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Your Guide to the Americans with Disabilities Act – Accessibility Guidelines

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If you own commercial property or certain residential buildings in Florida, you should be aware of the “Americans with Disabilities Act” accessibility guidelines. The US federal law requires owners of such properties to make reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities. These guidelines help these property owners make sure they’re meeting expectations.

Whether you’re buying or selling the property, clearly understanding the accessibility guidelines is important.

parent with disability explaining the accessibility guidelines

A Breakdown of the Guidelines

The accessibility guidelines are set forth by the US Department of Justice in the Americans with Disabilities Act, known as the ADA. These standards exist to ensure that people with disabilities have an equal opportunity to enjoy all aspects of life, including access to public buildings and accommodations.

You can find the most up-to-date standards on their website here.

There are three main sections of the accessibility guidelines: 

  1. new construction
  2. alterations
  3. accessibility in existing buildings

“New construction” refers to any building that is newly built or any addition made to an existing building. All new construction must be completed in compliance with the current accessibility guidelines and designed with accessibility in mind.

“Alterations” refer to any changes to an existing building that affect accessibility. This could include changes like

  • widening doorways,
  • installing ramps
  • adding an elevator

If you do updates of property the ADA guidelines apply to, these updates must comply with respective regulations. This is especially the case if you’re planning on using a property/home of yours

  • for rental purposes
  • listing an Airbnb
  • or vacation home, and so on.

“Accessibility in existing buildings” covers all buildings that were built before the ADA was enacted in 1990. The guidelines apply to any renovations or alterations to these older buildings.

Basically, if you have a property and you’re either constructing it or doing work to it, then you need to make sure your plans and actual work meet or exceed the current ADA guidelines at the time of the work.

Each section has different requirements, but some commonalities include features like:

  • wheelchair-accessible entrances
  • wheelchair-accessible exits
  • and wheelchair-accessible restrooms
  • Braille signage
  • adequate lighting

accessibility guidelines include braille

Ensuring Your Property Meets the Accessibility Guidelines

You can do a few things to ensure your home is accessible and compliant with the ADA guidelines.

One of the most important things you can do is have a clear understanding of the guidelines themselves. Familiarize yourself with the requirements so that you can make informed decisions about potentially necessary changes.

If you’re making any alterations or renovations to your home, make sure to factor in accessibility.

And finally, if you’re selling your property, it’s important to mention existing accessibility features or modifications. This will help set expectations for potential buyers and avoid surprises down the road.

The accessibility guidelines are an important part of the ADA, and they play a vital role in ensuring people with disabilities have equal access to all aspects of life. As a property owner in Florida, it’s important to be aware of these guidelines and take steps to ensure that (if applicable) your property is compliant. 

If you have any questions or need help getting your home up to accessibility standards, don’t hesitate to reach out and contact us here at Divinity Home Inspections. We’re always happy to help you make sure your property is up to standard and meets all the required expectations.

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Why Do I Need a New Construction Inspection?

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You may think a newly constructed home won’t come with any issues you have to fix. After all, it’s brand new, and if the construction company thinks it’s complete, it’s done, right? Not so fast – sometimes there can be issues that even the nicest looking of homes are hiding within their walls. It’s always a good idea to get your new home inspected to ensure that everything is in tip-top shape before you move in.

Reasons to Get a New Construction Inspection

new construction inspection in progressOnce a newly built home goes on the market, people assume it is of high quality just because it is new. But that isn’t necessarily the case. The time it took to design and build the home comes into play here. Contractors can sometimes be eager beavers and want to finish up their projects as soon as possible. The problem is things go unchecked, and problems might occur after the homeowner moves in.

Every new home in Florida requires an inspection by the building code inspectors. Though these inspectors may have looked through the home for big issues concerning wiring and plumbing, they are not concerned with smaller issues. These include things like

  • problems with landscaping
  • paving
  • cracks in the drywall
  • flooring
  • insulation
  • siding that’s been incorrectly placed
  • humidity
  • and doors sticking shut

Additionally, ensuring that appliances are installed correctly is a major concern as it can lead to electrical issues if they are not.

What Kinds of New Construction Inspections Do I Need?

