Category: Blog

It’s essential to have wind mitigation built into your home when living in Florida. With an average of one extremely damaging hurricane occurring here every two years, you need to know what parts of your home are designed to protect you and your investments. A wind mitigation inspection can help you understand your house’s current state and where you can improve it in the future.

What Is Involved in a Wind Mitigation Inspection?

It’s important to understand what parts of your home specialize in wind mitigation because you may be eligible for an insurance discount (and it keeps you and your family safer during natural disasters). During a wind mitigation inspection, the contractors will examine your home’s roof structure and determine what building features reduce wind damage. A homeowner over 18 must be present to allow the inspector access to your property and attic.

In addition to wind inspections, we offer home inspections, 4-point inspections, new construction inspections, water intrusion inspections, investor walkthroughs, advanced pool inspections, 11th-month warranty inspections, and commercial inspections.

Benefits of Wind Mitigation

Peace of Mind

The most crucial benefit of wind inspections is the ability to keep your home safe during natural disasters or even rough summer storms. The examination will show you where your home is strong in wind protection and where it needs some TLC. The best time to get a windstorm mitigation inspection is several months before the rainy season. This gives you enough time to adjust and upgrade.

Insurance Discounts

Most Floridians get mitigation inspections due to “wind mitigation credits,” special discounts insurance companies offer homeowners for their property’s wind-resistant features. Legally, your insurance provider has to provide you with a discount for a successful inspection (your home scoring a passing grade), and the more windproof your home is, the better the discount. These home features can score you discount credits:

• A new roof
• Long nails placed closely together
• Secondary water resistance
• Upgraded materials
• Highly rated doors, windows, and shutters

There isn’t a standard for how much you’ll receive back from your insurance company. Factors like your premium, insurance provider, and the age of your home can affect the credit. For example, insurance company X may offer you a 6% discount for long nails, but insurance company Y may only offer you 3%.

What Inspectors Look For

Our inspectors look at the structural qualities of your property while considering the Florida Building Code (FBC). Some of the items we look for are:

• Ratings on window and door openings
• Coverings (shingles, tiles, etc.)
• Roof decks that were installed with large nails and close spacings
• Secondary water resistance that prevents roof leakage
• Newly constructed homes built to the FBC since March 1, 2001
• Homes built to the South Florida Building Code after 1994

This list is similar to the list of home features insurance companies look for. Our inspectors will spend time considering your home’s roof, as it’s the first line of defense against rain, hail, wind, and flying debris. We’ll check for cracked or loose shingles, the shape and slope of your roof, and the state of the roof deck. If you have windows, chimneys, air vents, or upper doors on the roof, we’ll check for areas where water can get in.

Who Can Offer Windstorm Mitigation Inspections?

Windstorm mitigation inspections can only be performed by a licensed general contractor, home inspector, engineer, building contractor, or architect. Our inspector can perform the inspection and sign a Uniform Mitigation Verification Inspection Form for insurance purposes, but only if they complete training approved by the Construction Industry Licensing Board (which they have!). This training includes hurricane mitigation techniques and a proficiency exam.

How Long Do Wind Inspections Take?

On average, most mitigation inspections take just under an hour. The contractor will need access to the outside of the roof, the inside attic, and possibly documentation on when the home was built. They may need to take pictures, but this is only to verify the final report.

How Much Do Mitigation Inspections Cost?

Right now, our wind mitigation inspection cost is $95 when you only purchase the wind inspection. That price will drop to $65 if you bundle it with our full home inspection. Already had a full inspection done? Not a problem. We also offer a $95 wind mitigation & 4-point inspection combo. It’s a great deal, especially considering that most wind inspections cost over $100 or charge you by the hour.

Are Residential and Commercial Wind Inspections Different?

Residential and commercial wind inspections are mostly the same. For both cases, we send in an inspector to check the state and durability of the building’s roof. Both mitigation reports are good for five years, ensuring you get the insurance discounts you deserve.

The difference is that commercial inspections will take longer than residential, depending on the size of your building. A retail business with roughly the same square footage as a house will still take around an hour. Larger businesses and warehouses will take longer to ensure our contractor has time to perform the inspection properly.

Can You Improve Your Home’s Wind Mitigation?

