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The 7 Most Common Home Inspection Issues in Florida

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Identifying and addressing common home inspection issues is crucial for maintaining the value and safety of a property. That’s why, when it comes to buying a new home in Tampa, Florida, one of the most important steps in the process is the home inspection.

When you understand the most common problems in a residential property, it allows you to negotiate fair prices and request necessary repairs. In this article, we will explore the most common home inspection issues in Florida and provide valuable insights to help you navigate the inspection process with confidence.

Concept art with magnifying glass investigating common home inspection issues

 

1. Roofing Problems


With its intense heat, heavy rainfall, and occasional hurricanes, Tampa, Florida’s climate puts significant stress on roofs. So it should not be a surprise that roof problems are the most common issue found during home inspections.


Because of this, Florida inspectors often find things like

  • Missing shingle(s)
  • Damaged shingle(s)
  • Improper installation
  • Leaks
  • Inadequate ventilation


Unfortunately, these problems can lead to water damage, mold growth, and compromised structural integrity if not addressed promptly.

2. Electrical System Deficiencies


Did you know that an outdated or faulty electrical system can pose serious safety hazards? During a home inspection, inspectors look closely at the electrical panels, wiring, outlets, and switches to make sure you are safe.


Some common electrical problems are

  • Outdated wiring
  • Insufficient grounding
  • Overloaded circuits
  • Improper installations

These problems not only make electrical fires more likely, but they can also cause electrical shocks and damage to appliances and electronics. 

3. Plumbing Leaks and Drainage Problems

Because Tampa, Florida has a high water table and gets a lot of rain, plumbing problems are common. So it makes sense that inspectors would want to check plumbing systems carefully for leaks, water damage, clogged drains, and not enough drainage.

Some of the most common plumbing issues in Florida homes are:

  • Corroded pipes
  • Faulty water heaters
  • Inadequate water pressure
  • Insufficient drainage systems


If you take care of these problems quickly, you can stop water damage, mold growth, and possible health problems.

4. HVAC System Malfunctions


Because of the hot and muggy climate in Tampa, Florida, it is essential to have a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system that is in good working order. It’s important for both comfort and the quality of the air inside the building. 

That is why they check the following when performing an HVAC inspection:

  • AC units
  • Furnaces
  • Ductwork
  • Insulation

Some of the most typical problems involving the HVAC system are:

  • Inadequate cooling or heating
  • Dirty filters
  • Malfunctioning thermostats
  • Wrong unit size
  • Duct leaks
  • Improper installation

Do not let the fact that these issues were found on your home inspection dampen your spirits. Keeping up with routine maintenance and repairs is the key to maximizing comfort and minimizing utility costs.

5. Structural Problems


Florida’s unique geographical features, such as high water tables and sinkhole-prone areas, can lead to structural problems in homes.


This is why inspectors look for signs of foundation issues, such as:

  • Cracks in walls or floors
  • Uneven settling
  • Damaged supports
  • Deteriorating supports


It is critical to address these structural problems promptly to prevent further damage and ensure the safety and stability of the home

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6. Pest Infestations


Florida’s warm and humid climate also creates an ideal breeding ground for
various pests.

Examples of common intruders are

  • Termites
  • Ants
  • Roaches
  • Rodents

Because of this, inspectors thoroughly examine the property for signs of pest infestations, such
as:

  • Termite damage
  • Droppings
  • Nests
  • Gnaw marks

If left untreated, pest infestations can cause extensive damage to the structure and compromise the overall integrity of the home.

7. Mold and Mildew Growth

Tampa, Florida’s high humidity levels make homes susceptible to mold and mildew growth, especially in areas with poor ventilation or water intrusion.


Home inspectors inspect areas prone to moisture, such as bathrooms and the attic, for signs of

  • Mold
  • Mildew
  • Water damage

Mold can cause health issues and lead to costly remediation if not addressed promptly.

A Closer Look at Common Home Inspection Issues

Buying or selling a home in Florida is an exciting venture, but it also comes with some serious obligations. Understanding and fixing common home inspection issues that affect property value and safety is crucial to this process.

As a buyer, knowing these pitfalls gives you confidence in negotiations. Armed with insights into roofing problems, electrical system deficiencies, plumbing leaks, HVAC malfunctions, structural concerns, pest infestations, and mold growth, you’ll be well-prepared to make informed decisions. By taking appropriate measures early on, you can save yourself from the stress of dealing with costly repairs down the road and ensure your new home remains a safe haven.

