Frequently Asked Questions

A: Yes, all home inspectors in Florida must be licensed by the Florida Home Inspector Licensure Board to perform home inspections for compensation. 

To qualify for licensure, inspectors must meet specific education and experience requirements and pass a state licensing examination. They must also adhere to the Board’s Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics. For more details, visit our Licensing Information page.

A: A home inspection is a 400-point evaluation of the visible and accessible systems and components of a home, such as the plumbing system, roof, and more. It gives the client, usually a homebuyer, a better understanding of the system’s condition.

It is important to know what a home inspection is not. A home inspection is not:

  • An appraisal of the property’s value
  • A coverage of the cost of repairs
  • A guarantee that the home complies with local Florida building codes (which are subject to periodic change)
  • A guarantee that an item inspected will not fail in the future

(Note: Warranties may be purchased to cover many items.)

Home inspections also should not be considered a “technically exhaustive” evaluation but rather an assessment of the property on the day it is inspected, taking into account normal wear and tear. For more detailed insights, you can visit our Home Inspection Details page and Blog for related articles.

A: Most homebuyers lack knowledge or understanding of industry norms. Buying a home is an emotional decision, so detachment and objectivity are needed to inspect a home properly. 

By using the services of a Licensed Home Inspector, homebuyers can gain a better understanding of the property’s condition, especially if any items do not “function as intended,” “adversely affect the habitability of the dwelling,” or “warrant further investigation.”

Key Benefits of a Home Inspection:

  • Professional inspectors provide an unbiased assessment of the property’s condition.
  • Homebuyers can make informed decisions based on the inspection report.
  • Knowing the true condition of the property can provide peace of mind.
  • Inspection reports can be used to negotiate repairs or price adjustments.

For more information on the benefits of home inspections, check out our Home Inspection Benefits page.

A: There is no single association that makes inspectors “better” than their competitors. Each inspector must meet a minimum set of standards put forth by their association’s Standards of Practice and/or Code of Ethics, and all major state or national inspection associations require continuing education. Most association SOPs and COEs mirror one another.

Keep in mind that inspectors come from various occupations. Some have backgrounds in the construction trade, others are licensed engineers, some worked in information technology (IT), while others were pest control technicians. 

The important thing is that the inspector you hire is properly trained to perform an inspection on your property, has proven experience, is endorsed by actual clients, and carries the appropriate insurances, licenses, and certifications to do the job they advertise.

Being an “association member” and a “great home inspector” are not mutually exclusive. However, inspectors who belong to recognized state and national associations receive ongoing educational opportunities that many non-association inspectors may neglect or not even know about. 

For more information, you can check our  Inspector Qualifications page.

A: The term “deal killer” refers to inspectors whose findings, after an inspection, motivate a buyer to avoid moving forward with the transaction. No inspector can predict what findings will “kill” a deal, as the decision to buy or not ultimately belongs to the client. Sometimes, a deal can be “killed” by the seller’s unwillingness to fix something or the agents’ inability to negotiate terms.

Contrary to the negative connotation, “deal killer” inspectors are becoming popular as the buyer’s inspector-of-choice due to their protective nature towards clients and attention to detail. Even buyer’s agents appreciate “deal killer” inspectors for helping avoid potential liabilities associated with transactions.

The inspector’s track record is also useful in pre-inspections, helping motivated sellers and agents find the right price to sell homes quicker in a slow-moving economy.

For more on this topic, visit our Inspector Insights page.

A: Different inspectors use various methods to generate reports. Some may still write their reports by hand, while others use checklists. However, many inspectors today use sophisticated reporting software that allows for photos to be inserted and comments to be generated quickly.

Because the report is the most important result of an inspection, you should request a sample report from the inspector to review. Many inspectors have sample reports available online in PDF format. By reviewing these samples, you can determine if the inspector will provide you with a thorough inspection report. 

For more details, visit our Sample Reports page.

A: The average home inspection takes between two and four hours. The exact time depends on factors like 

  1. The size and age of the building
  2. The type of inspection
  3. The equipment used by the inspector
  4. What the inspector includes in their service. 

After the inspection, the inspector needs time to write the report, which usually takes about 24 hours. You won’t witness this part, but it’s crucial for providing a thorough and accurate inspection report.

For more information on what to expect during an inspection, check out our Inspection Process page.

A: The answer is both yes and no. Home inspectors typically evaluate structural components like 

  • Floors
  • Walls
  • Roofs
  • Chimneys
  • Foundations

They also evaluate mechanical systems such as 

  • Plumbing
  • Electrical
  • Heating
  • Air Conditioning
  • Installed appliances
  • And other major parts of the property

However, the Home Inspector Licensure Board’s Standards of Practice do not require inspectors to report on things like wood-destroying insects, environmental contamination, detached structures, and some other items listed in the Offer to Purchase and Contract form. 