You can improve wind mitigation on your house and surrounding land. Upgrading your roof is the first level of defense when protecting your home, while landscaping can be a helpful windbreak if you live in the right area.

Improving Your Roof

If you’re planning on getting a replacement roof, consider choosing durable materials that withstand stronger weather. For Florida, you’ll want something able to resist 110-mph winds and meets class F standards. This applies to roof coverings (shingles, tile, etc) and the roof deck. Once the roof deck is in place, install a secondary water barrier. This is one of the items we look for during our inspection.

If your roof is already built and you don’t plan on doing a major remodel anytime soon, consider roof-to-wall attachments. These attachments protect your roof from wind uplift. Select a double metal connector wrap with three or more nails on each side. Finally, purchase hurricane-grade coverings over windows and doors. Not only do the covers prevent physical damage to the windows, but they also help to prevent internal pressurization caused by broken windows and open doors.

Fortifying Your Yard

Believe it or not, there are ways you can improve your property’s wind mitigation using natural sources. Studies have shown that trees grown in groups often survive more hurricanes and high winds while protecting your home from flying debris. It’s common to worry about trees falling on your house or vehicles, but they don’t need to be located directly next to your home to give you the same protective benefits.

For Floridians further from the coast, you may want to look into densely growing shrubs with low crowns. They block more air than you think and can bend in the extreme wind instead of snap. These shrubs are best placed on the edges of the property along the north and northwest for summer storms and the south and southeast for hurricanes. Vegetation makes good windbreakers as long as they aren’t close enough to damage your home if they fall.

Do You Need a Windstorm Mitigation Inspection?

A wind inspection isn’t legally required if your home was built after 2002. Most insurance companies assume houses built after 2002 were built to meet roofing regulations and building codes, so they automatically receive credits. Not all insurance companies follow this rule, and you can call your insurance provider to ask.

Homes built before 2002 should be inspected if you want the insurance credit. Roofing building codes previous to 2002 did not require the same level of durability. In addition, homes more than 20 years old may have suffered damages that a mitigation inspection can bring to light.

What Other Inspections Should Your Home Have?

There are several inspections other than wind mitigation that can benefit your home. A few of the inspections we offer include full and comprehensive home inspections, 4-point inspections, and new construction inspections.

Complete Home Inspections & 4-Point Inspections

Buying a home can be daunting, but a state-licensed home inspector can make everything less stressful. Home inspections are a non-invasive visual examination of a potential home and are designed to identify defects or issues with the house. A complete home inspection includes the 4-point inspection (roof, electrical, HVAC, and plumbing).

We look at items such as the:

• Roof
• Exterior
• Basement, foundation, crawlspace & structure
• HVAC
• Fireplace
• Attic, insulation, & ventilation
• Doors, windows & interior
• Site grading and drainage
• Driveways, patios, porches & vegetation

New Construction Inspections

New construction inspections are designed to find potential flaws in recently completed buildings. Our inspectors will be on the project site as the building is being built, allowing us to catch problems before they can be finalized.

Wind mitigation inspections are essential in any coastal property. Whether it’s your family’s dream home, a rental property, or a building still in construction, it’s vital to know the structure’s ability to withstand high winds. Not only does it keep you safer, but it can qualify you for insurance credits. Call Hound Dog Home Inspections today for all of your home inspection needs. Our professionals are at your service.

Excess moisture in a home can lead to a range of problems, all of which require expensive repairs. Some of the telltale signs might include discoloration of the surfaces, water on window sills or around doors, and a moldy or musty smell. However, moisture intrusion isn’t always easy to spot, so getting a periodic water intrusion inspection is a good idea, especially if the property is old or if there is a history of damage.

A professional inspector has the tools and expertise to detect moisture that is hidden, so the problem can be solved before it causes any damage to the home’s structures. What’s more, the professional will be able to tell you how to fix the issue, and they will recommend good contractors in your area if extensive changes need to be made.

How Do I Check My House for Moisture? 

If you’re worried that there is moisture intrusion in your home or you’re looking to buy a new property, the easiest way to find out more is to hire a professional inspector. They will have moisture meters and other tools, which are specifically designed to detect moisture that might not be evident to the naked eye. It’s important to note that not all inspectors are experts at measuring water intrusion.

