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small houses under a magnifying glass real estate 2022 09 30 15 16 41 utc

Top 6 Reasons Clients Choose Our Tampa Inspection Services in Florida

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Inspections are necessary so your property meets construction guidelines and prevents potential hazards. Serving the Tampa, Florida area, Divinity Inspection Services understands the importance of general building maintenance and works to address all significant issues. 

We also correspond directly with the home buyer to share our understanding in clear, comprehensible terms. To provide detailed information regarding our findings, we take digital photos and include them in our report, along with helpful diagrams and illustrations. 

To prevent any catastrophic issues, our professionals are careful to ensure no problems are missed. 

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We Offer Specialized Inspections 

What makes Tampa inspection services stand out is that we perform specialized and comprehensive inspections compared to our competitors. While other companies typically have their own individualized inspection checklists, we have advanced and detail-oriented measures for testing.

1. 4-Point Inspections

Although most companies do not perform standard 4-point inspections, we do. To evaluate potential liabilities in older homes, we use traditional 4-point inspections that check 

  • HVAC systems
  • Electrical wiring/panels
  • Plumbing
  • Roof condition
  • Remaining life expectancy 

Since older homes (25 years and older) are less likely to be insured, 4-point inspections help resolve or address any concerns.

2. Seller’s Pre-listing Inspections

The seller’s pre-listing inspections occur before the home is on the market. It includes examining the property for mechanical and structural issues. They assist in determining which systems and structures require repair, at the request of property owners. 

As a result, the seller and the agent can accurately represent the home by disclosing damage to buyers. In doing so, this eliminates potential lawsuits. This way, the buyer has the opportunity to resolve any issues. If you want to sell your home, this inspection will be beneficial.

3. Wind Mitigation

Wind mitigation inspections are necessary because Florida’s high winds can lead to massive destruction.

Assessment involves checking for the wind-resistant characteristics of the roof and its attachment to the walls. These characteristics further include evaluations for concrete block construction, a hip roof, single or double roof straps, gable end bracing, type of roof covering used, reinforced garage doors, impact-resistant glass, and window shutters.

A wind mitigation certificate is beneficial because it may qualify your home or property for large discounts on wind insurance, saving you lots of money. Insurance companies place a high value on wind-resistant features since they minimize storm damage. As a Florida resident, any upgrades will prevent hurricanes from affecting your indoor space. 

4. Mobile Home Inspections 

Mobile homes are built differently than regular homes. Therefore, we use a revised set of criteria for these inspections. The main features of these inspections include checks for walls and ceilings, wind damage, overall structure, and electrical wiring. 

Specifically, mobile homes must be strapped to the ground since they are more vulnerable to storms. And they must have aluminum wiring compared to traditional homes that require copper. Understanding these primary concerns and performing a thorough home review makes our Tampa inspection services successful. 

5. Infrared & Thermal Scanning

Infrared imaging or thermal scanning is a scientific tool that measures infrared radiation emitted from your home and temperature fluctuations. This scanning allows professionals to track your heat system’s flow. In the process, inspectors can easily find defects invisible to the naked eye, allowing them to look under the hood of your home with less effort. 

Experts can identify overheated electrical systems, HVAC air leaks, roof leaks, moisture intrusion, and insufficient insulation. Quickly, this technology is becoming a popular go-to tool for inspectors.  

6. Commercial Inspections

Along with the standard home inspections, Divinity also performs commercial inspections. Properties are checked for 

  • Overall site characteristics
    • Paving
    • Landscaping
    • Utilities
  • Structural frame
  • Building envelope
  • Roof surface areas
  • Mechanical and electrical systems
  • Plumbing
  • Heating, air conditioning and ventilation
  • Vertical transportation
  • Life safety
  • Fire protection
  • Interior elements 

In addition, professionals provide a document review, estimate probable costs, and follow up with any recommendations. 

