EXPHIS

Inspecting for the Unexpected

What is a Home Inspection?

A home inspection is a limited, non-invasive examination of the condition of a home, often in connection with the sale of that home. Home inspections are usually conducted by a home inspector who has been licensed by the state, and has received training and certifications to perform such inspections. The inspector prepares and delivers to the client, a written report of findings. The client then uses the knowledge gained to make informed decisions about their pending real estate purchase. A Home Inspection describes the condition of the home at the time of inspection but does not guarantee future condition, efficiency, or life expectancy of systems or components.

What is a Wind Mitigation Inspection?

Many homes in Florida are built with wind-damage mitigation features that help protect them from the heavy wind and rain experienced in a hurricane or tropical storm. Homes and businesses with such features may qualify for policy premium discounts by documenting any approved features through a wind mitigation inspection.

In a hurricane or other severe storms, homes are battered by heavy wind. Wind-damage mitigation features protect against wind damage by helping your home withstand these forces. Documenting the presence of qualifying mitigation features on your home through a Wind Mitigation Inspection may save you money by helping you qualify for mitigation discounts on your insurance policy.

Common Wind-Damage Mitigation Features

Doors and Windows designed to withstand wind pressure and projectiles
Storm Shutters or panels that protect your windows and other openings from wind, rain and projectiles
Roofing Materials and coverings that are rated to resist high winds and water intrusion
Attachments used for roofs that are specially designed to prevent the roof from being blown off by severe winds
Roof Shapes that are more resistant to high winds

What is a 4-Point Inspection?

When you own or purchase an older home, rental property, or condo in Florida, you will likely need a 4 point inspection before purchasing a homeowners insurance policy. Most insurance companies will require a 4 point inspection when a home is older than 20, 30 or 40 years (time-frame depends on the insurance company), or a rental property is older than 30 years. You can get an insurance quote without an inspection. However, you will need inspection before actually purchasing the policy.

Each FL insurance company has slightly different guidelines on when a 4 point inspection is required, so we advice you to check with your Independent Insurance Agent.

A 4 point inspection looks at the 4 major systems (Roof, Electrical, Plumbing, HVAC) in an older home. The insurance company wants to know if the major systems are in good working condition.

Here is what a 4-point inspection looks at:

Roof - Type of Roof Covering (shingles, tile, rolled). The age and condition of the roof. Are there missing shingles or active leaks?

Electrical System - The type of the wiring in the home (copper, aluminum, nm, knob and tube). The brand of the electrical panel. The overall condition of the home's electrical system

Heating and Cooling - Is there central heat and air in the home? The age and condition of the system. Are there signs of leaking?

Plumbing System - Type of supply and drain lines found in the home (copper, CPVC, galvanized, lead, polybutylene, etc. Is there evidence of current leaks? The age of the hot water heater.

In addition to the written report, we must also take photos of each of the major systems to provide to the insurance company.

Type of Inspecions

Types of Inspections

Seller | Buyer Inspection Report

This inspection is a thorough and very detailed inspection of the current status of the property at time of inspection.

The benefits of this inspection is as follows:

Point out any existing defects or damages in the property so they may be corrected
Alert of any immediate safety issues found
May be used as a marketing tool for the property
Unbiased opinion
Report will be delivered ONLY to the client

The following components are inspected:

Roofing System
Structural Components
Foundation
Basements and Crawl Spaces
Grading & Drainage
Driveways & Walkways
Porch & Patio
Garage
Exterior (doors, windows, cladding, soffits, facia)
Interior (doors, windows, floors, walls, ceilings, stairs)
Attic, Ventilation & Insulation
HVAC System
Electrical System
Plumbing System
Built-in Appliances
Pool

4-Point Inspection

This inspection only focuses on 4 specific and main components of the property and is required by the mortgage insurance company on properties 20, 30 or 40 years old. The common concern for the insurance company is if the property has existing conditions which may become a liability.

The inspection focuses on the following components only:

Roof - Condition and current state (leaks, dip points etc)
HVAC - Age of unit - Air Handler (inside unit) Condenser Unit (outside unit)
Electrical - Panel and existing Wiring types (copper, aluminum, knob and tube)
Plumbing - Existing Pipe types (copper, pvc), active leaks
Keep in mind, a home Inspector is NOT a building code inspector, therefore our main concerns are components that pose unreasonable risk to people, and issues that may have an adverse impact on the value of the property (active roof or plumbing leaks, structural damage, aluminum electrical wiring, etc.)

Wind Mitigation Inspection

A wind mitigation inspection is a visual examination of a home’s existing ability (or lack of ability) to withstand damage during a windstorm. As of November 2019, wind mitigation inspections are not required in the state of Florida. However, a wind mitigation inspection is the only inspection that can significantly reduce the cost of your insurance policy. That’s because this inspection can affirm whether your home has features that drastically decrease the severity of property loss from hurricane wind, the safer and stronger your home is, the lower your premiums may be.

The following features are inspected to confirm their presence (or lack-thereof):

Doors and Windows designed to withstand wind pressure and projectiles
Storm Shutters or panels that protect your windows and other openings from wind, rain and projectiles
Roofing Materials and coverings that are rated are rated to resist high winds and water intrusion
Attachments used for roofs that are specially designed to prevent the roof from being blown off by severe winds
Roof Shapes that are more resistant to high winds

New Construction Inspection

If you are purchasing new construction home, you might assume that a home inspection isn’t necessary. After all, you had the house built from scratch and customized to your exact needs.

A New Construction Home Inspection is an evaluation of a home’s structure, systems, appliances and other important features. A report on all deficiency findings will be provided, which you can then go to the seller (in this case the builder) and ask to fix any desired issues before you close on the home. In a nutshell, inspections can help ensure you’re getting a safe and hazard-free property, that you’re making a good investment, and that you won’t have tons of repairs to make before move-in (or worse, right after it).

Some common issues found during new construction home inspections include:

Structural Defects, like foundation cracks, improper grading, and poor framing
Drainage and Grading issues, which could cause water and structural damage later on
Window leaks
HVAC issues, including malfunctioning thermostats and loose connections
Electrical problems, such as improperly wired outlets, open grounds and missing switch plates
Plumbing issues, including reversed hot/cold in faucets, improper piping, leaks, and more