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How to Choose a Home Inspector in Florida

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Homeownership in the Tampa Bay Area can be a rewarding experience, but it also comes with challenges. You may wonder how to choose a home inspector in Florida correctly. After all, there are so many to choose from!

How do you pick one that you can trust? 

Well, you’re in luck because we are here to help simplify that process for you!

 

woman reading up on how to choose a home inspector

Understanding the Role of a Home Inspector

 

A home inspector is a professional who inspects a house or other building in order to determine its overall condition. As they inspect your home, they fill out an inspection report. 

For both buyers and sellers, an objective condition assessment is invaluable! This official documentation provides you with something you can present to others.

An inspection report is extremely useful when filing insurance claims or hiring contractors. 

Learning about the true condition of your home or commercial property is crucial because it points out any issues that may lower the property’s value or put you in danger.

 

Why Choosing the Right Home Inspector Matters

 

The importance of a thorough, expert home inspection cannot be understated. This crucial step can protect you from unexpected repair costs or safety issues down the line. 

A high-quality home inspector will provide a comprehensive assessment, ensuring that every aspect of the property is evaluated. From the rooftop to the foundation, and everything in between, the entire building will be covered.

 

Key Factors to Consider when Choosing a Home Inspector

 

When looking for a home inspector in Florida, it is important to think about the following:

  • Licensing and Certifications

In Tampa, home inspectors must hold a valid license from the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation. Don’t hesitate to ask for their license number and cross-check it with the state’s official database.

 

  • Experience and Expertise

Look for a home inspector with extensive experience and knowledge of our state’s unique climate and construction styles. An inspector with years of experience and a deep understanding of Florida’s local building codes and regulations will be able to provide a more thorough and accurate assessment.

 

  • Professional Affiliations

Home inspectors associated with professional organizations, such as the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) or the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI), are generally held to higher standards and follow strict codes of ethics and standards of practice.

 

  • Sample Reports

Request a sample report from the Divinity Inspection Service. A comprehensive report should be detailed, easy to understand, and include clear images. 

It should provide you with an in-depth understanding of any potential issues found during the inspection.

 

  • Additional Services

Divinity Inspection Services offers additional services, such as termite inspections, mold testing, and radon testing. With these extra services, you can get a better idea of the property’s overall condition.

 

  • Recommendations and Reviews

Online reviews and personal recommendations can be valuable resources when choosing a home inspector. Hearing about the experiences of others can provide insights into an inspector’s professionalism, thoroughness, and customer service.

Check out Divinity Inspection Services testimonials!

 

How to Choose a Home Inspector for Success

 

It’s essential to understand “How to Choose a Home Inspector” who can provide a comprehensive, detailed report. Choosing the right home inspector in Tampa, Florida, requires a thoughtful and careful approach. But the peace of mind and security it provides are priceless. 

Remember to consider your next home inspector’s

  • Licensing
  • Experience
  • Affiliations
  • Reports
  • Services
  • Reputation 

 

With these considerations in mind, you’ll be well on your way to securing a comprehensive, accurate, and helpful home inspection. 

If you are looking for a certified inspector to inspect your home or business in Hillsborough, Pinellas, or Pasco counties, Reach out to us at Divinity Inspection Services.

With a team of highly experienced, knowledgeable, and licensed inspectors, we pride ourselves on providing thorough, unbiased, and comprehensive inspections. Whether you own a home, are looking to buy a home, or run a business, our detailed reports will give you the information you need to make smart decisions. 

 

You can count on us to help you make choices about your property in Florida with clarity, confidence, and peace of mind. We’re just a call away, ready to serve you with the utmost professionalism and expertise.

 

Do I Need a Tiny House Inspection tiny house exterior scaled

Do I Need a Tiny House Inspection?

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Whether you’re an experienced tiny house dweller or just starting out, a tiny house inspection can be a great way to ensure that everything is safe and secure in your home. Tiny houses are unique structures and require special attention when it comes to safety and durability. A tiny house inspection can help you identify potential problems before they become costly repairs and can give you peace of mind that your tiny house is up to code and ready to live in. Therefore, our answer to the question: “Do I need a tiny house inspection?” can only be: “YES!”

Do I Need a Tiny House Inspection - tiny house in a hand

What is a Tiny House Inspection?

A tiny house inspection is a thorough evaluation of your home’s structure, condition, and safety features. The inspector looks for any potential problems or weak spots in the structure, from the foundation to the roof. Inspectors also check for any potential hazards, such as 

  • faulty wiring or plumbing
  • as well as any potential code violations
  • or safety issues like fire or carbon monoxide hazards, mold, or other hazardous materials 

Further areas of interest are 

  • the electrical system
  • plumbing
  • windows
  • and doors

The inspector will also

  • check for any structural damage or weaknesses
  • check to make sure that the house is properly insulated
  • and has adequate ventilation.

Overall, a tiny house inspection will help you identify any potential problems before they become costly repairs. It can also give you peace of mind that your home is up to code and safe to live in.

Benefits of Getting a Tiny House Inspection

Getting a tiny house inspection can be beneficial in many ways: 

  • It can help you identify any potential problems with your home before they become costly repairs. 
  • It can also give you peace of mind that your home is up to code and safe to live in. This can be especially important if you’re selling your tiny house, as many potential buyers will require an inspection before they conclude the purchase.
  • Finally, an inspection can help you save money in the long run. By identifying any potential problems early on, you can avoid costly repairs down the line. 

How to Prepare for a Tiny House Inspection

Before the inspector arrives, you want to make sure that your tiny house is properly prepared. This can include cleaning the house and making sure that all windows and doors are unlocked. It’s also important to make sure that all electrical systems are functioning properly and that all plumbing fixtures are working correctly.

It’s also important to make sure that all of your paperwork is in order. This can include any permits or other documents related to the tiny house. Having this information ready can help the inspector quickly and efficiently evaluate your home.

Finally, it’s important to make sure that you are available during the inspection. This can help the inspector answer any questions you may have and address any concerns that may arise during the inspection.

How to Address Issues Found During a Tiny House Inspection

If the inspector finds any potential issues with your tiny house, it’s important to address them promptly. In most cases, minor issues can be easily corrected, while more serious issues may require more extensive repairs.

It’s also important to make sure that any repairs or corrections are done properly. If you’re not sure how to address the issues found during the inspection, it’s important to consult a qualified contractor or builder. They can help you determine the best course of action and ensure that any repairs or corrections are done properly.

Conclusion – Tiny House Inspections in Tampa Bay

With the right inspector and the proper preparation, as well as follow-up, a tiny house inspection can help you get the most out of your home. Therefore, instead of asking yourself: “Do I need a Tiny House inspection?” you might rather consider: “Can I afford not to have a Tiny House inspection?

Get in touch with our teams in Tampa, St. Pete, or Brooksville to schedule an inspection with Divinity Home Inspections or to address any questions you might have!

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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