Do I need to do a final inspection when purchasing a house scaled

Do I Need To Do a Final Inspection When Purchasing a House?

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When you are interested in purchasing a home, you have the right to a home inspection to determine the property’s condition. It covers the roof to the foundation and everything in between. 

Do I need to do a final inspection when purchasing a house

The home inspector will offer you a comprehensive analysis of the integrity of the house and the major appliances within it. After you receive this home inspection report, you might have some concerns. 

Perhaps there are safety hazards present or some components of the home are not operational. You can’t just move in without necessary repairs. So naturally, you ask the seller to fix them. 

The entire home buying process is fast, and sellers are often eager to close the deal. They accept your stipulations, and you happily wait for the day you receive the keys to your new investment. 

Hold on and back up because you have skipped an extremely crucial step that could cost you big time. 

You should go on a buyer’s final walk-through before closing. And during that walk-through, it’s always beneficial to have a licensed and certified home inspector by your side.

What is a Final Inspection?

Between seven and two days before you make the purchase official, you need to verify the condition of the property. They called this “the buyer’s final walk-through.”

During the stroll around the residence, you and a home inspector should investigate the property to determine if the house is in the same or better condition than it was at the initial home inspection. Although you do not need a final inspection before purchasing a house, it is an invaluable asset in the home buying process.

The primary focus of a final inspection is to confirm that:

  • All the permanent fixtures of the home are intact and functioning. 
  • Repairs were addressed correctly.
  • No additional damage is present. 

The Bottom Line: 

Before signing, be certain that you are receiving exactly what you are paying for. Go on your final walkthrough with a trusted inspector. 

Preparing for a Final Inspection

A few weeks before your final inspection, check with your real estate agent. Ask if the property will have gas and electricity on at the time of your final walkthrough. If the sellers plan to disconnect the services, arrange for them to be switched to your name.

The reason for this is simple — you need to check that your lights, HVAC system, and water heater still work. You will also want to determine if you have running water.

If you do not have gas or electricity supplied to your new residence, you won’t be able to confirm that the crucial components of a liveable home are in full working order.

A Trained Eye Makes a Big Difference

You may ask yourself, “Why can’t I just walk through the property by myself?” 

The short answer is: You can. 

Many people inspect their new home alone before they sign. But when you perform your final walk-through by yourself, you run the risk of missing critical clues to potential problems. 

You are not trained to identify the materials, techniques, and methods used to renovate a building like a professional inspector. 

Inspectors have the knowledge to report what is:

  • A code violations
  • Safety hazards
  • Construction defects
  • Contractor errors

Even the best contractors can make mistakes that will hurt you down the road. 

Let’s imagine for a moment that the initial home inspection reveals an issue with the plumbing. The owners should hire professional contractors, but what if they don’t? 

The owners decide to fix it themselves instead of hiring a proficient contractor. You inspect the house alone and think everything is fine. The sale goes through and you never see the sellers again. But a few days, weeks, or months later, the pipes burst, and your new home floods.

The price of a final inspection is nothing close to the cost of extensive water damage. If only you hired an inspector to walk through the property with you, you may have caught it sooner.

Divinity Inspection Service Provides Final Inspections for Tampa Bay Homes

Our team of experts will be happy to assist you in the home buying process by giving you valuable knowledge about the home, both inside and out. If you need a licensed and certified inspector to help you discover the hidden damage and defects on the property you want to purchase, schedule an inspection with us today!

 

swimming pool inspection scaled

Ask the Expert: Pool Inspection

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A pool is a highly sought-after source of entertainment for many residents in the Tampa Bay area of Florida. It can provide a relaxing evening or a fun way to pass the time and make memories with family or friends. But you need to do a lot more than adding water if you want your pool to remain a place for safe and enjoyable recreational activity. That’s why it needs a pool inspection.

A pool has multiple components that should be in complete working order and structurally sound for it to be considered secure, dependable, and up to code. If its integrity is compromised, it could pose a hazard for you, your family, and your guests. 

There are many reasons to have a pool inspectionswimming pool inspection

You could need one because you want to:

  • Buy a new home
  • Sell your home
  • Acquire home insurance
  • Check for health and safety routinely

No matter why you need a pool inspection, Divinity Inspection Service has trained inspectors who are ready to investigate the state of your pool and report their findings to you .

But what does an inspector look for when they inspect a pool? 

When you hire an inspector to inspect your pool, you want to know that they are doing a thorough job. Divinity Inspection Service abides by the checklist and requirements outlined by InterNACHI.  This ensures that your pool has been investigated with the utmost precision. 

Let’s dig into the details and layout exactly how a pool inspection is done step by step.