For sellers, knowledge of these inspection issues is equally important. Fixing issues before listing your home can boost its value and attract more discerning buyers. Demonstrating a proactive approach to maintenance and repairs shows that you care about your property’s condition and instills trust in potential buyers.

Remember, a comprehensive home inspection is not just a checkbox on your to-do list. It’s an investment in your future—a safeguard for your peace of mind and the long-term value of your property.

At Divinity Inspection Services, we understand the significance of this journey, and we’re here to guide you every step of the way. With our experienced inspectors and meticulous approach, we leave no stone unturned in identifying and explaining potential issues. 

We believe in empowering our clients with knowledge, giving them the confidence to make the right decisions.

So don’t let uncertainties hold you back! Reach out to us today for your free quote. 

Let us join you on this adventure, unlocking the secrets of home inspection and helping you embark on a path of confidence and security.

home maintenance tips and tools scaled

7 Home Maintenance Tips for Your New Home

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After moving into a new house, most people get caught up in the excitement of settling in and exploring their new home. However, as time goes by, maintenance can be something that is easily overlooked. Whether you’ve just moved into a brand-new home or one that is already a bit older, everyone needs to remember to keep on top of the small things. Here are some helpful home maintenance tips for your new home.

tools to use regarding home maintenance tips

1. Consider your Home Inspection Report

In the process of purchasing your home, you have probably had a home inspection done. Take a second look at it to see whether there are some issues that should be addressed now.

2. Change the Light Bulbs

The first maintenance task that you should do every year is to change the light bulbs. This is a simple and easy thing to do, but if it is left for too long, it can cause a huge safety hazard. Make sure to change all of the light bulbs in your home, including the ones in the garage and the outdoor lights. Not only will this keep your home feeling bright and welcoming, but it will also improve the safety of your home and reduce the risk of an accident occurring.

3. Trim Trees and Shrubs

Whether you have a few trees or a large amount of shrubs, it is important to keep them maintained and trimmed. When you have trees growing in your backyard, they can cause a lot of damage to your home and property if they are not kept in check. When trees and shrubs are not properly trimmed, they can grow too close to your roof, causing it to sag and making it more susceptible to damage from strong winds. They can also grow too close to the power lines and transformers, which can cause damage to the house’s wiring and result in an electrical fire.

4. Check Faucets and Drains

As you go about the rest of your daily tasks, take a few minutes to check the faucets and drains in your home. If you have slow-draining water, it is likely due to a buildup of debris in the pipe. To avoid this from happening again, you can use a small drain cleaner or an auger to clear it out. You should also check the faucets in your home for signs of wear and tear. If you notice that something needs to be replaced or fixed, schedule an appointment with a plumber as soon as you can so the problem doesn’t get worse.

5. Add Weather Stripping

If there are any doors or windows in your home that are letting in too much cold air (or heat, for that matter), add in some weather stripping to prevent it from happening. When it comes to windows, check the seal at the bottom of each one and replace any that are not in good condition. For the doors in your home, check the seal around the frame and replace it if necessary.

6. Inspect the Roof and Windows

The roof and windows of your home are likely the oldest parts of the house, so they need the most maintenance. During the first few months of living in your new home, be sure to check the roof regularly for any signs of wear and tear. When it comes to the windows, check to see if they are functioning properly and clean them regularly to prevent dust and dirt from collecting on them.

7. Air Conditioning

If you have an air conditioner in your home, you will find information regarding its condition in your home inspection report as well. Aside from any necessary repairs, make sure regular maintenance of your AC/HVAC is being performed. This is not only necessary to keep your AC system in good shape, but it also prevents potential damages to your home, like the build-up of moisture and, therefore, mold.

Conclusion

Home maintenance is an ongoing process that is necessary to keep your house in good condition. For your new home, staying on top of the small maintenance tasks is important to keep it in good condition for years to come. Don’t forget about the simple things, as they can quickly get pushed to the side when there are bigger projects to take care of.

