CERTIFIED BUILDING INSPECTORS
(407) 628-4405
CERTIFIED BUILDING INSPECTORS
(407) 628-4405
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Listen Saturdays
12:00 Noon
WDBO Radio 580 AM
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Frequently Asked QuestionsThis page contains answers to common questions handled by our support staff, along with some tips and tricks that we have found useful and presented here as questions.
What does an inspection include? Our inspection report covers all the major systems and structural elements of the house. This includes the condition, at the time of the inspection, of the home's heating and air conditioning systems, plumbing and electrical systems, roof, foundation, attic and visible insulation, walls, doors, windows and all visible structures. Do I need to be there during the inspection? No, you aren't required to be there for the inspection. However, we highly recommend that you do be there so that we may go over our findings with you. It's a valuable learning experience and will help you get the most benefit from the inspection. How long will the inspection take? The time will vary depending on both the size and condition of the home. For most homes, 2-3 hours is average, but for larger and/or older homes it may take longer. Is a Home Inspection a warranty or a guarantee of system condition? No, a home inspection is limited to what is visibly accessible at the time of the inspection. Rugs, pictures, furnishings, wall coverings, and vegetation can hide, block, or prevent access to parts of the home. An inspection is a written professional opinion of the condition of the home at the time of the inspection. We cannot predict or forecast the life expectancy of a working system. What if the inspection uncovers issues? Our report will tell you the condition of the property at the time of the inspection, including any needed repairs. No property will be perfect. It is up to you to decide whether any issue the inspection uncovers might affect your decision to purchase. If major issues are discovered, we highly recommend that further evaluations be made by a licensed contractor for the area of concern PRIOR TO CLOSING! You may also try negotiating with the seller to have these areas repaired before closing the deal. Or perhaps the seller will lower the price, or offer more favorable contract terms. Part of your realtor's job is to help you decide the best course of action for your transaction. In the end, the decision is yours, but knowing about potential issues, before you buy, gives you the power to negotiate and make the best decisions. Will you fix the issues you find during the inspection? Our company's code of ethics, as well as the ASHI & FABI Code of Ethics, prohibits a home inspector from doing any repair work on properties he or she inspects. This assures that there will never be a conflict of interest by the inspector. Our purpose is to provide an unbiased, objective third party report on the condition of the home at the time of the inspection. Will I get an inspection report on site? The scheduled inspection time is spent evaluating the property. It usually requires an additional 1 to 3 hours to compile our findings and write your comprehensive, detailed report. Your report will usually be available for viewing and downloading within 24 hours using our website and the username/password given to you at the time of the inspection. Additional time may be required for results of certain environmental tests, such as mold, lead, and commercial radon. What type of report do I receive? Our reports are in a narrative style which is both comprehensive and detailed. Photos can also be included as required. Our reports are easy to understand because we do not use vague or broad terms which could make the results confusing. Hand written or checklist forms, used by other companies, are incapable of giving you the level of detail and confidence you may need to make an informative decision about your new home investment. If you would like to view a sample report, click on the link Sample Reports. Are septic tanks included in a Standard Home Inspection? No. In order to inspect and evaluate a septic system with any degree of adequacy and reliability it is necessary to excavate the access cover on the tank and extract the sewage contained therein. This requires the use of a septic disposal truck and pump equipment. The tank is pumped out, flushed and then inspected. For a truly reliable evaluation of your septic system, a qualified, licensed septic contractor needs to be called in. This type of thorough inspection typically costs $300 to $500. Can I contact you with questions after the inspection? Yes, of course. CBI inspectors will be happy to return your call and answer any questions you may have regarding the home or inspection report. How much will it cost? All inspection firms have different fees. Some will charge based on square footage, some by the selling price of the house or condo, and some may quote a flat rate. The general rule is that you get what you pay for! The two biggest factors to look for when hiring an inspector are how long will the inspector actually spend doing the inspection and how detailed is the written report. Years of experience in the industry and current credentials from the State and other certifying agencies should also be deciding factors. Other variables include: Is the inspector or company licensed? Does the inspector have certified credentials from the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) or the Florida Association of Building Inspectors (FABI)? Is the inspector or company insured for liability and workman's compensation? What is the fee for an inspection? Our fees are based on a number of items. The square footage of the home or condo. How old the home is. Is there an attic? Basement? Crawlspace? Pool or Spa? You may also want to schedule testing for Termites, Mold, Lead, Radon and other types of inspections, all at the same time. Please call for pricing and we can answer all of your questions and schedule your inspection. Where does CBI offer inspection services? CBI provides inspections all along the I-4 corridor. From Daytona to Tampa, CBI covers all of Central Florida including the counties of Orange, Osceola, Lake, Polk, Seminole, Volusia, along with parts of Hillsborough and Brevard counties. What is a Wind Mitigation Survey? After Florida's recent history of bad weather, insurance companies have raised the rates of most insurance policy premiums. Now, thanks to state lawmakers, Florida homeowners have an opportunity to reduce these costs considerably. The Wind Inspection savings are available to all homeowners and is based on a provision in the Florida Statues that requires all Insurance Companies to provide discounts for the hurricane damage portion of the premium for homeowner's insurance policies if certain construction features are in place. Up to 75 percent of homeowners, condominium unit owners, renters and apartment or condominium associations could save substantial amounts, but haven't asked for the discounts by submitting a completed Wind Inspection report performed by a qualified inspector. The actual savings depend on the construction features found in the residences of the homeowners in your community. The Form/Inspection is good for 5 years and the discounts are applied annually for that period. In addition to the location of the home, the following items are evaluated during a Wind Inspection (Each item is a discount - Not all are required)
Certified Building Inspectors would appreciate the opportunity to discuss this inspection program with you or your association. The "nuts and bolts" of the inspection process and a fee schedule for the homes would be discussed. | |||
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