Barriers

In the state of Florida, barriers are a crucial aspect of a pool. Barriers create a boundary between the pool and children who may not be able to swim.

Every entry point should meet the proper height and close automatically without assistance, much like a fire door. As inspectors, we will open them and witness them close. We will also measure their height. 

Pool Deck

Before the pool itself is examined, it’s important to take note of the pool deck. What materials is it made from? Most pool decks are made from one of the following materials:

  • Wood
  • Concrete
  • Pavers
  • Travertine
  • Acrylic
  • Flagstone

An inspector will walk around the entire pool deck to check if there is any damage to those materials. 

Ideally, the pool deck area should be slip-resistant and be on a slight incline around the pool to prevent anyone from slipping in while walking around. 

Pool Structure

Leaks are one of the greatest concerns regarding pools. Your inspector will scope out all potential pitfalls that could lead to water leakage. We examine the condition of the surface including the: 

  • Shell
  • Floor
  • Coping
  • Concrete
  • Tile
  • Grout
  • Drains
  • Lights
  • Skimmer
  • Basket

We look for any signs of wear and tear or neglect. Any indication that the pool needs repair or maintenance is noted. Your inspector will meticulously examine the area for:

  • Cracks
  • Debris
  • Loose tile
  • Missing tile
  • Damaged plaster
  • Calcification
  • Water intrusion

In addition, the inspector will measure the water level. Too high of a level could indicate a malfunction in the mechanical equipment. For obvious reasons, the equipment is a key feature of a pool and our next point of interest.

Mechanical Equipment

Leaks are bad for the health of your pool, but if the mechanical equipment is unsafe or malfunctions, bodily injury or even death could result. 

For instance, if a pool drain does not have a vortex or anti-entrapment drain, a child can be pulled onto it and drown. A prospective buyer or cautious homeowner should be aware of these risks and make appropriate renovations to remedy them. 

One by one we will inspect the:

  • Electrical Panel
  • Breakers
  • Lighting
  • Weir Door
  • Pipes
  • Pump
  • Filter
  • Filter gauge
  • Bromine dispenser
  • Chlorinator

Take a look at the wiring to make sure that it’s safely installed with no corrosion present. All electrical components should be kept dry, especially fuses and wires. There are a number of components to take into account:

The pump should have a cover to protect it from the elements and be bonded to the ground. If bonding wires are missing, it becomes a serious safety risk. Electrical hazards are extremely dangerous and should be addressed immediately. Water and electricity are a deadly combination. 

If there is a spa present, other possible machinery such as heaters or aerators should also be checked to determine if they are fully functional.

Pool Inspection in Tampa Bay, Florida

If you live in the Tampa Bay area or you’re looking to buy a home there, Divinity Inspection Service is here to help you uncover potential dangers in and around the property. Whether you have a large lanai or a small jacuzzi, our highly trained and certified inspectors will closely examine every component and offer you a detailed report. 

Schedule an inspection today and take one step closer to feeling safe and secure about your investment.

 

warning about dangers in the home scaled

5 Dangers in the Home Most Homeowners Don’t Know

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Skipping a home inspection during the home buying process could be a fatal mistake. Soon-to-be homeowners don’t understand the hidden hazards that could be lurking in their dream house. 

There are dangers in the home most homeowners don’t know about, and they can’t inform the buyers because they aren’t aware of either! From potential threats of bodily injury to substances that can make you sick, let’s review what dangers a home inspector looks for that are harmful to your health!

warning about dangers in the home

Electrical Problems

When electric wiring is old, it poses a serious risk of fire. If the previous homeowner “fixes” their own electrical system or hires a novice, technical issues in the installation could cause a blaze that destroys the entire home and takes the life of anyone inside. 

Be cautious when buying a new home and hire an experienced home inspector from a trusted company like Divinity Inspection Service. They can spot faulty wiring, unsafe practices like double-tapping circuit breakers, and old electrical systems that need to be replaced.

Carbon Monoxide 

According to the CDC, more than 50,000 people visit the ER per year because they were accidentally poisoned by carbon monoxide. Don’t be a part of the statistics. Get a home inspection and make sure your new home is protected by working CO detectors with new batteries.

Asbestos

Lung cancer ranks 3rd in the most deadly cancers in America and asbestos causes lung cancer. Asbestos was never banned as a building material (although they tried in 2002), and it could be lurking in that house. 

When asbestos becomes airborne, it travels as tiny fibers. If you breathe the “dust” it produces, asbestos particles can become stuck and remain in your body permanently. Wherever they sit, they produce inflammation and damage.  