Divinity Tampa Inspection Services in Florida

Here at Divinity Inspection Services, we offer a wide range of detailed inspections. Besides the services previously mentioned, we also check for pests. Our team of retired contractors turned inspectors undergoes monthly training on all aspects to ensure all inspections are performed at the highest level. 

If you’re looking for the top inspectors in the Tampa Bay area, contact us to schedule an inspection now! 

 

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When And How To Landscape Your Home

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Are you ready to make significant improvements to your landscaping? That time of year is quickly approaching. The temperature increases, the sun comes out and your lawn transitions back to the beautiful green color. Many homeowners use this season to make major landscape changes or start a garden. However, there is so much more you should be doing to improve your landscape and the functionality of your home.

Don’t forget to check your gutters

We never seem to remember the gutters until the rain comes down and flooding starts. As it warms up and before the rainy season begins, now is the time to clean out your gutters. Make sure you’ve removed all the leaves that have fallen during winter, any branches or debris and make any repairs that are needed.

Make a landscaping plan first

Now that your gutters are in good shape, it’s time to make a landscaping plan. The blooming flowers might entice you to just buy a bunch of them but you may quickly regret that decision. Before you purchase anything, first plan out your vision. Then, to bring your vision to life, price out the materials you need to create the look. Third, prep your property for the changes. This could mean removing existing plants, trees, etc. or clearing out space. Make your preparations in some cases before you buy anything. Lastly, purchase your landscape materials and plant.

Maintenance will make or break

Your landscape design doesn’t stop with planting. In fact, the hard work comes after you’ve finished making all your changes. Now it is time for the maintenance. Proper maintenance can make or break all the work you’ve just finished. Be sure to check the weather, frequently water ( or not water, depending on your gardens’ needs) and weed as needed.

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What Does Your Home Inspection Report Mean

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Any new first time home buyer who is unfamiliar with the home inspection process will have many questions. Some of the most common questions are about the home inspection report. This is not just about the process but what to do with this long list home inspection details. Here are three things you should absolutely do with your home inspection report.

Use your home inspection report as a negotiation tool

This will not apply to everyone but does apply to most. Very likely you will discover at least one major concern during the home inspection. A concern big enough that you will either want it addressed before you close on the house or you will want to adjust the closing costs to address the problem. Either way, the inspection report is your most important tool in making these negotiations. Your real estate agent will help you navigate these waters, so don’t try to do it on your own. Keep in mind, no matter what the report uncovers you always have the option to back out of the sale or adjust the terms.

Print a copy of your home inspection report

Any good home inspector will tell you the company will keep your inspection report in their records for up to a year. But you would be surprised how quickly a year flies by. Especially when you are busy settling into your new home. As soon as your report is available, print and keep a copy for your records. There will likely come a time when you will need to reference back to the report.

Look at your report after you move into the home

We always tell our clients that their report is like a home to-do list. Some of the findings will need to be addressed immediately. Others you will want to address eventually – so, not quite as pressing but still important. And lastly, some issues you will consider optional. Either you want to address it or you don’t, and either way it’s up to you. No matter what timeline you decide on, make it a point to look at your inspection report within six months after moving into your new home. Most homeowners will completely forget about home inspection findings they deemed important at the time. Use the report to create a home to-do list that you can tackle in your own time.

Divinity Inspection Services takes a slightly different approach to home inspections. Our goal is to educate you on the house you want to purchase in as much detail as possible. Not only do we take the time to complete a thorough inspection of the property, but we also take the time to discuss the inspection with you in detail. This gives you the opportunity to ask for clarification on anything. Be sure you attend the home inspection and be sure you hire the right company.

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What To Expect When You’re Closing On A House

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Closing on a house is one of the more tedious steps in the home buying process, even more so for a first time homebuyer. However, if you know what to expect and manage your expectations you will have a better experience. I’m sure your mortgage loan office or your real estate agent has told you what to expect when you’re closing on your home. But I thought a view from a home inspector might shed a unique light that you could benefit from.

