FAQ's.
What is a home inspection?
A home inspection is a visual inspection of the structure and components of a home to find items that are not performing correctly or items that are unsafe. If a problem or a symptom of a problem is found, the home inspector will include a description of the problem in a computerized report and may recommend further evaluation.
Why is a home inspection important?
Home Buyers:
Emotion often affects the buyer and makes it hard to imagine any problems with their new home. A buyer needs a home inspection to find out all the possible problems with the home before moving in. Vacant homes and foreclosure homes are often subject to higher risks of problems since they are rarely supervised and in most cases the power has been turned off for some time.
Home Owners:
The State of Florida has some of the most extreme weather in the entire country. Extreme heat, heavy rains, storms, wind gusts, tornados and hurricanes. Most Florida homes are designed to withstand these weather conditions. Over time, these types of conditions add stress to the home. Home Owners many times assume that if the water runs and the lights turn on, the home is structurally sound and in some cases are not. Water leaks, poor insulation, poor electric and many small items can make a big difference in the safety of your loved ones. Usually minor items can be corrected at a small cost and have a positive impact on reducing some of your long term utility expenses. Most importantly, stop a minor problem from become a costly nightmare.
Home Sellers:
More and more sellers are choosing to have a thorough inspection before or when they first list their home. First and foremost, you should have a home inspection for full disclosure. You will have demonstrated that you did all you could do to reveal any defects within the home. Second, you will save money and hassle by knowing now what your defects are, not after you have already negotiated a price and are faced with costly repairs discovered on the buyer’s inspection. Defects found before the buyer comes along allow you to shop around for a contractor and not deal with inflated estimates that a buyer will present.
What if the report reveals concerns?
All homes (even new construction) may have concerns. Every concern has a solution. Solutions vary from a simple fix of the component to adjusting the purchase price. Having a home inspection allows the problem to be addressed before the sale closes.
What does a home inspection include?
A home inspector's report will review the condition of the home's heating system, central air conditioning system (temperature permitting), interior plumbing and electrical systems; the roof, attic, and visible insulation; walls, ceilings, floors, windows and doors; the foundation, basement, and visible structure.
What should I NOT expect from a home inspection?
•A home inspection is not protection against future failures. Components like air conditioners and Heat Systems can and will break down. A home inspection tells you the condition of the component at the time the component was inspected. For protection from future failure you may want to consider a home warranty.
•A home inspection is not an appraisal that determines the value of a home. Nor will a home inspector tell you if you should buy this home or what to pay for this home.
•A home inspection is not a code inspection, which verifies local building code compliance. A home inspector will not pass or fail a house. Homes built before code revisions are not obligated to comply with the code for homes built today. Home inspectors will report findings when it comes to safety concerns that may be in the current code such as ungrounded outlets above sinks. A home inspector thinks ''Safety'' not ''Code'' when performing a home inspection.
Should I attend the home inspection?
It is often helpful to be there so the home inspector can explain in person and answer any questions you may have. This is an excellent way to learn about your new home even if no problems are found. Be sure to give the home inspector time and space to concentrate and focus so he can do the best job possible for you. Present a list of questions or issues you would like the inspector to address at the beginning of the inspection. During the presentation phase of the inspection the inspector will explain any issues found during the inspection and address your list of questions or concerns.
How long will the home inspection take?
A First Choice home inspection will generally take about 2 - 4 hrs. for a 1500 sq. ft. home. It may take longer for larger homes, homes with additional features, and homes with major component issues. A home inspection should take 1 hour per 1,000 sq ft plus 1-2 hours for home componets (electrical, plumbing, and HVAC). Compilation of the report may take 1-3 hours or as long as 12 hours depending on the number of pictures to be marked, systems research, proofing the final report and the time of day the inspection was scheduled or completed.