If you are involved in the process of the new construction from start to finish, you will want to implement at least two or three inspections.

  • One before the foundation is built
  • one before the drywall and sheetrock go up
  • and one after the house is completed.

This ensures that every crucial step is overseen to limit any issues to the structure and integrity of the home. The first inspection helps to spot any issues with the excavation site. It ensures that the site has been graded properly with all footing spaced appropriately. The second inspection comes after the roof and windows are installed. Here the inspector makes sure that all framing elements and structural components, as well as wiring and plumbing, are strong before walls are erected.

Many homebuyers may opt to skip the last inspection. They may take it for granted that by this point, all elements of the home have already been given the go-ahead. But the third inspection helps to spot any “smaller” issues that become much more serious if you do not notice them in the beginning. Things like water drainage and ventilation will keep a house from being livable, and once you already have all your things moved inside, it becomes a real pain to shift your furniture around to make improvements.

No matter the type of inspection you need for your new home construction, Divinity Inspection Service is here to help! Contact us for a quote on a new construction inspection today!

 

References and further reading:

 

commercial building inspection scaled

Commercial Building Inspection: How do I Get My Tampa Business Building Inspected?

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A commercial building inspection is a longer process than a residential building inspection: There are more complex systems and generally a larger area to cover than in a residential home. Getting your building inspected in Tampa will require you to do your research into the most important aspects of identifying and selecting the best inspectors in the area to do the job right.

What Should I Look for in a Commercial Building Inspector?

commercial building inspectionCommercial building inspectors should be certified by several boards of inspection located in the United States and, if applicable, in your home state. The following inspection associations help to standardize the building inspection process to ensure that all member inspectors are performing high-quality work.

These are good options to look for when deciding on an inspector. If your inspector isn’t part of any of these groups or associations, look elsewhere.

Additionally, when choosing an inspector, you’ll want to ask them the kinds of things they’ll be looking for during the inspection. Make sure they list all of the following: utilities, heating and plumbing systems, roof, ventilation systems, fire protection, interior and exterior, electrical systems, paving, and landscaping. Ask to see a sample inspection they’ve done in the past to make sure that they have included all of these things in their previous reports. They should also include in their reports their recommendations for repairs and improvements to the buildings they inspect.

How Much Do Commercial Building Inspectors Cost?

Because of the size and scope of the work they do, commercial building inspectors will charge more than a residential home inspector. That’s because the buildings are generally larger and the complexity of the building calls for a more intensive process. Oftentimes, commercial building inspectors will subcontract out parts of the inspection. One reason for this might be that the building they are inspecting has complex systems such as HVAC or plumbing. In that case, they will ask for professional HVAC inspectors or plumbers to oversee those sections of the building. This adds hefty fees to the inspection bill.

Inspectors may choose to price out their commercial building inspection via a percentage of the sale price of the building. They also may multiply the size of the building by square feet times the number of hours they think it will take times their rate. All of this depends on the commercial building inspector of your choice.

Divinity Inspection Service offers both residential and commercial inspections in the Tampa area. We pride ourselves on being the best in the region, with great rates and quality inspections performed every time for our business customers. Trust in our 29 certifications, including Certified Master Inspector, to help you get the job done right the first time. Contact us today for your commercial building inspection!

 

References:

https://www.crestrealestate.com/commercial-building-inspection-checklist/

https://ccpia.org/how-to-price-a-commercial-building-inspection/

 

 

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What is the Difference between a Commercial Building Inspection and a Residential Building Inspection?

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inspector doing residential building inspectionWhether you hire an inspector for a commercial building inspection or a residential building inspection (home inspection), you want to make sure the inspector is up to the task. Both types of inspections require a level of knowledge that differs from the other: Commercial building inspectors typically understand a bit more about larger, more complex buildings than a standard home inspector. Understanding what goes on during both the commercial building inspection process and the residential building inspection process can help you choose the right inspectors for the job.

Residential Building Inspection/Home Inspection Process

During a home inspection, a certified home inspector will take a look at a variety of things in and around your home. This is to ensure that things are up to code and people are safe to live in the home as it is. It includes checking not only the structure of the home – including the foundation and the basement – but also

  • the heating and cooling systems
  • the water and fuel supply systems
  • the plumbing systems and drainage
  • and insulation and ventilation throughout the home. 