Divinity Home Inspection Services – Your trusted Inspection Experts in Tampa, Florida

As always, we are your competent partners for professional inspections of your private as well as commercial properties. Keep in mind that this does not only apply to the purchasing/selling process! If you have been living and/or working on your property for a few years or intend to have certain construction projects done, hiring an inspector can make a lot of sense as well. One way or the other – don’t hesitate to get in touch for more information!

 

inspector writing home inspection report scaled

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!

 

home health checkup scaled

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!

 

Question what happens after a home inspection is completed

What Happens After a Home Inspection Is Completed?

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Home inspections are the deal breakers of the real estate market. Most home inspections will find multiple minor problems, but when they find major issues in the condition of the home, you become nervous!

Suddenly buyer’s remorse kicks in and you wonder, is the house really worth it? 

If these are worries or concerns that are running through your mind during the home buyer’s journey, fear not! We will help you to understand exactly what happens after a home inspection is completed.

Question: What happens after a home inspection is completed?

Seller’s Options

Once you receive your home inspection report, you will find a list of repairs that should be made on the property. You have the option to accept it as it is, try to negotiate, or walk away.

Most people attempt to haggle over renovations, replacements, credit, or cost reduction because why not? If you can leverage your home inspection report to save money, why shouldn’t you?

But just as you have a choice, so does the seller.

Sellers have the option to: 

  • Agree to do all repairs
  • Counter and agree to only some repairs
  • Counter and offer credit toward the buyer’s closing cost instead of making repairs
  • Refuse to do anything

The seller is not obligated to make any repairs or offer credit, but if he or she agrees to, the negotiations will continue. If the seller refuses to make repairs, the buyer must decide if they will end the contract or move forward.

So, what happens after a home inspection is completed? Let’s take a better look at the above-mentioned scenarios. 

The Seller Agrees to Do Repairs

Whether the seller agrees to do some or all of the repairs, they will have the choice to renovate as they see fit. This could mean that they DIY the project and hope for the best or that they hire a qualified contractor. 

This is why some buyers prefer credit. If the home inspector found leaky pipes and the owners claim that they have fixed those pipes, how do you know that the job was done right? Well, that’s when many people call the inspector back. 

For a smaller charge than the original inspection, an inspector will return to the property for you to check if the repairs were completed properly. A follow-up inspection is an essential step if the repair was a crucial component of the home that poses a safety hazard or risks further damage. 

Credit Towards the Closing Cost

Although this is your safest option and the least difficult to undertake, when a seller agrees to offer credit, it’s easy for the negotiations to get ugly. The homebuyer needs to be realistic about the price of new appliances or repair costs and acquire accurate estimates.

If the average furnace costs between $2,000 and $7,000, you shouldn’t ask for the highest price. Only if your research has proven that the exact size needed will cost $7,000 will the request be taken seriously. 

You must be sincere in what is actually required and not take advantage of the seller’s generosity. This will ensure a happy negotiation process and result in you purchasing your dream home without a hitch. 

Refusal to Negotiate

A home inspection report gives you the leverage to end the contract via the home inspection contingency. Both you and the seller have the option to refuse to negotiate. 

A home inspection contingency is an agreement that states that the prospective buyers will buy the home if the property passes the home inspection; however, if it does not, the buyer has the option to walk away without any obligation. 

The good news for home buyers is, no house ever “passes” a home inspection. There will always be at least one problem revealed in the report.

But we understand that nobody wants this to happen. You paid good money to have a home inspection because you love the house and wanted to own it. If the seller refuses to negotiate and the buyer walks away from the home, it’s natural to be upset. 

However, it’s important to consider that without the home inspection, they would have purchased the property with all of its flaws included. Only with the knowledge obtained through the home inspection will the buyer be able to gain intel into the condition of the home.

Don’t give up! Dust yourself off and get back into the market. Your future home is waiting for you, and with the help of a trusted real estate agent and home inspector, you’re sure to find it.

Home Inspection Services in the Tampa Bay Area

If you are looking to buy a home, we hope you always choose to accept the home inspection contingency agreement and have a home inspection performed. The report you will receive offers valuable information about the condition of the property as well as valuable time to reconsider if you really want to make that investment.

Knowing what happens after a home inspection is completed, will hopefully help you to make informed decisions. If you are looking for a meticulous home inspection service that will help you to decide if the house you want will be the home of your dreams or the money pit of your nightmares, schedule an inspection with Divinity Inspection Service today!