Always select a company that lists moisture intrusion inspections as one of their specialties, since they will be equipped with the right tools and knowledge. An expert will not only examine your walls, but they will also check the window frames, door frames, roof system, and decks. They might also be able to recommend a contractor who can make your home watertight so the problem doesn’t spiral out of control.

When to Get a Water Intrusion Inspection 

Water damage can be extremely hard and expensive to fix, especially if it has been building for a while. In addition to damaged structures, there might be a buildup of mold and other harmful substances. To prevent such problems in your home, it’s better to get an inspection as soon as you notice any changes to your structures.

What’s more, people who are looking to sell or buy a home might need to have their property inspected to determine whether repairs are necessary. If the house or apartment is very old, water intrusion is more likely, so getting an inspection on a regular basis could be a good way of reducing your overall maintenance costs and keeping the property in good shape.

You Suspect a Problem 

There are some telltale signs of water intrusion. If you notice any changes to your home, which can’t be explained by normal wear and tear, don’t hesitate to call your water intrusion inspectors. They can evaluate the situation and let you know whether you need to take any action. Some of the most common symptoms include discoloration on your walls or ceiling, moisture around the inside of your window sills or door frames, and swelling window sills.

Homes with water intrusion might also have a moldy or musty odor. If you smell something unusual, try to follow the scent to see where it originated. Knowing the approximate location of the problem helps your inspectors to perform their tasks more quickly. Homes with cracks in the exterior walls or very old windows are particularly at risk of moisture intrusion.

You Are Looking to Sell Your Home 

People who are selling their property might wonder whether getting an inspection is necessary or whether they should leave this to the buyer. In most cases, doing your own inspection is beneficial because it gives you more insight into the condition of your property. For example, the buyer might want you to reduce the price of the house, but if you know that there is no problem with water intrusion and that the home is in good shape, you can stand your ground.

Having all the information can also help you to decide what to do with your home. If there is a minor problem, it might be worth stopping the water intrusion and fixing any damage. This could increase the value of your home. However, if there is already major damage, you might decide that repairing the property would be too challenging. In this case, you can choose to accept a slightly lower price for your home because the buyer will have to sort out the intrusion.

You Are Looking to Buy a Home 

Most home sellers try to make their property look as good as possible. But beautifully displayed furniture, newly painted walls, and clean floors can be deceptive, and it’s often hard to tell whether a property is in good condition. If you don’t get a comprehensive inspection, you might run into structural issues, which could take thousands of dollars to fix.

In addition to your general home inspection, consider getting a water intrusion inspection done before you purchase the home. That way, you’ll know for sure whether there are any issues with excess moisture, and you can estimate the cost of the necessary repairs. This makes it easier for you to determine whether the home is a good purchase or not.

Your House Is Very Old 

Water damage is a growing problem in aging homes because structures start to corrode and disintegrate over time. If your property is more than fifty years old, getting a periodic moisture inspection could be a good idea. Your inspectors can walk through your building and check that there are no leaking pipes or disintegrated materials around your doors and windows.

It’s also important to consider the role of appliances in water intrusion. Many floods in people’s homes are caused by worn-out hoses in washing machines or other poorly maintained appliances. Always get your washing machine, dishwasher, fridge, and freezer inspected if you think there could be a problem, and replace them once they are no longer fully functional.

What Are the Consequences of Water Intrusion? 

Most types of water intrusion can be fixed, but unless you catch the problem early, you might have to spend thousands of dollars. The sooner you ask your inspectors to evaluate your property, the better for the home, your budget, and your health. Intrusions that are left too long can lead to dangerous situations, and they can cause mold, which impacts the health of the residents.

In addition to identifying moisture intrusion, your inspectors will also be able to determine what kind of water is entering your home and where it is coming from. This is helpful information because you might have to disinfect the property if the water is unclean or contaminated.

The Scope of the Problem 

Not every water intrusion is equally damaging. A small crack or leak in your roof, which hasn’t yet penetrated all the layers and has therefore not damaged the interior structures of your home, might only cost a few hundred dollars to fix. In contrast, a roof that has been damaged for a while might suddenly break during a heavy storm, in which case you might have to renovate an entire room in your home.

