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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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How Much Should Your Home Inspection Cost?

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The Value Of A Home Inspection

Some home buyers don’t see the value in getting a home inspection. Maybe you think a home inspection costs too much or maybe you think because the home is a new build it doesn’t need one. Whatever the reason might be, no reason is big enough to avoid getting a home inspection.

The average home inspection costs between $400 – $500, depending on the size of the home. A home inspection will take a few hours to complete and you’ll be left with a detailed report. You are paying for time, the report, experience, and you are paying for saving yourself from potentially major issues.

So how much should your home inspection cost?

Let’s look at the potential problems a home inspection is saving you from and their value.

Some of the major issues that could break a purchasing deal include foundation issues, electrical wiring, plumbing, a new roof and mold. Any one of these difficulties could create quite the quandary if they were a surprise. A new roof could costs $15,000 to replace. Mold could make your new home unlivable until extracted. Between your down payment and closing costs, unless you have a few extra thousand or more put away for emergencies, you could be facing a predicament. We don’t want to see that happen to anyone.

No matter how much you love the house you absolutely need to have it inspected.

Our goal is not to kill your deal.

Our goal is to make sure you are well educated before you complete your purchase so you can do so confidently. Home repairs come in all sizes. Some big, some small, some minor, and some major. When you get a thorough home inspection like Divinity Inspection Service offers, you can find peace of mind knowing that any issue will be identified, listed, and detailed in our home inspection report. All of a sudden $500 doesn’t sound like a lot now does it?

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The Most Common Home Inspection Issues in Tampa

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All around the United States each state faces their own common issues. Depending on the region’s weather, some homes go through much more hardship than others. I think it’s safe to say Florida has its own unique set circumstances when it comes to weather. Most days it is hot. Every once in a while we have random cold days, and if we’re lucky enough they string together to make a “cold front”. What we don’t have to do is to face the challenges that come with freezing or below freezing temperatures, snow, or tornadoes. Tornadoes in Tampa are rare. What we do have to be concerned with is hurricane season, flooding and a whole lot of humidity! As a result, there is a pattern of common home inspection issues you can prepare for or prepare to address. Check out some of the most common home inspection issues in Tampa below.

Sinkholes are all over

Florida has more sinkholes that any other state in the entire U.S.A. Let that ‘sink in’ for a second. As a result, the government in Florida has taken precautions, as well as created specific programs, to address sinkholes. There’s no need to fret over the possibility of sinkholes because they really aren’t as common as you might think. However, be prepared that when you are looking at a home for sale there is always a possibility that a sinkhole is under the foundation. If a sinkhole does exist that does not mean the property is dangerous. Especially if the sinkhole issue has already been addressed.

Roof Issues

Heat, humidity, low hanging trees and insufficient maintenance are all causes of roof damage. And in Tampa we have all three pretty much all the time. Many homeowners do not maintain their landscaping over their roofs. This would include cutting down any branches that might be hanging over the roof on laying on the roof. The intense heat and mix with humidity causes roof damage at an accelerated rate. This can be a very big expense and one you would definitely want to know about before purchasing the home.

Flooding and Flawed Drainage

Tampa was built on swamp land – which means a lot of water everywhere. Flooding is a very common occurrence in Tampa and flawed drainage is an issue we come across often. If you are considering purchasing a home and you have the opportunity to drive through the neighborhood during heavy rain, we highly suggest it. During the heavy rain you will be able to see if there are any flooding issues within the neighborhood. Also drive past the home you want to purchase and take a look to see if you can spot any flooding in the yard, driveway, or street.

Not every issue uncovered during an inspection is that serious, and blowing a minor problem out of proportion could create bad vibes and spell “no sale. If you’re the seller, how much is the problem going to cost you to fix, or how much will you have to concede to the buyer to make the repairs? If you’re the buyer, what should you ask from the seller, or should you just walk away from this house no matter how much you love it? Your home inspector and your real estate agent can help guide you to make these decisions. Give us a call today to schedule your home inspection now!