The Home Inspection Process

Your home inspection is one of the bigger obstacles you will overcome to get to your closing. While many argue that a home inspection can make or break a deal, I encourage not to look at it that way. As your home inspector, our goal is to educate you as much as we can about your home before you buy it. The last thing you want to do is find a major repair that you have to address soon after you’ve spent all that money buying the house. And that’s what we want to avoid too. So, we will point out a bunch of little things. In fact, we’ll point out as much little things as we can because we just want to cover everything. But more importantly, we’ll point out any major concerns or issues that we find. How you address them with the seller is completely up to you.

The Closing Documents

I won’t bore you by talking about or breaking down your closing documents. Instead, I will warn you of all the documents you should be prepared to gather. Closing is a term used for the day you sign on your house. Essentially, you “close” on the home and it’s yours. However, the process itself starts much earlier. You’ll be asked to pull many documents from all over the place. If you have a good mortgage loan officer, they will provide you with a list of documents the lender will need way ahead of time. Hopefully, you’ll have more than enough time to get everything together. Because the more prepared you are, the faster you can close.

All The Signing

The statement “You’ll sign your life away” comes from this specific day. Unlike borrowing money for just about any other loan, this one in particular requires many, many signatures. So, on your actual day of closing, you’ll sit down with the title officer. Sometimes your real estate agent or mortgage officer will join you to help walk you through all the paperwork and answer any questions you might have. And as they walk you through what you’re signing, you just keep signing. And signing. And signing. And finally, when they have all the signatures they need and verify your deposit, notarize the documents, file them, etc. then you’re finally done! And you should walk out of there with the keys.

If you’ve purchased a house before then this information may seem mundane. But think back to the very first home you purchased. Did you know to this level of detail what would be happening? Do you wish you did? Sometimes having more detail can help turn down the anxiety that naturally comes with buying a home. So can having a great home inspector!

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Does Your Property Inspector Know What You Need?

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Do you feel confident your property inspector knows what you need even if you don’t? I have a great story about a client who had to pay twice for his property inspection. Thankfully this story has a good ending. In fact, it also had a good beginning, but the middle part got a little rough.

This gentleman chose his property inspector based on the price of the inspection. He was in a rush to have the space inspected in order to meet his deadlines. And while this inspector was good, he didn’t concern himself with what the client needed. Only with what he was asked to do.

A few days later I receive a call from the gentleman in a bit of a panic. He needs another inspection and he needs it as soon as possible. As it turns out, while the other property inspector costed him less, he did not do a four point inspection or a wind mitigation inspection. It is possible that might be why his prices were lower. The client was in such a rush to have the inspection done that he didn’t confirm exactly what was getting done.

Divinity inspection does more than home and property inspections. We do it all and we can do it all in one inspection. This includes wind mitigation, four point inspection, pool leak inspection and new construction inspections. Our prices may not be the lowest, but they are fair and they are reasonable.

More importantly, we make sure all of your needs are being met. All of our inspectors are trained and certified. And because we have so much experience, we know exactly what kind of inspection you need. Even if you don’t. And we’ll make sure you have all the information you need so you don’t end up paying for a property inspection twice. We want to make the process as easy and as comfortable as possible. We want you to feel informed, confident, and most of all comfortable.

You can find two very important things on our website that speak to both our credibility and standards. As you search for and interview property inspectors, feel free to use these as standards. First, our certifications. Here on our website you can see a list of all of our certificates and you can see that we find education and proper training very important. Second, you will find our Standards of Practice. These are company standards that we’ve created for ourselves and abide by. We expect all of our inspectors to follow the same standards of practice to ensure excellent service across the board.

You can schedule an inspection directly through our website but we also love phone calls. Please feel free to call us with any questions you have. We try to accommodate our clients by being accessible for inspections needed as soon as possible. We even work on the weekends.