Florida Home Inspection

A home inspection helps protect the buyer from defects in the home which he could overlook. Likewise, a home inspection satisfies the lender that the house is worthy of a mortgage.

In general, mortgage companies will not lend money on a house until a home inspection has been completed.

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A Typical Home Inspection Includes:

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Structural Components - walls, roofs, flooring, etc
Exterior/Interior - roof coverings, soffit, fascia, finishes,etc
Roofing- sheathing, shingles, vents, flashing, trusses,etc
Plumbing - supply, waste, fixtures, water leaks,etc
Electrical System - safety, GFI, wiring,receptacles, breakers,etc
Heating and Air Conditioning - ducts, temperatures, filters,
Appliances - Hot water heater, dishwasher, refrigerator, etc,

The home inspector will take notes about and photograph any areas which may have problems or potential problems.

For example if there is evidence of past water intrusion, the inspector will likely photograph the water mark, and investigate further to attempt to find out whether or not the defect has been cured.

It may be impossible to know whether this area remains a problem area, but he can alert the buyer to the potential problem.

During the home inspection, the inspector will check for safety. Things like a loose handrail on a stairway; an electrical outlet too close to a sink; and rotting boards on an exterior deck will not escape his attention.

Some defects are an easy fix, and once discovered, can be cured before purchasing the home.

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The Home Inspection Report

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After a home inspection in Florida, a written report is provided to the home buyer, lender, and seller. Minor or cosmetic defects might be overlooked by all.

The seller and the buyer can negotiate about who pays for fixing defects. Depending on the seller's degree of motivation in making sure the sale goes through, he may pay for fixing defects himself, or offer a discount to the buyer.

Up until March 2011, the home inspection industry in Florida was not regulated. Florida Home inspectors are now required to be licensed through the Department of Business and Professional Regulation.

After July 2011 it will be illegal to conduct a home inspection without a license issued through the DBPR.

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Florida Home Inspection Sitemap & Pages of Interest

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