Inspection Services
The most common type of inspection is usually performed for a buyer after a property has been put under contract and prior to closing of escrow. In many cases, a Buyer’s Inspection will help both the buyer and the seller to identify damage or other problems that may exist with a property so that both parties will have a better understanding of issues that may need attention before closing. Even if the seller has already performed a Seller’s Inspection, buyers should still perform their own inspections to prevent “seller’s bias” in any shape or form.
Residential/Townhome Sellers Pre-Listing Inspection
This type of inspection is usually performed by a seller before a property is listed or announced for sale. The property owner will perform a Seller’s Inspection to determine what damage or other problems may exist with a property in order to determine factors such as fair market value, discount values, or any pre-listing expenditure necessary to increase the value and desirability of the property.
Condominium Inspection
A Condominium Inspection is a comprehensive evaluation of the building systems and components within a condominium unit. Common elements are not included in the inspection since they are covered by the technical audit performed by the condominium association and are a shared responsibility among all unit owners. The inspection includes major appliances as well as maintenance and service issues for the unit. The inspection and written report provide the critical information needed to make an informed decision. Knowledge and information is power in all real estate transactions.
- Heating/Air conditioning system
- Roof
- Electrical
- Plumbing
The purpose of the inspection is to determine the approximate age, general condition, and remaining lifespan of these systems. This is a limited visual inspection of components the insurance company may find unsafe or problematic.
This inspection will consist of the inspector looking for the following 8 key categories listed below.
- Roof Covering: inspectors want to know when the roof was installed and does if it meets building codes.
- Roof Deck Attachment: inspectors will determine what type of roof decking is used and how it’s attached to the underlying structure, for example, if it’s nailed or stapled down. If nails are used, nail length and spacing between each will also be noted.
- Roof to Wall Attachment: the roof attachments become the focus here: are trusses attached with nails or hurricane clips? Are the wraps single or double? The more secure your roof, the more significant the savings.
- Roof Geometry: is your roof hip, gable or other? The inspector is looking for how it’s shaped – a hip roof resembles that of a pyramid, and is a definite qualifier for a discount.
- Gable End Bracing: if the roof is a gable style, an inspector will review if the gable ends are braced to Florida Building Code standards. Gable ends measuring more than 48 inches tall should be braced for reinforcement, and inspectors will be checking for this qualification for discount.
- Wall Construction Type: Inspectors will review the construction materials used on your home for framing, reinforcement, and outer fascia, and at what percentages. Steel reinforced concrete block homes may yield a better discount than one with a plywood-only frame and plastic siding.
- Secondary Water Barrier: This is a newer item for roofs. If your roof was installed or upgraded before 2008, it’s fairly unlikely you’ll have this sort of barrier. As with most newer features, photo documentation, at a minimum, will be required for a discount in this area.
- Opening Protection: Here, inspectors are looking for shutters and installed-protection devices from wind-born debris for doors and windows. They will also be checking the rating of the devices, if you have them (as in- are they hurricane-rated?). 100% of all openings (All or nothing) need to be covered with Hurricane rated protection to qualify for this discount.