Radon Gas

When uranium deposits decay, an invisible, scentless gas can naturally emit from the soil. Radon gas is not just bad for you, it’s one of the 2nd leading causes of lung cancer in America. According to the EPA, lung cancer caused by radon claims the life of 21,000 people annually.

Outdoors, it’s harmless. But inside, as it collects, it can be an enormous risk to your livelihood. A home inspector can perform a radon gas test for you. Then in negotiations, you can ask the buyer to install an underground ventilation system or otherwise make changes in air circulation that eliminates the threat. 

Mold

You don’t need a leak in the roof to find water damage in a house. An improperly ventilated roofing system will hold in all heat and moisture found inside of the house and trap it. As it condenses into water droplets, the attic space will become damp. This warm and wet combination is the perfect condition for mold to breed.

An HVAC system can also hide mold. If the system is too large for the size of the living space it cools too quickly and shuts off before dehumidifying the air properly. As water condenses inside of air ducts and vents, mold grows. When the AC or heat triggers and air flows through these spaces, it pushes the mold spores through your home for you to breathe.

Mold can also grow inside of the walls, around badly insulated windows, and on or near leaking pipes. Without the trained eye of a professional, these microorganisms can go unnoticed and cause havoc on your health. 

Tampa Bay Area Home Inspections to detect potential Dangers in the Home

If you are ready to purchase a home in the Tampa Bay area, you know that it’s crucial to receive a home inspection and discover the condition of the property. You and your family’s health and safety is on the line if you skip it.

Divinity Inspection Service is ready to help you make important decisions about your future so that you can remain happy and healthy around your investment. Get in touch with us for a home inspection you can count on.

 

Further reading:

Question what happens after a home inspection is completed

What Happens After a Home Inspection Is Completed?

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Home inspections are the deal breakers of the real estate market. Most home inspections will find multiple minor problems, but when they find major issues in the condition of the home, you become nervous!

Suddenly buyer’s remorse kicks in and you wonder, is the house really worth it? 

If these are worries or concerns that are running through your mind during the home buyer’s journey, fear not! We will help you to understand exactly what happens after a home inspection is completed.

Question: What happens after a home inspection is completed?

Seller’s Options

Once you receive your home inspection report, you will find a list of repairs that should be made on the property. You have the option to accept it as it is, try to negotiate, or walk away.

Most people attempt to haggle over renovations, replacements, credit, or cost reduction because why not? If you can leverage your home inspection report to save money, why shouldn’t you?

But just as you have a choice, so does the seller.

Sellers have the option to: 

  • Agree to do all repairs
  • Counter and agree to only some repairs
  • Counter and offer credit toward the buyer’s closing cost instead of making repairs
  • Refuse to do anything

The seller is not obligated to make any repairs or offer credit, but if he or she agrees to, the negotiations will continue. If the seller refuses to make repairs, the buyer must decide if they will end the contract or move forward.

So, what happens after a home inspection is completed? Let’s take a better look at the above-mentioned scenarios. 

The Seller Agrees to Do Repairs

Whether the seller agrees to do some or all of the repairs, they will have the choice to renovate as they see fit. This could mean that they DIY the project and hope for the best or that they hire a qualified contractor. 

This is why some buyers prefer credit. If the home inspector found leaky pipes and the owners claim that they have fixed those pipes, how do you know that the job was done right? Well, that’s when many people call the inspector back. 

For a smaller charge than the original inspection, an inspector will return to the property for you to check if the repairs were completed properly. A follow-up inspection is an essential step if the repair was a crucial component of the home that poses a safety hazard or risks further damage. 

Credit Towards the Closing Cost

Although this is your safest option and the least difficult to undertake, when a seller agrees to offer credit, it’s easy for the negotiations to get ugly. The homebuyer needs to be realistic about the price of new appliances or repair costs and acquire accurate estimates.

If the average furnace costs between $2,000 and $7,000, you shouldn’t ask for the highest price. Only if your research has proven that the exact size needed will cost $7,000 will the request be taken seriously. 

You must be sincere in what is actually required and not take advantage of the seller’s generosity. This will ensure a happy negotiation process and result in you purchasing your dream home without a hitch. 

Refusal to Negotiate

A home inspection report gives you the leverage to end the contract via the home inspection contingency. Both you and the seller have the option to refuse to negotiate. 

A home inspection contingency is an agreement that states that the prospective buyers will buy the home if the property passes the home inspection; however, if it does not, the buyer has the option to walk away without any obligation. 

The good news for home buyers is, no house ever “passes” a home inspection. There will always be at least one problem revealed in the report.