Homeowners sometimes have to pay a four or even five-figure amount to get this kind of issue fixed, and depending on the size and layout of the property, they might have to move out. If you want to prevent serious damage, don’t let water intrusion get out of control. Call your inspectors as soon as you notice the first symptoms of an issue, and ask them how you can get the problem fixed.

The Type of Water that Has Intruded the Home 

Another factor to consider is what kind of moisture has intruded your home. If you have a leak on your roof or in one of your walls, it’s likely that the water came from rain or moisture in the air. This makes cleaning it up and repairing the structures much simpler. However, some leaks allow dirty water, for example from your toilet or from your laundry, to seep into your home.

Even worse, people occasionally experience leaks related to the sewage disposal system. When dirty water intrudes a property, it can’t simply be cleared away and painted over. Instead, the area needs to be decontaminated because there could be harmful bacteria and viruses. This will prolong the process and cost more.

Mold 

People who live in a home that contains mold and dampness are more likely to suffer from respiratory infections, asthma, allergies, and problems with their immune systems. If water intrusion isn’t detected and removed as soon as possible, mold can form, and it is very difficult to get rid of. You might have to hire professionals, who will access and remove the mold safely.

Water intrusion can have serious consequences if it is not addressed early on. Your home might have to be renovated, your appliances might have to be replaced, and if the damage is severe, you might even have to move out while your property is being worked on. Call us now at Hound Dog Home Inspections to book your water intrusion inspection. We can help you figure out whether there’s an issue and if so, how to fix it.

Purchasing your new home is an exciting adventure. There are open houses, scheduled viewings, and homes to peruse before you make an offer. However, these homes will not always be free of issues. That’s why 11-month warranty inspections conducted by a third party are vital during the new construction process.

Why Are 11-Month Warranty Inspections So Important?

An 11-month warranty inspection is there to protect you. This inspection is performed just prior to the builder’s warranties expiring. The inspector searches for defects in your new home that have occurred while the property was changing hands or those that went undetected in prior inspections. Builder’s warranties will commonly last for one year; however, there are some cases where the warranty can be extended up to 2 years.

Common Defects

Water intrusion due to improperly installed flashing can be discovered during 11-month warranty inspections. Inspectors may also find loose toilets and even missing insulation. While there are too many to list, some common defect findings include:

• Leaking plumbing
• Cracked shingles
• Improper vent installation
• Damaged cabinets
• Damaged appliances

The list goes on. Your home inspector will be able to identify these issues and send their professional report to the builder. That way, your home will receive the repairs needed from your home warranty.

Your Warranty Inspection Checklist

There are many things to check when you are inspecting your home. The first area to look at is the exterior of your home. This is followed by the garage, outbuildings, interior, rooms, HVAC, electrical, plumbing, attic, foundation, and roof.

Exterior

When inspecting the exterior of your home, an inspector will examine your windows and doors to ensure they are properly painted and caulked and that the weep holes have been covered. In addition, they will check the paint application, inspect for window installation, and ensure there is no window damage. The inspector will also ensure that the soffits are undamaged and have left no gaps for pest intrusion.

Your home inspector will also check the exterior of your home for plumbing fixtures and any accessible electrical outlets. Finally, they will inspect stucco and siding for cracks and damages.

Garage

The first thing that will be checked in the garage is the functionality of the door and sensors. Next, your home inspector will check for water stains and damage to your walls and ceilings. Finally, they will also check any appliances that have been installed in your garage for proper installation and damages.

Interior

The walls, outlets, ceilings, floors, and windows in the interior of your home will be inspected for functionality and damage as well. This will include cabinets, appliances, light switches, and fans. Your home inspector will ensure that electricity is getting to each outlet, that all light switches function, and that all fans are secured and working correctly.

Bathrooms and Kitchen Areas

The bathrooms and kitchen areas of your home require extra care. First, your inspector will check the sinks and tub for proper drainage. Then access the hot water at each of your sinks. Following this, they will check for leaks underneath the sinks and ensure that the toilets don’t run continuously and are not loose. Next, they will check fans and vents for functionality. Last, your inspector will check the tile and grout for damages.

Heating and Air Conditioning

Your heating and air conditioning systems must work properly. Your inspector will ensure that all registers are blowing cold air with the A/C and hot air with the heater. They will then check the system for damage, including your A/C unit and furnace. The HVAC system in your house is vital to keeping your family safe in extreme weather conditions, and ensuring that it is in proper working order prior to moving in will keep your family safe and comfortable.