It’s important to ask the inspector if they cover all the things that matter to you. If not, you’ll need to arrange for a specialist to inspect those items.

For a detailed description of the services provided by the home inspector (and their cost), carefully read the written contract, which must be provided and signed before the inspection. 

For more info, visit our Inspection Services page.

A: You can arrange for the home inspection yourself or ask your real estate agent to assist you. If the inspection is scheduled after you have signed the purchase contract, be sure to schedule the inspection as soon as possible to allow adequate time for any necessary repairs. 

For more details, visit our Request an Inspection page.

Typically, the buyer is responsible for the cost of the home inspection and any subsequent inspections. 

For more information, you can visit our Inspection Costs page.

A: The cost of a home inspection can vary based on 3 factors:

  1. Size of the Property
  2. Age of the Property
  3. Location

Larger homes generally take longer to inspect and may cost more. Furthermore, older homes might have more issues, requiring a more thorough inspection. The region or city where the property is located can also affect the cost.

On average, you can expect to pay between $300 and $500 for a standard home inspection. However, additional services, like radon testing or mold inspection, can add to the cost. 

For a more detailed breakdown, check out our Inspection Costs page.

A: Yes, whenever possible, you should be present during the home inspection. Here’s 5 reasons why:

  1. The inspector can review the results with you in real-time and point out any problems found.
  2. You can ask questions and get explanations about the condition of the property.
  3. The inspection typically takes two to three hours, depending on the size and age of the dwelling.
  4. The inspector should provide you with a written report within three business days after the inspection, unless otherwise stated in your contract.
  5. The inspection report is your property and cannot be shared with others without your permission.

Usually the inspection of the home will take two to three hours (the time can vary depending upon the size and age of the dwelling). The home inspector should give you a written report of the home inspection within three business days after the inspection is performed (unless otherwise stated in your contract with the home inspector). 

The home inspection report is your property. The home inspector may only give it to you and may not share it with other persons without your permission.

For more details on the inspection process, check out our Inspection Process page.

A: No, home inspections are not all the same. While the Home Inspector Licensure Board has established minimum requirements for report-writing, the content and format of reports can vary significantly. Here are some key points:

  1. Reports can range from a simple checklist of systems and components to a detailed narrative evaluation, or any combination of the two.
  2. Home inspectors are required to give you a written summary that identifies any system or component that does not function as intended, adversely affects the habitability of the dwelling, or warrants further investigation by a specialist.

Please read the full report! The summary does not necessarily include all defective or deficient items. Therefore, it is crucial to read and understand the entire home inspection report, not just the summary.

For more details, visit our Inspection Report Standards page.

A: If the inspector finds problems during the inspection, here’s what usually happens:

  1. The issues will be documented in the inspection report, detailing what was found and its severity.
  2. You can review the report with your real estate agent to understand the implications.
  3. Depending on the findings, you may have the option to negotiate with the seller for repairs, a reduction in price, or other adjustments.
  4. For significant issues, you may need to hire specialists (like plumbers, electricians, or structural engineers) to get detailed assessments and repair estimates.

It’s important to address these problems before finalizing your purchase to avoid unexpected costs and complications. 

For more info, check out our Handling Inspection Issues page.

A: If you believe something was missed during the inspection, follow these steps:

  • Contact the inspector.

Before making any repairs (except for emergency repairs), call the inspector or the inspection company to discuss the issue.

  • Avoid extra charges.

Discussing the problem over the phone can often avoid a “trip charge” for a follow-up visit.

  • Find clarification and a resolution.

The inspector can answer your questions and provide clarification over the phone. If necessary, they may arrange a follow-up inspection to address the issue.

It’s important to communicate any concerns promptly to ensure they are resolved effectively. 

For more information, check our Inspection Follow-Up page.

A: Yes, you can request a re-inspection after the seller has made repairs. This step is crucial because some repairs may not be as straightforward as they initially seem. Having an inspector review the work can make sure it meets necessary standards. 

However, it’s important to understand that the re-inspection is not a warranty of the repairs—it is only an evaluation to assess the quality and completeness of the work done. Additionally, home inspectors typically charge a fee for re-inspections. Please discuss these costs with your inspector beforehand to avoid any surprises. 

For more detailed information, you can visit our Re-Inspection Services page.

A: Scheduling a home inspection with us is easy! You can simply visit our Schedule Your Inspection page and fill out the online form. 

Alternatively, you can give us a call at one of three locations.

Tampa (Main Office): 813 368 6813

St. Petersburg Office: 727 289 8237

Brooksville Office: 352 797 9712

Or email us via our Contact Us page. 

Our friendly team will guide you through the process and help you set up an appointment at your convenience. Don’t wait—secure your peace of mind and schedule your inspection now!

Don’t see your question here?

Visit our Contact page or call us directly at: (813) 368-6813 or (727) 289-8237 – to get the information you need for your home inspection service.