AN INSPECTION FOR EVERY SITUATION
Mastering the art of quality home inspections.
Our Services
Home Inspections
Wind Mitigation
Four-Point Inspections
Pre-listing Inspections
11 Month Warranty
A home inspection is a visual examination of the home's major structure, systems, and components that are visible and safely accessible. The inspector should substantially adhere to a standard of practice that outlines what should be covered during a general home inspection, as well as what is excluded.
Click here to see the InterNACHI Standards of Practice.
A Wind Mitigation Inspection is a visual inspection focusing on the features and upgrades of your home that aid in mitigating damage caused by wind. The inspection focuses on eight aspects of your roof as well as your windows, exterior doors and garage doors.
Your roof alone has eight areas of mitigation in reference to wind mitigation. The year installed, the covering type, the decking, the covering attachment type, the decking attachment type, the roof to wall connection type, the existence of secondary water resistance and the roofs geometry.
Your windows, exterior doors and garage doors are also checked for their level of impact resistance and whether or not you have shutter systems installed.
HOW TO PREPARE FOR A WIND MITIGATION INSPECTION:
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If you have shutters that do not stay attached to the home such as accordion or rolling shutters do, make sure the panels are accessible for the inspector. (This includes plywood shutters)
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Make sure your attic access is clear if possible. Your inspector will be spending some time in the attic to check a number of the roof items from the inside.
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If possible, have documentation ready of any impact rated windows or doors you have installed or that were installed when the home was purchased.
A 4-Point Inspection is an examination of the current condition of your home, reviewing four major systems: Roof, Electrical, Plumbing and HVAC.
Depending on the age of the home, this specific inspection is generally required by insurance companies before someone can renew or be eligible for a desired coverage plan. More recently, insurance companies in Florida have been hesitant with providing coverage to homes over 20 years old due to their increased liability.
Simply put, insurance companies are going to assume your 20+ year old home is not updated and has 20 years of wear and tear. A 4-Point Inspection shows that the home is in good shape for its age and documents any updates to the home. If you have done ANY UPDATES to your home relating to HVAC, Plumbing, Electrical System or Roof, including full replacement then you should get a 4-Point!!
Pre-Listing Inspections are full Home Inspections done prior to a home being listed. A Pre-Listing Inspection can help you determine which areas need attention or repair prior to listing. This can ensure you get top dollar and a smooth transaction. A Pre-Listing Inspection can be a great marketing tool and help you close quickly!! Some lenders will accept a sellers Pre-Listing Inspection and the seller can charge the buyer for that inspection report.
If your home came with a 1 year warranty from the builder then don’t let it expire without getting an 11-Month Warranty inspection!
The 11-Month Warranty inspection is often more thorough than a Home Inspection. Things that may not be noted on home inspection reports such as cosmetic issues will be noted on the 11-Month Warranty inspection if they are deemed builder issues.
Walkthrough Inspections
31 Home Inspections offers abbreviated inspections called “Walkthrough Inspections”. These inspections have 2 different purposes.
-The first is as a final inspection just before closing. This is to ensure nothing has changed in the home between the original Home Inspection and the closing. These are highly recommended for homes that were not vacant during the time of the initial Home Inspection. Furniture and personal items limit the inspectors ability to access all areas of the home. Once the home is free of those items the inspector can reference the original report and check the areas that were initially obstructed.
-The second is a quick walkthrough for the inspector to locate glaring and obvious issues with the home that would likely prevent you from going further in your efforts to purchase. The Walkthrough Inspection can save you a lot of time and money on a home that has major issues only an inspector or specialist is likely to notice.
Great for investors and out of town buyers!