Electrical

Home Inspectors will remove the panel covers off your fuse box and ensure everything is in order during 11-month warranty inspections. Then, they will exercise your breakers, ground fault circuit interrupters, and arc fault circuit interrupters. We use a lot of electricity in our daily lives and having an inspection is a simple way of ensuring that your family is safe while they use it and that the breakers will trip if they are overloaded.

Plumbing

Moving into your home only to find out that the toilets don’t work is a nightmare. The 11-month warranty inspection ensures you have the correct water pressure at your sinks and faucets. Your inspector will ensure that you have hot and cold water available and that no leaks are visible with any plumbing. Additionally, your inspector will check for correct installation so that the hot is left turn and the cold is right to avoid any unpleasant surprises.

Roof and Attic

Inspectors know how to traverse your attic safely to inspect for damaged trusses, onsite alterations, proper insulation, and roof leaks. The inspector will also check the roof’s exterior for loose and damaged shingles. Then they will inspect all vents for correct flashing and installation. Finally, they will check all visible flashing and inspect your home’s drip edge for damage.

Foundation

With new homes, many will not be highly concerned about the foundation, as it was just poured. However, your inspector will check all visible areas of the foundation for cracks and damages regardless. Additionally, they will ensure that the grading is sloped away from your new home. They will then check for signs of flooding and ensure that all vegetation is at least six inches away from the structure. Last, your inspector will check your driveway.

Professional vs Self Inspection

When looking at checklists for 11-month warranty inspections, it might be tempting to wander around and inspect the home yourself. Surely we can all look at the walls and ensure that there are no cracks and damages. So why is it so essential to hire a third party to inspect your home before the warranty expires?

Self Inspection  

If you conduct a self-inspection, then you will notice many of the visible issues that could be present. You will also quickly identify whether the hot and cold water have been installed correctly. However, many other items on the list can be tricky to inspect without the proper training, such as the flashing. Other items can be dangerous to examine, like the electrical box.

In the end, while you may have saved a small amount of money by not hiring an inspector now, you may end up paying much more down the road if you miss something. Remember, your home’s warranty does have a time limit.

Professional Inspection

Just because your home is new doesn’t mean it isn’t going to have any problems. Many problems that inspectors will find are not detectable without the specialized equipment they are trained to use. Your 11-month warranty inspection can uncover leaks behind walls and much more that can cost thousands of dollars down the line.

In addition to the money you could save down the road, a trained professional can inspect your home safely. They will be able to inspect the roof, attic, and electrical in a safe manner. Having a professional inspect your home can save you from accidentally crashing through your ceiling, slipping off the roof, or receiving a nasty electrical shock.

Why the Last Minute Inspection?

It always seems like everything is perfect until just after your warranty ends. This is true with everything from cars and cellphones to your new home. An 11-month inspection occurs just before the warranty ends so that you can catch any last-minute problems before the warranty is up and you are on your home.

A licensed and trained home inspector will check your home while you are still under warranty. This way, you can fix the issues without being stuck with a huge bill for expensive repairs that you will have to pay out-of-pocket. Instead, you wait till the last month to ensure you get the most out of your home warranty.

A Third Party

You should hire a third party for 11-month warranty inspections for three reasons. The first is experience. They have the training and experience to get the job done and to get it done right. The second is an outside perspective. They will be objective and fair. The third reason is time. An inspector can get the job done quickly, saving you time and money. Overall, a third-party inspector can remove stress from your shoulders.

Purchasing your dream home is an exhilarating feeling. First, however, you must ensure that the home you buy is a good investment and is safe for your family. That’s why professional home inspections are so necessary. Contact us at Hound Dog Home Inspections and ask us about our services, including our full home inspections, water intrusion inspections, and pre-listing inspections today.

Anyone who would like to sell or buy a home, has a problem with their property, or is looking to move into a brand-new house should get an inspection. But how can you find a competent professional, who will provide you with an accurate and easy-to-read report? In Florida, there are many rules and regulations that determine who can conduct home inspections.

