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Existing Residential Inspections
Our
ten point inspection for buyers of existing homes
covers all vital areas within the home from the foundation to the roof and
is considered the most thorough inspection in the Tampa Bay area.
Whether you’re buying, selling, building a home, or simply
looking for peace of mind, turn to the only inspection company that
creates a “video” paper trail.
The 10 Point Digital-Video Taped Home Inspection
-
The
Site
- Grading Conditions
- Soil Conditions
- Drainage around the exterior walls
- Driveways and Sidewalks
-
The
Structure
- Exterior, Interior Walls, Floors and Ceilings
- Foundation and Roof Structure
-
The
Roof
- Exterior Finish Assessment
- Attic and Insulation
-
The
Air Conditioning System
- Condenser and Air Handler
- Ductwork Design and Installation
- Suction and Drain Lines
-
The
Plumbing System
- Main Lines, Waste Pipes, Drains
- Clean Outs, Fixtures and Faucets
- Water Heater
-
The
Electrical System
- Main Service, Switches
- Outlets and Fixtures
-
The
Appliances
- Range, Dishwasher
- Washer,
Dryer, etc.
-
The
Windows and Doors
- All Moving Parts and Structure
-
The
Sprinkler System
- Timer
- Sprinkler Heads and Coverage
- A Room by Room, Item by Item Video Production
SI.com is the only inspection firm that provides cost estimates on all repairs and life expectancy on major components.
We also inspect swimming pools, spas, hot tubs, seawalls and docks. We perform mold and indoor air quality inspections, lead, radon, termite, septic tank, irrigation well inspections, carbon monoxide and water testing.
This is what Donald Trump has to say about inspections:
Excerpt of 'Trump: Think Like A Billionaire'
By Donald Trump with Meredith McIver
Chapter 1
PART I
Real Estate
When people hear the name Trump, they think of two things: wealth and real estate. So while this entire book is dedicated to the creation and enjoyment of wealth, I need to start with the basics. The basics, for me, are all about property. Real estate is at the core of almost every business, and it's certainly at the core of most people's wealth. In order to build your wealth and improve your business smarts, you need to know about real estate.
What follows is some great advice. There are some helpful tips here for first-time apartment renters as well as for multiple-home owners. So read on.
A building inspection is often required, but you should always require it yourself. A knowledgeable, licensed inspector/engineer can detect weather the heating unit is functioning properly, whether the air conditioning is sufficient, whether a sump pump is needed, and so on. Think of a building inspection as an X-ray; the inspector will be able to see through the entire house and identify any systemic problems. For instance, what sort of materials were used for the house’s piping? Galvanized? Brass? Copper? Synthetic? Galvanized pipes rust and don’t last as long as brass pipes, which don’t last as long as copper pipes, which don’t last as long as synthetic pipes. Only a building inspector will be able to see this level of detail within a house or apartment.
If the inspector makes you nervous or you sense that he or she is working too quickly, find someone else. The inspection is too important to be careless about it.
Sometimes the problems inspectors find are fixable at a reasonable cost, but other times they find things that cannot be fixed without major renovations or even a teardown. The inspector will provide an objective, independent report that may or may not affect the value of the home, but either way, you can request price adjustments based on the inspection.
Another quick tip: Some investors make the dumb mistake of assuming that new constructions do not require building inspections. Wrong! New constructions often have the largest problems, particularly if the build-out and construction were sloppy. In addition to structural, plumbing, and electrical woes, new constructions can be vexed by mold infestation and other problems typically associated with longer-standing buildings.
Below is further explanation on our 10 point inspection.
1. The Site:
This is an extremely important part of our inspection as most resale lawsuits arise out of poor drainage. The finish grade must slope away from the exterior walls. This is called "positive flow". If the finish grade slopes toward the dwelling it is called "negative flow". Negative flow can can cause damage to the foundation, invite termites and enter the building if it gets high enough. Cost estimates are given.
2. The Structure
We are looking for excessive or unusual cracks or indications of movement and settlement in the walls, floors and ceilings. We can determine if it is settlement or just normal shrinkage of materials.
In most cases the foundation is covered but the typical slab on grade has an exposed edge. In older homes with crawl spaces the masonry piers are typically installed on top of the finish grade without a foundation. That's why older homes have the so called quaintness when the floors roll up and down throughout. On the contrary this could be a huge expense.
The roof structure can be damaged by past or active leaks. It is common to find defects in the installation of the trusses, plywood sheathing or hurricane uplift straps. There are thousands of homes in Florida with roof sheathing stapled to the trusses not nailed.
One of the biggest problems in new construction is the fact that steel reinforcement is no longer required if fiber mesh is used in 3000 psi concrete. We find brand new concrete slabs with an 1/8' wide crack and deflection. Cost estimates are given.
3. The Roof
SI.com determines the current age (most agents hate this) and its life expectancy. A roof can only be properly inspected by walking on it. The only time we do not walk the roof is if the slope is too steep or if conditions exist that are unsafe, (the tiles or shingles are wet with fungus and algae growth) the roof is too slick.
Potential defects include missing shingles, deterioration due to age, deferred maintenance, aggregate loss, cracking or broken tiles, loose or shifting tiles or just poor workmanship.
The soffit and fascia are examined for water stains, wood rot and overall condition.
SI.com also checks the roof from the underside in the attic to confirm the nail patterns are correct. Cost estimates are given.
4. Heating & Air Conditioning System (HVAC)
The condenser and air handler are examined determining their make, age and capacity (are the the proper size for the square footage of the dwelling). The current condition and life expectancy is provided. The suction and condensate lines are assessed.
The ductwork is examined for leaks, loose connections, holes and punctures. The current condition and life expectancy are given.
Efficiency and design are taken into consideration during our inspection. If we find evidence the system is poorly designed it will be stated in our report. