Most of us know that a home inspection is a comprehensive examination of the condition of a property, typically conducted by a trained and certified professional. The inspector you hire for a home inspection in Orlando, FL, will examine various systems and components of the home, including the roof, exterior, structural components, plumbing, electrical, heating and cooling, interior, and appliances, to identify any issues that may need to be addressed. The inspection goal is to give homeowners, buyers, and sellers a better understanding of the property’s condition, so they can make informed decisions about whether to proceed with the sale.
During the inspection, the inspector will typically spend several hours examining the property and taking notes on their findings. They may also take photographs or video footage to document their observations. After the inspection, the inspector will prepare a report detailing their findings and any repairs or further evaluation recommendations. This report can be used by buyers and sellers to negotiate the terms of the sale or to plan any necessary repairs.
Despite knowing what a general inspection is, there is some confusion about what an inspection does and does not cover. It’s important to note that home inspections are not a guarantee of the property’s condition, and they do not cover every possible issue that could arise. However, they can provide valuable information to buyers and sellers about the property’s condition and help identify any potential problems that may need to be addressed.
Here are a few things that are typically not included in a traditional home inspection in Orlando, FL:
- Environmental Hazards: Home inspections generally do not test for environmental hazards such as radon, asbestos, or lead-based paint. If you are concerned about these hazards, you may need to hire a specialist to perform additional testing.
- Pest Infestations: Home inspections do not typically include a thorough inspection for pests such as termites, mice, or other vermin. If you are concerned about the presence of pests, you may need to hire a pest control specialist to perform an inspection.
- Septic Systems: Home inspections do not generally include an inspection of the septic system. If you are purchasing a property with a septic system, you may need to hire a specialist to perform an inspection of the system.
- Underground Utilities: Home inspections do not typically include an inspection of underground utilities such as water lines, sewer lines, or gas lines. If you are concerned about the condition of these utilities, you may need to hire a specialist to perform inspection.
- Structural Engineering: While a home inspector may identify any visible issues with the home’s structure, they are not typically trained to provide a detailed assessment of the property’s structural integrity. If you are concerned about the home’s structural integrity, you may need to hire a structural engineer to perform an inspection.
- Pool And spa Equipment: Home inspections do not typically include pool and spa equipment inspections. If you are purchasing a property with a pool or spa, you may need to hire a specialist to perform an inspection of the equipment.
On the other hand, in a traditional home inspection your inspector will typically look at the following areas:
- Roof: The inspector will check for missing or damaged shingles, flashing, and other roofing materials. They will also look for evidence of leaks or other damage to the roof structure.
- Exterior: The inspector will examine the siding, trim, windows, doors, and other exterior features of the home. They will look for evidence of rot, damage, or other issues that may need to be addressed.
- Structural components: The inspector will check the home’s foundation, framing, and other structural elements to ensure that they are in good condition and meet local building codes.
- Plumbing: The inspector will check the pipes, water heater, and other plumbing components to ensure that they are in good working order and meet local codes.
- Electrical: The inspector will check the electrical panel, wiring, and other electrical components to ensure that they are safe and in good working order.
- Heating and Cooling: The inspector will check the furnace, air conditioning unit, and other heating and cooling systems to ensure that they are in good working order and meet local codes.
- Interior: The inspector will examine the walls, ceilings, floors, and other interior features of the home, looking for evidence of damage or other issues that may need to be addressed.
- Attic and Crawl Spaces: The inspector will check the attic and crawl spaces for evidence of moisture, pests, or other issues that may need to be addressed.
- Appliances: The inspector will test any appliances that are included in the sale of the home, such as the oven, refrigerator, and dishwasher, to ensure that they are in good working order.
It’s important to note that home inspections are not a guarantee of the condition of the property, and they do not cover every possible issue that could arise. Older homes may have more issues than new ones, and advanced inspections may be required to do an intensive evaluation of hidden issues. However, home inspections can provide valuable information to buyers and sellers about the condition of the property and help identify any potential problems that may need to be addressed.
Lastly, it is always a good idea to ask a certified home inspector in Orlando, FL, about what is included in their inspections, as the scope of the inspection may vary from one company to another. Some home inspection companies may offer more comprehensive inspections that cover a wider range of systems and components, while others may have a more limited focus.