Candidates must complete the required training and licensing, and they should also get insurance. To find a great home inspector, you can search for businesses online, and you can look at reviews on popular sites such as Google. Once you’ve found a suitable professional, you can ask them what kind of inspection they suggest. Often, a four-point inspection is enough, but a general inspection is better for those buying a new home.

Who Can Perform Home Inspections? 

If you’ve been living in Florida for a long time, you might already know that not everyone can claim to be a home inspector. Instead, aspiring professionals have to go through a licensing process, which includes getting a home inspection certification and purchasing the correct type of insurance. Individuals who fail their state licensing exam or who don’t comply with the regulations are not allowed to inspect your home, and you should never hire them to do so.

The Licensing Process 

In the US, not every state has a licensing requirement, so some inspectors might not be fully qualified. However, people living in Florida can rest assured that their inspectors are specialists because the job is regulated by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation. To be able to inspect homes in our state, a professional has to complete at least 120 hours of training with an approved provider.

This helps the aspiring inspector to learn about the various components of a home and allows them to gain experience writing clear and helpful reports. It also prepares them for the necessary exams. There are several exam boards, called the NHIE, FABI, InterNACHI, or CI-HPI. Once an inspector has completed their exam, they have to get professional liability insurance before they can seek employment or start their own business. 

The Home Inspection Certification 

Currently, there are 30 approved providers of home inspection education in Florida, and all of them offer various courses and modules. An aspiring inspector has to complete these classes and pass the assessment at the end of them in order to become certified. Some of the courses are offered online, while others require in-person attendance. After the training is complete, the inspector can sit the state licensing exam.

This assessment is known to be challenging, so most people have to study hard for it. Once an inspector has passed it, they are still not fully certified. Instead, they also have to pass a background check, and they get fingerprinted. This is important because inspectors visit people’s homes, so they must be trustworthy and reliable individuals.

Professional Liability Insurance 

Anyone hoping to work as a home inspector in Florida must have a professional liability insurance policy in place. This protects them and their business in case someone gets hurt or a part of the home gets destroyed during an inspection. For example, if an inspector hits a wall in the wrong way and it gets damaged, the insurance will pay for the necessary repairs.

Similarly, the insurance provider will cover the costs of the compensation and the legal fees if a professional accidentally hurts someone while conducting their inspection. Before you hire an inspector, you should ask them about the kind of insurance they hold. If they say they have no policy, it’s unlikely that they are qualified and complying with the Florida inspection regulations.

How Can I Find the Best Home Inspector?

Although all home inspectors in Florida have spent a lot of time and effort completing the certification process, there are differences in quality. The best inspectors provide a prompt, competitively priced, and accurate service. So, how can you find someone who will do an excellent job? The easiest way to select a great inspector is to do some research online and compare various inspectors’ websites.

You should choose a firm that has well-qualified employees and offers a lot of helpful information for free. From the website, it should be clear what kinds of services the inspector offers, since this will help you decide whether they are a good fit for you.

Getting in Touch 

Once you’ve found a firm you like, you can call or message them to get your quote. During this initial contact phase, the company’s response should be prompt and friendly. If so, it’s likely that you will have a good experience with them.

However, if they are slow to reply or you don’t feel comfortable talking to them, you should look for someone else. Remember, the inspector will walk through and examine your home, so it’s important that you feel at ease around them.

What Kind of Service Should I Get? 

When you look at home inspectors’ websites, you’ll find that there isn’t just one type of inspection. Instead, you can choose from several options. For example, the four-point home inspection is ideal for people who need to know more about the property’s most important systems.

On the other hand, a general inspection is more comprehensive, so it’s appropriate for people who are looking to buy a home. Here at Hound Dog Home Inspections, we offer both options as well as wind mitigation inspections, pool inspections, new construction inspections, and commercial inspections.

The Four-Point Home Inspection 

The four-point inspection is one of the most popular choices because it gives you a good idea about a property’s condition, but it doesn’t take very long or cost very much. Most four-point inspections can be completed within two to three hours, although the exact duration depends on the home’s size and features.

The four points covered are the electrical system, the plumbing, the HVAC system, and the roof. Your inspector will have a look at all of them to determine whether they are in good condition or whether any modifications are necessary.

The General Inspection

A general inspection is similar to a four-point inspection, but it is more comprehensive because it also includes the building’s foundation. This option is best if you’re hoping to buy a new property because it can uncover important issues and prevent you from making a purchase you will regret later on. However, such a comprehensive inspection might not be necessary if you’re selling a home or simply hoping to find out more about your building’s current condition.

