FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

  • The 4-POINT inspection consists of a visual survey and photos of the 4 main components of a house
  • Insurance companies want to determine are these components in good working condition and working as intended within the manufacturer’s specification. If an older home, have the systems been updated?
  • Insurance companies require this report to identify the condition and age of these components in older homes, limiting exposure and mitigating risk.

A wind mitigation inspection is required by insurance companies, to properly identify the home’s structural components that help protect it from hurricane-force winds and flying debris. Our inspection documents and details these components in a comprehensive report. When this report is submitted to the insurance company, they will provide deductions for these specific features. The more protective features your home has the higher discounts you should receive. The wind mitigation inspection report is generally good for 4-5 years from the date of inspection.

Knowing as much as possible about the home you are about to purchase before your purchase is a good idea. An inspection provides a much clearer understanding of the property condition and helps identify potential problems or issues that can be addressed upfront rather than sometime after you move into the home. Without an inspection, you accept the property regardless of known or unknown defects.

If you have questions after the inspection, that’s great because you can contact us and we will be happy to answer any questions you might have.

A home inspection is a limited, visual survey and basic performance evaluation of the systems and components of a home using normal controls that provide information regarding the general condition at the time of the inspection. It is not intended to be a comprehensive investigation or exploratory probe to determine the cause or effect of deficiencies noted by the inspector.

Here are items that we report and survey during an inspection. We report the general condition and its components.

  • Grading And Drainage
  • Gutters And Downspouts
  • Porches, Balconies, Decks, And Carports
  • Vents, Flashing, And Trim
  • Ventilation
  • Skylight, Chimney, And Other Roof Penetrations
  • Fascia And Soffits
  • Fireplace And Chimneys
  • Garage Doors, Safety Sensors, And Openers
  • Interior And Exterior Stairways
  • Walkways And Railings
  • Smoke And Carbon Monoxide Detectors
  • Duct Systems
  • Dishwashers
  • Food Waste Disposers
  • Range Hood And Exhaust Systems
  • Microwaves
  • Electric Or Gas Range, Cook-tops, And Ovens
  • Roof Covering Materials
  • Roof Structure And Attics
  • Attic Insulation And Ventilation
  • Plumbing Systems
  • Interior Plumbing Fixtures And Faucets
  • Electrical Systems
  • Electrical Service Line And Meter Box
  • Electrical Panels, Breakers, And Fuses
  • Grounding And Bounding
  • GFCI’S And AFCI’S
  • Built-In Appliances
  • Heating Systems
  • Air Conditioning Systems
  • Water Heating Systems
  • Foundations
  • Crawl Spaces
  • Interior Walls, Ceilings, And Doors
  • Exterior Walls, Doors, And Windows
  • Solar Panels
  • Outbuilding And Barns
  • Fences
  • Refrigerators
  • Window Blinds
  • Water Softeners
  • Water Filtration/Reverse Osmosis Systems
  • Determining And Testing Of Lead Based Paint
  • Mold Testing
  • Biological And Environmental Hazards Inspecting
  • Low Voltage Systems (Security, Cat5, Phone, Etc.)
  • Pool And Spas
  • Well Systems
  • Septic Systems
  • Commercial Buildings
  • TERMITES-PEST-INSECTS INSPECTING (WE DO HAVE A THIRD-PARTY TERMITE INSPECTOR READILY AVAILABLE WHEN NEEDED. TERMITE INSPECTIONS START AT $100 FOR SLAB-ON-GRADE HOMES UP TO 3,000 SQ/FT)

Yes, we try to be as meticulous as possible, however, we cannot inspect items that we cannot see (for example under floors, through ceilings, behind walls, etc.) and areas we cannot physically access during the inspection.

In the event a termite inspection is needed, we work hand and hand with a local state-licensed qualified (WDO) inspector. Termite inspections start at $100.

  • No. The home inspection we deliver differs from that of municipal inspections (that can be failed). We try to furnish you with the best information, to help assist you in making your decisions on the home purchase. We do not fail or pass homes, we simply provide information that is clearly documented for your use.
  • Regarding insurance inspections (4- Point), the insurance company may request or require any deficiencies found, to be corrected.

There is no such thing as a perfect house, most home inspection findings, reveal minor imperfections and suggested maintenance recommendations. Occasionally major defects and safety hazards are discovered, whereupon you and your Realtor can decide how to advance after the inspection.

The report is yours. Only with your consent will we provide a report to another party. When scheduling the inspection, we will ask if you prefer us to send additional copies to any other parties. Typically, most clients request we provide a copy to their agent.

NO !  See referenced link for the Florida ruling July 2014 -SB 1672

  • Making criminal to both parties risking fines, termination or suspension of their state license, and possible prosecution if caught offering or accepting any referral fees between inspectors- brokers/agents based on referring services.

          https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2014/1672

  • You can entrust that agents refer us based on their experience and knowledge that we will serve you well.
  • Quick History overview on why Florida is different from other states
  • After hurricane Andrew struck south Florida in 1992, causing major losses. The insurance companies started requiring homeowners to have 4-point inspections to reduce and mitigate risk, they further implemented building standards derived from the Miami Dade county building codes, instituting in 2002 the FBC (Florida Building Code) – a statewide minimum building standard. The objective was to reduce the future damages caused by storms, by implementing proven building techniques.
  • Florida also required all admitted insurance companies, to offer discounts based on documented wind mitigation features such as window & door protections, roof shape, and roof strapping. Providing credits to policyholders, reducing and lowering premiums. The importance of obtaining a wind mitigation inspection
  • Also, in 2002 the Florida legislation combined Florida Residential Property and Casualty Joint Underwriting Association (FRPCJUA) and the Florida Windstorm Underwriting Association (FWUA). This resulted in Citizens Property Insurance Corporation. Citizens serves as a not-for-profit, tax-exempt, government entity to provide property insurance to eligible Florida property owners unable to find insurance coverage in the private market. Citizens is funded by policyholder premiums; however, Florida law also requires that citizens levy assessments on most Florida policyholders if it experiences a deficit in the wake of a particularly devastating storm or series of storms.

YES, IN 2009 – HOUSE Bill 1495 WAS PASSED BY THE LEGISLATURE AND SIGNED BY THE GOVERNOR

an individual or entity who knowingly provides or utters a false or fraudulent mitigation verification form with the intent to obtain or receive a discount on an insurance premium to which the individual or entity is not entitled commits a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.”

ALSO, IN 2010 NEW LEGISLATIVE House Bill 663

Stiffened the penalties to inspectors that knowingly sign inspection forms that they are aware are incorrect, or that exhibit a pattern of unjustified mitigation credits.