But we understand that nobody wants this to happen. You paid good money to have a home inspection because you love the house and wanted to own it. If the seller refuses to negotiate and the buyer walks away from the home, it’s natural to be upset. 

However, it’s important to consider that without the home inspection, they would have purchased the property with all of its flaws included. Only with the knowledge obtained through the home inspection will the buyer be able to gain intel into the condition of the home.

Don’t give up! Dust yourself off and get back into the market. Your future home is waiting for you, and with the help of a trusted real estate agent and home inspector, you’re sure to find it.

Home Inspection Services in the Tampa Bay Area

If you are looking to buy a home, we hope you always choose to accept the home inspection contingency agreement and have a home inspection performed. The report you will receive offers valuable information about the condition of the property as well as valuable time to reconsider if you really want to make that investment.

Knowing what happens after a home inspection is completed, will hopefully help you to make informed decisions. If you are looking for a meticulous home inspection service that will help you to decide if the house you want will be the home of your dreams or the money pit of your nightmares, schedule an inspection with Divinity Inspection Service today!

 

Difference Between Home Appraisal and Inspection did you know

What is the Difference Between Home Appraisal and Inspection?

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The home buying process can be confusing. There are so many steps and an entire glossary of terms to remember. It’s no wonder that many first-time homebuyers regret their purchase. One of the biggest mistakes people make is assuming an appraisal is enough. They forgo the home inspection and rush to sign and snag their deal. But a home inspection is just as important, if not more important, than an appraisal. If you like to live without regret and want your real estate investment to be a dream home and not a haunting nightmare, you need to know the difference between home appraisal and inspection.

Buying a home is a lot like buying a car. The first thing you want to do is understand the value of your intended purchase and then its condition.

If you look up the value of a 1990 Chevy Impala with 100,000 miles, you’ll compare that cost when you take a trip to a dealership. It will help you spot an overpriced car. But there is no “Blue Book” for homes. The real estate market will be different depending on each unique property and its surrounding neighborhood, and an appraisal is performed to determine a house’s value.

difference between home appraisal and inspectionWhat is a Home Appraisal?

A licensed third party performs an appraisal to identify the worth of the property. Lenders commonly used them to determine if the value of a house is in line with the asking price. 

They’re looking for factors such as:

  • Location
  • Size
  • Age
  • Building materials
  • Energy efficiency
  • Safety
  • Obvious damage

If the current homeowner has set the cost above the property’s worth, the lender will refuse to approve the loan unless the price is adjusted.

If a home appraisal is far above the asking price, suspicion arises. Why do they want less? Is there something wrong with the property that they aren’t telling you? 

This is why a home inspection is important.

Why Do I Need a Home Inspection?

You need more answers; ones that an appraisal alone cannot fulfill. Determining the condition of a home is crucial to make an informed decision as a buyer.

Returning to the vehicle comparison, you wouldn’t buy a car without knowing what’s under the hood. How old are its parts, and how many car accidents has it been through?

It would be handy to have a mechanic check out the engine, wouldn’t it? Then you wouldn’t have any surprises! 

A home inspector works for you similarly. After they check the home you want to buy, you receive a complete understanding of the entire property from the perspective of a trained professional with immense knowledge. 

What is a Home Inspection?

A licensed third party performs a home inspection to identify the condition of the property. When you plan to buy a home, a home inspector investigates the property with an expert’s eye and meticulous attention to detail. 

A home inspection report thoroughly outlines the health of all major components of a house, including its:

  • Roof
  • Foundation
  • Plumbing
  • Electrical
  • HVAC

These are all expensive and essential parts of a home. If the property has faulty or aging components that require repair or replacement, you will want to know before you sign on the house.

Buying a home is an enormous investment. You’re paying a lot of money to receive something of value, not a financial burden. Even though it might look beautiful, there could be hidden issues that cost large sums of money to fix. 

The larger the home, the more expensive the repairs. For instance, a faulty HVAC system can cost upwards of $10,000 to $30,000. If the roof is nearing the end of its life expectancy and it’s leaking, you will need an extra $20,000 – $100,000 to replace it. 

By having a home inspection performed, you get the inside scoop about the health and safety of the property and what renovation projects could be in the near future. At that point, you can decide if you will close the deal or walk away.

Let’s Recap: Appraisal vs Inspection

When you intend to purchase a home, an appraisal determines the value of the property while an inspection identifies its current condition. With these two factors in mind, both the lender and the buyer can move forward in the house buying process with security and confidence in their choices.

Are you looking to buy a house in the Tampa Bay Area? Learn as much as you can about the property before you sign. Divinity Inspection Service wants to help you choose wisely. 

Schedule an inspection today!