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What is important in a home inspection report

By August 12, 2018August 17th, 2021Home Inspections, Insurance Inspection

When we do home inspections in and around Melbourne, Fl we get asked some of the same questions.  Most of which can be summed up with what is important.  Honestly, that varies from homeowner to homeowner.  We can certainly help you decide what is important but everyone’s situation is different.  Some people are handy and can easily fix small items, while others will never go near their roof of touch electrical systems.  The only way to decide what is important to you is to have a discussion.

Important to your home include; what will cause damage or make the home unsafe.  Many of those items can range urgent to needing attention in the future.  A roof leak is important but in the dry season, it really will not cause any further damage, while an electrical problem could be an immediate concern.  Plumbing leaks certainly can be a huge issue and can certainly vary in importance.  When someone has an air conditioning issue the speed at which a homeowner wants repairs can certainly be determined by the time of the year.

Water issues from roof leaks can be a problem and ultimately the severity of the problem should be assessed.  A small leak at the fascia is certainly not urgent but a large leak over a critical living area might require emergency repair.  Most roof leaks in a home go unnoticed for months if not years.  That is why many are found during inspections.

Plumbing is what keeps our houses clean.  The water is used for cleaning everything in a home.  The wastewater needs to be quickly removed to prevent illnesses. Plumbing leaks can range from a small drip to a disastrous pipe bursting.  The water heater is probably the most dangerous item in your home, not only can it leak but it has the power to destroy your home.  Mythbusters did a whole episode (Shown in part here) about it.  While it is fun to watch on TV you would want to be sure that nothing like this ever happened in your you.   Here is a new story (http://youtu.be/d5-L3JtjtD0).  Additionally, water can cause problems such as decay and mold.  The occupants belonging can be damaged as well.

Most of us are accustomed to having the air in our homes conditioned.  We simply set the thermostat and we get heating and cooling.  This also dehumidifies(during cooling), this is what makes the home feel better in Florida.  Without a properly working air conditioning system, our home could not only be uncomfortable but prone to mold and moisture problems.  The system could even be new but leaky ducts, improper draining, or improperly sized unit and sever problems could develop.   Oversize systems are known to create moisture and mold issues in hot and humid environments.

Electrical issues vary from outdated components to downright dangerous situations.  Having a system that meets many of the current safety requirements can possibly save a life.  Adding Ground Fault circuits and Arc-fault circuits is a great way to make a home safer.  Most homes do not meet the current standards and we shouldn’t expect them to since they change every few years.  We can plan upgrades as needed.  Other items like overheating or improper electrical connections are more urgent.  Having breakers that work and are properly sized is important and often missed with an upgrading of other systems.  Pool pumps and other equipment around pools can be especially dangerous and easily overlooked.  We find issues all the time with the pool equipotential bonding (South Florida).

Other safety issues include garage door openers, slip, and fall hazards, as well as a myriad of other issues, should be taken into consideration.  Finally, knowing about your home may not be enough, there are different requirements for loan types and insurance.  Your home will have to meet those requirements as well as your needs.  Unfortunately, those requirements vary with companies and are subject to change.  We do many home and insurance inspections including four-point inspections in the Melbourne area, let our experience help you.  Feel free to contact us if you have any questions.

Michelle Shishilla

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