Home Inspections
You’ve managed to find the home of your dreams. Furthermore, the sellers accepted your offer! It’s a very exciting time, but often times buyers are far too emotional, especially with what is typically one of the largest investments of their lifetime. It is our job at Legacy Brokers Group to curb that emotional excitement with responsible due diligence.
One of several ways to ensure a sound investment is through the use of a home inspection. While there are of course many options out there, finding a quality inspector well versed in common issues within your home’s market is crucial. Many buyers can search the internet for inspectors, but one of the many services Legacy Brokers Group offers are a list of top tier inspectors that we have worked with for years. They are familiar with the Florida market, the types of homes built over the past several decades, as well as how to find any common or uncommon signs of issues with a home’s infrastructure. See below for common issues that may not be seen during a topical walk through without the services of a professional home inspector.
· Roof Damage (sheathing, trusses, shingles)
· Wood Rot/Damage
· Water Damage/Mold
· Unsafe or Vulnerable Plumbing Systems
· Insufficient Water Pressure
· Unsafe or Out of Code Electrical Panels/Wiring
· Nonfunctioning Irrigation System
· Nonfunctioning Appliance(s)
· Inefficient or Vulnerable HVAC System
Inspections are also a great way to help potentially reduce insurance premiums. There are several different types of inspections that may or may not be conducted on a residential property. Essentially, the more positive information provided to an insurance company about a property, the more comfortable they will feel about insuring the property (hence lower premiums). These include the following:
· General Inspection: This is a detailed inspection of all components of a home ranging from tile cracks and wood rot to irrigation systems and electrical outlet analyses.
· Wind Mitigation Inspection: This is a comprehensive inspection of the condition of a roof and its ability to withstand damage during a windstorm. A good score on this inspection can be very beneficial for insurance premiums.
· Four Point Inspection: This is a comprehensive inspection of the condition of a home’s main components – HVAC, Plumbing, Electrical, and Roof. A good score on this inspection can be very beneficial for insurance premiums.
· Wood Destroying Organism (WDO) Inspection: This inspection analyzes the property to determine if there are any signs of wood destroying organisms (i.e., termites). Compared to more northern states, termites are much more prevalent in the state of Florida due to the high humidity and warmer temperatures throughout the year. Furthermore, wood frame homes, in comparison to block homes, tend to have much more potential exposure to termite damage. Additionally, termites can cause much more structural damage to wood frame homes.
At Legacy Brokers Group, we take pride in making sure our clients receive the best service possible. While we hope the above was a helpful start, it is by no means a solve all. We are here to help you from start to finish in the home buying process. Give us a call today with any questions.