inspection service guarantees that the entire home has been inspected and approved for safety, pest control, and other necessary repairs. A good inspection company also performs annual inspections of the business premises, making sure that everything is in order and running properly. This inspection typically covers the interior of the home and not the exterior. A professional inspection service will provide a full walk away policy to their customers, meaning that if something major happens during the inspection, the home buyer has the option to leave and go back to the office or home without incurring any loss or damage.

A full roof inspection covers every angle of the home, from the attic to the eaves, to the underside of the home on the outside. A thorough inspection also covers the foundation of the home as well as any structural damage to the home itself. A home inspection also covers the electrical system of the property, including all utilities. If the electrical system is the issue, the home inspector will perform a complete inspection of the various wires and outlets, the fuses and switches, and how everything works together.