FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
ANSWERS TO YOUR QUESTIONS
WHAT IS YOUR EXPERIENCE?
What does your inspector know about inspecting properties in Florida? Florida buildings are built differently and exposed to different elements than properties in the North. Inspectors who are used to inspecting properties in Michigan might be more accustomed to thinking about snow than microbial growth or hurricanes.
We only inspect properties in North Central Florida and have lived in Florida for most of our lives, so we understand what concerns to consider that are specific to the unique environment of Florida.
IS THIS YOUR FULL-TIME JOB?
There are over 12,000 licensed home inspectors in the state of Florida. Only 40% of those are actively working as inspectors and 20% of those do it as a full-time job. That’s under 1,000 inspectors full-time in the state.
Someone who only does inspections occasionally won’t have the same level of experience as a home inspector who is full-time.
We do property inspections, as a full-time job, throughout Marion, Putnam, Alachua, and surrounding counties in Florida.
ANOTHER INSPECTOR IS CHEAPER, WHY?
Inspectors that charge less, may do less, know less, and most likely inspect less. They typically do not carry the technology, tools, and knowledge that are necessary to complete the best comprehensive property inspection, they may not be fully insured, or they may lack the certifications needed to do a thorough home inspection.
If you desire a comprehensive home inspection of what likely will be, the largest purchase of your life, you will want a certified, experienced, and professional home inspection company working for you. Hiring a home inspection company with knowledge, that understands that they work for you and no one else is crucial.
We make sure that you, our client, understand the condition of the systems in your new property. This is our 1st priority. 1st Inspection Svcs provides an on-site review at the end of your comprehensive home inspection. This includes our findings and ensures that you understand all aspects of the property. This also gives you a chance to ask any questions on site. Our customized reports are straightforward and in an easy-to-read format that provides our recommendations for monitoring, repair, and/or replacement, includes photos, and is emailed to you in a PDF format within 24 hours. Your inspection will also be available online.
WHAT DO YOU LOOK FOR? DO YOU OFFER OTHER SERVICES?
The Florida Standards of Practice is the minimum that inspectors should check for, but this doesn’t mean that all inspectors have the same checklist. Some companies hold themselves to higher standards and include more in their standard inspection checklist.
According to the Florida Standards of Practice, an inspector is not required to look for mold, pest infestations, or environmental hazards (lead paint, etc). If any of these features are important to you, you may want to go with the inspector that has a more extensive checklist.
Florida homeowners may want a wind mitigation inspection to ensure they are protected in the event of a hurricane. (It may also provide you with an insurance discount, ask your insurance agent). Also, ask whether your inspector performs 4 point inspections, this may be required if your home is 30 years or older. Don’t forget to ask if there are any ancillary inspections they need to subcontract out. If a home inspector uses a subcontractor, you’ll want to check that company’s credentials to ensure they are reputable as well.
We are trained to look for anything that is visibly amiss that may be unhealthy or unsafe for you and your family. All our home inspections include thermal imaging. We can perform additional inspections for you, such as 4-point inspections, wind mitigation inspections, WDO Inspections, roof certifications, well testing, and more. Click here to see a full list of our services.
ARE YOU LICENCED AND INSURED?
Licenses are required in the state of Florida, and anyone can check the DBPR website to verify an inspector. Hiring an inspector who is unlicensed is just as dangerous as hiring a contractor who is unlicensed. Can you trust their work?
In the state of Florida, inspectors are required to have a minimum of $300,000 general liability insurance, but some inspectors carry more. In addition, it’s also nice for an inspector to have errors & omissions (E&O) coverage, in case anything is missed that may lead to damage later on.
We carry more than three times the required general liability coverage and have E&O insurance to protect ourselves and you.
IF YOU FIND SOMETHING WRONG, CAN YOU FIX IT?
Electricians, plumbers, and contractors who inspect on the side might simply be trying to provide feeder business to themselves. They might find more items in “need of repair” in the house, so they can get more money from you. It’s best to hire a separate inspector and contractor, so there’s no conflict of interest.
We offer the best inspection possible. We will help you understand the problem so you can make the best decision for the repair.
CONCLUSION
When buying or selling a home, it’s important to trust the experts that are going to work with you; your home inspector is one of these trusted advisers. We hope we have provided the answers you may need to make the best decision for you and your family. We welcome any additional questions you may have.