The Wind Mitigation

When you add features to your home that can reduce windstorm damage, you can get credits, and you might not have to pay so much for insurance anymore. In some cases, insurance premiums can be reduced by up to 70% if a home is altered to include wind mitigation measures. But to prove that you meet the requirements for this deduction, you need to have an inspector double check your home’s features.

During a wind mitigation inspection, the professional walks around your home and examines the water barriers, such as the seal on your roof deck, the roof-to-foundation anchoring, and the window and door coverings, which could include storm shutters and shatterproof windows. Your report will either state that your home is protected from high wind speeds or that you have to add further modifications to meet the requirements.

The Pool Inspection

People who build a new pool in their garden have to have it inspected to make sure it’s safe to use. Similarly, you have to have existing pools examined every year because a faulty mechanism is extremely dangerous and could cause serious injury or even death. When you book a pool inspection, the professional will look at the structure itself but also the plumbing, pumps, heaters, filters, and electrical components.

Because this type of inspection is so technical and specific, you should hire experts and not general inspectors. Always choose a company that states that they are able to do advanced pool inspections on their website. That way, you don’t risk getting a subpar inspection from someone who doesn’t have a lot of experience with pools.

The New Construction Inspection  

If you’re looking to move into a newly built home, you should get a new construction inspection first. Although it’s likely that the developers worked with inspectors throughout the project, almost every building contains small faults or weak points.

Knowing the potential issues upfront can help you determine what kinds of repairs might be necessary in the next few years and whether the home is a good fit. You can then make a more informed decision about your purchase.

In Florida, there are very strict regulations that dictate who can conduct a home inspection. The professional has to have completed a certain amount of training, and they should also have the correct kind of insurance. These rules are in place to protect homeowners and control the quality of inspections. Get in touch with us at Hound Dog Home Inspections to find out more about our employees’ qualifications and to get your quote.

If you’re ready to seal the deal on buying a new home, then it’s probably time to schedule a home inspection. A home inspection is an essential step before you finalize a property purchase so that any potential material or construction defects can be identified and fixed before you move in. But how long does a home inspection take?

How Long Does a Home Inspection Take?

A home inspection will usually take about two to four hours to complete. This is the average time it will take to complete a full home inspection, including inspecting areas such as the roof, exterior, basement, foundation, fireplace, attic, driveways, garages, and patios. Full home inspections will also look at heating, cooling, plumbing, electricity, drainage, and built-in appliances.

Other types of home inspections may be completed more quickly. For example, a four-point home inspection will usually take twenty to thirty minutes to complete since this type of inspection will focus on elements of HVAC, electricity, plumbing, and structure. This type of inspection is also quicker because it is a visual inspection only.

Factors That May Influence How Long an Inspection Will Take

To unpack a question like “How long does a home inspection take?”, it’s important to understand that all homes and properties are unique. Several factors may influence how long it will take to complete a home inspection, such as:

Property Size

The size of the property is one of the biggest influencing factors for how long a home inspection will take. For example, homes that are between 1,500 and 2,000 square feet will usually take two to four hours to complete a full home inspection. For every additional 500 feet on the home, an additional 30 minutes will be added to how long it will take a home inspector to finish looking at all home systems.

This means that if a single home inspector is looking at a 4,000 square foot home, it may take up to five hours to complete the inspection. This is why inspections for larger homes may be completed by a team of home inspectors.

Property Conditions

The condition of the property can influence how fast a home inspection can be completed. For example, new homes or homes that have been newly renovated and are in good condition will usually have faster home inspections because there are fewer issues to document. Homes that are not in good condition, on the other hand, will have more safety issues that need to be documented, so these inspections will take more time.

Property Age

As a rule, because property permits and safety regulations change over time, inspecting an older home will usually take longer than inspecting a newer home. In addition to older homes being more vulnerable to structural defects, an older home may have unique challenges that require more time to identify. For older homes, it’s common to add an hour to the home inspection.

Property Systems

The number of systems in the house can also influence how long a home inspection will take. For example, if there are multiple HVAC systems, cooling and heating systems, or water heaters, it will take more time to inspect all of these systems to identify potential problems. This is why a home that does not have an AC hookup will take less time to inspect than a home that has both heating and cooling systems.

