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Pre-Sale Inspections

You never have a second chance to make a first impression". Many people "Stage" their homes for a potential buyer. Preparing your home for it's "Home Inspection" is one of the most important yet most overlooked steps in successfully selling your home. Sellers should consider a "Presale Inspection" to discover and correct the unknown defects in your home before a potential buyer brings in his Home Inspector. Following read how to prepair your home for an inapection.


Wind Mitigation Inspections

Your insurance company will most likely request a Wind Mitigation Report. This report will determine the ability of your home to withstand the effects of hurricanes. 7 points of construction will be reviewed and depending on the findings you may get a discount on your insurance rate. As an example, if two identical homes stand next to each other and one has a new roof and hurricane shutters the one with the improvements and "mitigating" features will get a discount on their insurance. Only a qualified person can perform the inspection. Following is more information on the inspection process and a sample report.


4 Point Inspections

A 4 Point Inspection is required by most insurance companies on homes which are approaching 30 years old. Individual insurance companies have different standards for the ages of homes which need a 4 Point Inspection. The 4 Point Inspection looks at the condition of the Roof, Electric, Plumbing and Air conditioning systems in the home. Because of the age of the home the insurance company wants to know that these major components are functional and in reasonably serviceable condition. The inspector will provide information regarding the age, brand, condition and function of theses components along with photos. Most of this information is collected in a Standard Home Inspection but the insurance company does not want to cull through the entire report for this information. Following view a sample 4pt Inspection Report.


Termite Inspection

A Wood Destroying Organism Report (WDO) is typically referred to as a "Termite Inspection". A WDO report is a visual inspection of accessible areas for the presence of organisms (termites, wood boring beetles and funguses) which can damage and destroy wood products. In a Real-estate transaction, in which a fee is paid, only a Licensed Pest Control Operator can perform a WDO inspection. A WDO inspection is not a guarantee that you do not have termites. Following is more information on the inspection process and a sample report.


Septic Inspection

A septic inspection is performed by a company which specializes in installation and maintenance of septic systems. That company will locate the septic tank, remove its cover and check that it the tank is full. If the tank is not full it indicates it is leaking and will need to be repaired of replaced. They will also check that the effluent appears to be properly decomposing. They will then add water to see that the tank is properly draining from the tank into the septic field. They will also check the tanks top and some other components to see that they are in a serviceable condition.

It is typically considered desirable and cost effective to have the Septic Company pump out the tank while they are on site. The Septic Company should be contacted within a timely manner so the inspection can be scheduled. The septic inspection does not have to be performed at the same time as the Home Inspection. This inspection can be arranged by us or the buyer. Costs typically range from $300.00 to $500.00.


Air Quality Inspection

An "Air Quality Inspection" which may typically be referred to as a "Mold Inspection" is a visual review and sometimes an air test to discover the presence of high levels of mold spores in your home. All environments have air born mold spores in them. Periods of elevated heat and high moisture can contribute to the growth of excess mold spoors in a dwelling. Following is more information on the inspection process.


Water Quality Inspection

There are two types and standards for water quality tests. In the first a sampling kit is obtained from a Home Center of other such store. The homeowner collected sample is then sent to a testing lab in a pre paid mailerprovided with the kit.

These tests purport to sample for Hardness, Sulfur, Iron, Lead, Purity (TDS), Chlorine and Bacteria (typically Coliform). These tests are sometimes free and are typically provided by water softening and purification companies with the desire to sell you services.

When bacteria is of particular concern a water testing laboratory should be used. If the water is not collected with proper safety precautions it can be contaminated during the collection process and false readings could result.

If your home is served by a well and there is a complicated filtering system hiring a reputable Well and Pump Company may be desirable. They can provide a water quality test, review your system and provide estimates for repair, upgrade and maintenance of your system. This inspection can be arranged by us or the buyer. Costs typically range from $150.00 to $350.00.

  • View a sample Water Quality Inspection Report
  • Read more about Water Quality Inspections

Radon Inspection

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas found in soils, rock, and water throughout the U.S. In areas where geological formations friendly to the creation of Radon are present theses gases can migrate, through foundations and basements, to the interior of the home. In this area of South Florida where there is typically up to a hundred feet of sand before bedrock is reached there are only a few areas where Radon is considered a concern warranting testing. A special license is required to perform Radon testing for a fee. Following is more information on Radon and your home.


Lead Paint Inspection

Lead was used in paint as a pigment and base ingredient until 1978 and almost always in homes built before 1950. The greatest danger from lead paint in a home comes from children ingesting paint by chewing on woodwork or ingesting loose paint chips and flakes. Following is more information on Lead in your home.


Dock and Seawall Inspection

During our inspection we will do a visual review of these systems for obvious defects but this is not considered comprehensive or a part of the inspection. Repairs can be expensive so for complicated or questionable systems it is best to contract with a Seawall or Dock instillation company. They can provide a detailed review of the structural and mechanical components, including the boat lifts, and provide an accurate estimate of repairs. This inspection can be arranged by us or the buyer. Costs typically range from $300.00 to $500.00.

  • View a sample Dock and Seawall Inspection Report
  • Read more about Dock and Seawall Inspections

Chinese Drywall

"Chinese drywall" refers to an environmental health issue involving defective drywall manufactured in China and imported to the United States starting in 2001. Laboratory testing identified emissions of the sulfurous gases which have the odor of rotten eggs, worsen as temperature and humidity rise and cause copper surfaces to turn black and powdery. Homes of concerns were typically built or remolded between 2004 and 2007 but Chinese drywall was imported until legislation was passed in 2009. Most homes with Chinese drywall have been remediated. Following is more information on Chinese drywall in your home.