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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:

 

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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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Does Your House Need a Home Health Checkup?

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home health checkupEveryone knows that they should receive an annual health checkup from their doctor, but did you know that your house needs one too? 

No, an inspector doesn’t hold a stethoscope to the walls or take the room’s temperature. When your property receives a home health checkup, your report reveals expert knowledge about the major systems in your house and any issues that can cost you. 

Just like catching a disease early, when you catch house damage early, you can take steps to correct it and measures to prevent it from happening again. In the world of homeownership, that examination is called a “home health checkup.”

What is a Home Health Checkup?

Recently, home maintenance inspections are being referred to as home health checkups. During one, a home inspector reviews the entire home’s condition, much like a home inspection.

Homeowners commonly use these inspections when they intend to sell their property. Instead of waiting for a prospective buyer to hire a home inspector to perform a home inspection, the seller hires a certified inspector to perform a home maintenance inspection. Then they use that information to repair problems before their house enters the market so that their property sells fast.

Why do I Need a Home Health Checkup?

Even if you do not plan to sell your house, you can benefit from a home maintenance inspection. Rather than receiving the opinion of a contractor who has everything to gain from a high-priced renovation, a home inspector offers an unbiased view of the condition of your home.

This is also very helpful for someone who is handy around the house and understands how to perform their own home repairs. If you are a do-it-yourselfer who needs an expert eye to point you in the right direction, then a home health checkup is an incredible value.

For instance, if your roofing shingles have lost most of their granules, it means that they can no longer protect the underlayers effectively from water and sun damage. Replacing these shingles before they bulge, loosen, and blister can prevent water intrusion, mold growth, wood rot, and termite infestation. 

What does the Checkup cover? 

Just like a home inspection, a home maintenance inspection will help you to identify structural, electrical, and mechanical repairs by meticulously examining the:

  • Foundation
  • HVAC system
  • Electrical system
  • Plumbing system
  • Roof

The inspector will walk with you through the home and answer your questions. If he or she sees any cause for concern, they will tell you about it. Afterward, the inspector will write a lengthy report for you to refer to when hiring contractors or contacting your home insurance company.

How often should I have my Home checked?

Owning a home can be less stressful when you get a home maintenance inspection every three to five years. 

If a homeowner owns their house for 5 years or more, there is a very high chance that problems have quietly developed over time. These are issues that can easily be corrected with maintenance and minor repairs if they are detected early.

Warning signs such as cracks, tears, and staining may go unnoticed by you. Gradual changes to our environment are extremely easy to miss. But a trained home inspector who has never seen your property before, or who has not seen it in many years, will have a fresh perspective and keen eye for subtle telltale signs.

Home Health Checkup in Tampa, Florida

Many homeowners in Tampa, Florida, lose track of time and miss the little details that indicate big concerns. A home maintenance inspection report will give you all the information you need to make educated decisions about the future of your property. 

A home inspector from Divinity Inspection Service will discuss the severity of the issue, and its level of importance. With a wise friend by your side, you can feel confident that you are making the right decisions as a homeowner.

When you stay on top of your home repairs, you will keep you and your family safe and secure the condition of your home for generations to come. Schedule your inspection today!

 

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Inspection Report: What You Need to Know

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man writing inspection reportFinding a house you love and making it a home is a priority for many people. But searching for your dream home can be stressful. After all, you can’t possibly know everything about the house. 

Or can you? 

Buying a home can be made simpler when you have an inspection performed. A home inspection teaches you all you need to know about that property and what you can expect if you live there. Divinity Inspection Service helps you to make an educated decision by providing you with a thorough inspection report that details all the crucial components of a residential property. 

Once you have a home inspection report in your hands, you may have a load of information, but you still need to decide what the next steps will be. Ask the seller to make repairs? Walk away from the sale? Or accept the problems and tackle them yourself? 

The only way you can choose wisely is by learning how to use the information in your inspection report. In this blog, we will explain how to read an inspection report and what to look out for.

What is an Inspection Report?

An inspection report is a detailed list of everything wrong with the house. The inspection is performed by a trained and licensed inspector who meticulously combs through the home from top to bottom. They use a set of standards to maintain a high level of professionalism and consistency.

As they walk around and through the home, they check all major appliances and components including the:

  • Electrical
  • Plumbing
  • HVAC 
  • Roof
  • Foundation

The inspector focuses on:

  • Construction
  • Installation
  • Age
  • Damage
  • Dangers

Your Divinity home inspector will walk with you and explain what they see. If you have any questions, they will be more than happy to answer them.

Home Inspection Report Summary

After the entire inspection is performed, the inspector will write a brief summary, highlighting issues that require immediate attention or cause the most alarm. If there is a problem with the structure of the home, especially the roof, it will be included within the summary. 

Common health concerns like mold will also be here. Other red flags to watch out for are electrical issues that can result in fire and water damage.

Check the summary for health and safety risks that may impact your ability to move right in. If there are pests or dangers present, speak with your real estate agent right away. Depending on your contract, the seller may be obligated to make repairs before closing.

However, Florida is an “as-is” state, which means that some sellers may choose to sell their home in its current condition with no strings attached. A home inspection is still an important asset in this situation because it informs the buyer; but in an “as is” situation, the prospective buyer will be required to purchase the home or walk away. There will be no negotiations.

Reading Your Report

When reading your home inspection report, you should consider what repairs or renovations will be expensive. If you are not familiar with the cost of home repairs, feel free to ask your Divinity home inspector.

Home repairs that you should look out for include:

  • Structural
  • Mechanical
  • Electrical

For instance, if you see notes about foundation cracks, termite damage, roof replacement, or major appliances like the furnace, water heater, or air conditioner, this is cause for concern. These are big-ticket repairs you may not want to pay for.

Once you have an idea of what repairs need to be done in the home, it’s time to do some research. Find out exactly how much money it will cost for repair or replacement. Add them all up and ask yourself if this financial load is something you can bear. 

Before choosing to walk away, it’s best to speak with the seller about your concerns and show them the home inspection report. Some sellers are willing to give you credit, reduce the price of the home, or repair some things themselves. This can help to relieve some of the cost immediately.

Home Inspections in Tampa Bay

A home inspection report can be disappointing to many home buyers hopeful that their dream home is perfect. The truth is, no house is perfect. Every home inspection will find something to repair or replace. Even newly constructed homes will have their problems!

What’s important is that you have a knowledgeable and friendly inspector to explain these issues to you and help you to understand your options. With that information, you can negotiate and make your dreams come true.

When you need a wise friend to give you solid advice and guidance, hire a Divinity inspector to be your home-buying ally. Connect with one of our representatives today!