Property Foundation

The type of foundation a property has is also important. If the property has a cement foundation, then the inspection for the home will take less time than if the home has a basement or crawl space. Inspecting a basement, even a finished basement, will take additional time because of potential water damage, mold, and other issues.

Other Factors

There may be other factors that can influence how long a home inspection will take. For example, if weather conditions are bad at the time of the home inspection, this may influence the access a home inspector has to certain areas of the home, such as the crawl space.

If a home inspector has to field questions from a real estate agent or homeowner, this can also add time to the home inspection. Although there is nothing wrong with tagging along on your home inspection, be aware that asking questions instead of waiting for the finalized report means that the inspection will take longer. If you’re on a time crunch, it may be best to wait to ask questions until after the home inspection is complete.

Common Types of Home Inspections

How long does a home inspection take? Sometimes, it depends on the type of inspection. There are multiple types of home inspections that are available for property owners. Depending on the goal of your home inspection, you may not need a full inspection or a four-point inspection. Some other common types of inspections include:

Wind Mitigation Inspection

A wind mitigation inspection will examine the wind-resistance features on a property, which can be used to reduce property insurance premiums. A wind mitigation inspection is often necessary for homes that are vulnerable to high winds, especially if you live in areas of Florida where hurricanes are likely to fall.

Water Intrusion Inspection

Water can cause untold damage to a home and often goes undetected for too long. A water intrusion inspection may be necessary if you have seen any signs of water damage or leaks in a home. A home inspector will be able to identify water damage, find leaks, and test the home to document water damage for your home insurance company.

Signs that may indicate there is water damage in your home can include wet carpets, musty odors, cracks in drywall, water spots on the ceiling or walls, and much more. Even if you do not see visible leaking, or you can’t hear leaking pipes in the walls, your home could still be suffering from water damage. The only way to make sure is for a home inspector to use thermal imaging.

New Construction Inspection

New construction doesn’t always mean the property is without any problems. If you’re interested in buying a newly constructed property, it’s important to have multiple new home inspections to ensure all construction permits and safety regulations are correct. This can help you prevent repairs in the future and also reduce home insurance policies.

Some common construction issues that are found in new homes can include structural defects, drainage issues, leaks in windows, electrical problems, HVAC issues, and plumbing problems. A home inspection can also identify incomplete projects, such as missing hardware pieces or insufficient insulation in the walls.

Pre-Listing Inspection

If you are selling a property, then it’s likely a good idea to schedule a pre-listing inspection. This will circumvent any issues that may be found by the buyer’s property inspection when your home is being sold. A pre-listing inspection will allow you to fix problems before you sell your home and help you accurately price your home. Having a pre-listing inspection can also put the potential buyer at ease.

11th-Month Warranty Inspection

The majority of home warranties will last for one year after purchasing the home, which is why it’s a savvy plan to schedule an 11th-month warranty inspection of your home. By scheduling a warranty inspection, you will be able to identify and fix any issues while your property is still under warranty. This can help you avoid expensive repairs and out-of-pocket costs.

General Concern Inspection

If you have any concerns about your home, such as water damage, leaks, cracks in walls or flooring, or water pooling near the foundation, it can be a good idea to schedule a general concern inspection. Scheduling a general concern inspection is often a better option than calling a repair service, since a home inspector will likely be more honest about the issues that need to be fixed.

Do You Need a Home Inspection Report?

Another factor in determining “how long does a home inspection take” is generating the home inspection report. While the main portion of a home inspection will be completed when a home inspector does a walkthrough of the property to identify and document issues, the most important aspect of a home inspection is the report.

A home inspection report is an essential document that lists the conditions of all the major systems in the home, identifies any safety code violations, and can even make recommendations on how to correct violations. This report is important for homeowners to have, especially for those who are interested in buying a previously-owned property. Home inspection reports may also be important for your home insurance company to document.

How long does a home inspection take? For a full home inspection, you can expect the process to take two to four hours. The type of inspection, the condition of the home, the size of the home, and other factors can influence how long a home inspection will take. To learn more about your home inspection options, please contact Hound Dog Home Inspections in Brevard County, FL today.