The home inspection will usually take about three hours, depending on the size of the home. It will conclude with a report given to you that details any and all inadequacies the inspector found in the home. The reports can be as short as a few pages or 100, with pictures included that document the deficiencies. These reports are often used by prospective homeowners to ask the old homeowner to make repairs before they purchase the home. They are private documents provided to the person who purchases the service, and no one will have access to the report save for those who allow it to be viewed. 

Commercial Building Inspection Process

One big difference between commercial building inspections and home inspections is the size and scope of the inspection. A commercial building is typically much larger than a typical home and will take longer than a home inspection to get through. The inspector needs to cover more space, which will take up more their time. This means more of a cost to the person who purchases the inspection. 

Commercial inspections also come with more variety. These types of inspections can include anything from

  • apartment buildings
  • grocery stores
  • restaurants
  • and warehouses, among others.

That means different shapes, sizes, and types of exhaust and ventilation systems will exist, as well as just the general designs of each building. Many inspection companies might employ whole teams to inspect the entire area of a building. Some may even subcontract out subject matter experts such as plumbers and HVAC specialists to ensure that all aspects of each system are inspected properly.

Regardless of whether you need a home inspection or a commercial building inspection, hiring the right people to do the job is important. Make sure that the company or contractor you hire has experience in performing the tasks at hand and can show you previous examples of their work, and know all the regulations and standards set by your state’s Building Code.

Contact us to schedule your own commercial or home inspection in Tampa, Florida!

 

Sources and further reading:

https://home.akitabox.com/blog/commercial-building-inspection-101/

https://www.nachi.org/performing-commercial-inspections.htm

 

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Is a Home Inspection Report Public or Private?

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A home inspection involves a professional home inspector thoroughly assessing the condition of the property. You will then receive ainspector writing home inspection report home inspection report that will include any findings regarding deficiencies, including structural damage and safety hazards at the property. It will address both critical concerns of the property and minor damages that don’t need to be rectified immediately. The report should also include photos to demonstrate the extent of any damage in the home. 

All inspectors write up reports following the Home Inspection Standards of Practice (SOP) defined by the association the home inspector is a member of. These include associations such as the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors, American Society of Home Inspectors, and National Association of Home Inspectors. Home inspectors look over and assess the following items on the property:

  • Exterior and interior walls, doors, windows, walkways and driveways, railings, porches, and vegetation
  • Heating and cooling systems
  • Structural components in the basement and foundation
  • Water and fuel supply systems, plumbing systems, and drainage 
  • Electrical systems including service grounding and bonding, lighting fixtures, service conductors, circuit breakers and fuses, and carbon monoxide and smoke detectors
  • Insulation and ventilation in the attic and mechanical exhaust systems in the kitchen and bathrooms

Who Performs Home Inspections?

Licensed home inspectors must carry a membership with the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors when performing inspections in the United States. They must pass the InterNACHI’s online inspector exam and comply with all the Standard of Practice set by them. In addition, some home inspectors will be part of more than one national association of home inspectors. Each association helps to keep home inspectors stay up to date on standards in home inspection and improves their knowledge of the process going forward.

Do You Need a Home Inspection Report?

When thinking of buying a home, a home inspection is incredibly important to understand what exactly it is you’re buying. The report will serve as a way for you to negotiate repairs with the seller or learn all the costs you might be taking on for repairs yourself once you buy the home. A home inspection does not signify anything in regards to your ability to purchase the home; it isn’t a test that the house has to pass or fail in order for you to buy it. The client pays for the inspection, as mortgage lenders don’t require inspections and will therefore not be part of their closing costs. Anyway, it is a small price to pay for peace of mind when buying a home.

Who gets to see the Home Inspection Report?

Unlike a home appraisal, a home inspection report is a private document that details the condition of the property. It is provided directly to the client, i.e., the owner or prospective owner of a home. 

It is not available to the public, so no one will have access to the home inspection report but you and whomever you choose to see it.

Are you in need of a home inspection in the Tampa area? Contact us to schedule an inspection!