What is a Home Inspection?

Although this may seem simple, I need to include it.

A home inspection is a non-invasive, limited inspection of a house.

The following are the most important things that a home inspector will examine:

  • Foundation, Grading, Driveway
  • Exterior
  • Roof
  • Attic
  • Garage
  • Elec.
  • Plumbing
  • A/C & Heating
  • Interior includes kitchens, bathrooms and bedrooms.

Home inspectors will inspect the house and provide their professional opinion in a written report.

There are many misconceptions and questions that we get about the home inspection in clermont fl. It is important to explain what a home inspection does not include.

It is not necessary to have a home inspection.

Home inspections are not permanent.

It is a snapshot of the home’s condition while we are there. The A/C may be operating at the time of inspection, but it could suddenly stop working by the time you move in. However, we will also note if the A/C needs servicing or is old in our report.

Home inspections are not exhaustive.

We won’t move the seller’s items to reach certain items. However, we will move small items if possible and notify all parties to inform them to move belongings in front of key home components.

Home inspectors are not permitted to scope drain lines (technically, unless you buy a sewer scope inspection), disassemble the A/C to locate the issue (technically exhaustive), or report on every defective outlet if there are a few (an electrician should be called in this instance to assess the system).

Home inspections are not dangerous for the inspector.

This may sound like common sense. Here are some examples.

  • We won’t crawl a crawlspace if there is any standing water.
  • We will report any electrical hazards to the appropriate authorities.
  • We won’t try to fit an attic if it is not accessible.

Let’s now talk about what a house inspection is.

Additional Home Inspection Considerations & Needs

We try to cover all aspects of the home during the inspection. However, there might be limitations for items that are not technically exhaustive.

You may also need certain inspections/reports for insurance, mortgage loans, and health reasons.

These items will be covered so that you have everything you need. Also, I will discuss items that may be right for your needs.

Show your Realtor if they have not covered these items. Ask them for their opinion. I’m confident that 99% of Realtors will agree with me.

Wind Mitigation

This is the most frequent need for a home inspection, and I strongly recommend it.

Florida requires insurance companies to offer discounts for this inspection. Let’s see how it works…

First, the inspection report contains 7 questions. Each question can be used to get a discount on your home insurance. Each question focuses on a particular component of your home that can withstand high winds (hurricanes).

For example, if your roof is older than boom, you will get a discount on the premium.

This inspection is a must-have since it will save you a lot of money on your insurance.

We will refund the wind mitigation amount if you don’t receive any wind mitigation discounts (highly unlikely).

The Termite Inspection (or Wood Destroying Organm Inspection)

This is another common add-on to the home inspection. Some home loans like a VA loan may require it.

Termites love wood, and homes are made from wood. Even block homes get termites. Block homes are more likely to be infested by termites than other houses. However, this is not the case.

I digress.

It’s not whether you’ll get termites in Florida, but when. This inspection is highly recommended to determine if termites are present.

The Four Point Inspection

Another insurance inspection that is specific to Florida is this one. Insurance inspections in Florida are fun!

The four points have a trick. Insurance companies may require it and it could work against you. **Insert Sad Noises Here**

BUT DO NOT FRET! Aaron will tell you all you need to know to be ready!

When is it necessary?

The four-point requirement is usually required when a home turns 30 years old. However, some insurance companies require it before the property turns 10 years old (cough StateFarm).

Ask your insurance company whether you require the four-point report. It would be best if you had it to obtain insurance. Your insurance company may tell you that you don’t need it.

What is it?

These four points cover the four main areas of your home: electrical, plumbing and heating.

The system is designed to allow home inspectors to answer general questions. This makes it more useful than a standard home inspection.

The inspection asks questions such as:

  • It works!
  • Is it damaged?
  • Is it over 100 years old?
  • Is it safe?

Problems with Four-Point Inspections

Insurance companies will request that any of the points be repaired before they insure. This is not always true. Insurance companies can be creative with your insurance premium.

These four points can lead to inspection contingencies that you and your agent need to deal with.

ATTENTION – SUPER IMPORTANT INFORMATION COMING

We can help you with any issues that arise from these four points. However, it is up to your agent and yourself to resolve them.

After repairs are completed, you will need to have a reinspection done by us to correct the four points.

We do not accept photos or receipts to change the four-point inspection reports. We have had many instances where repairs are made, and we return to the house for a reinspection.

Final Four Point Inspection

You will need to have a four-point inspection. Keep your schedule in check and work with your agent.

If repairs are necessary by your insurance, be prepared to pay for a reinspection.

Mold Testing & Testing for Air Quality

This is one of the things I MAY require…

Let me start by saying that mold is a problem in every home. Mold can be found everywhere. Mold can grow in large quantities in your home, which could cause health problems and damage to your home. Both can be costly to repair.

We can test for mold if there’s a reason by either swabbing the surface or trapping the air spores on a slide. Then, we send them off to a laboratory.

This will let us know if there is a lot of mold in the home.

What are the best times to recommend it?

When buying a home, there are several reasons why I recommend mold testing. Let me show you my list and let you know if you are interested in mold testing.

  • If you or someone in the family is sensitive to mold.
  • If the house has been vacant.
  • If there have been water intrusion problems (roof leaks or window leaks),
  • You can see mold.
  • If your A/C stops are working.
  • If there have been plumbing problems or leaks in the home.

High levels of moisture cause mold. If moisture is not controlled, there is a high likelihood that mold will develop.

Radon Testing

Radon, a radioactive gas naturally occurring in the earth’s soils and other materials, is formed from the uranium that has been broken down. It is found most often in the northern regions of the country.

Radon gas is toxic and difficult to detect without special equipment. Radon gas rises from the ground and can enter your home through cracks or crevices in the foundation. Radon gas can build up over time and cause health problems.

While radon gas may not be as prevalent in Florida as north, it can still be found in some areas. This map shows where high levels have been detected in Florida.

After finding your county, enter the zip code or city where you want to move.

Check the tables to see how many homes were tested for Radon and what percentage had high levels of Radon gas. The EPA states that Radon levels must be remediated at levels higher than 4 P/CiL.

A Radon Test might be a good idea if your home is in one of these areas.

Dock & Seawall Inspections

The last one is easier to explain.

A dock inspection is essential for any dock or seawall.

The cost of docks and seawalls is high, so if you buy a home connected to water, you will be responsible for paying for the dock/seawall.

Summarising Additional Home Inspection Needs

I am not trying to scare anyone.

Waypoint was founded on the principle of education, and we still live that philosophy today. To make informed decisions, you should read all that you can.

During the Home Inspection

We recommend that you attend the home inspection to meet the inspector, ask questions and receive a summary of the inspector’s findings.

How long does it take?

The inspection will take between 1.5 and 5 hours, depending on the square footage. They take on average 2.5 hours. You are welcome to come to the inspection to ask questions and to speak with the inspector. To get a better idea of when you should arrive, ask our office.

What happens after the home inspection?

You will get your report the same day if you work with us (later that night).

You and your agent will then be able to read the report.

The next step is to work with your agent to create a list of the things you want to have fixed. Remember that sometimes, the seller won’t fix it.

Last but not least, please get in touch with us if you have any questions.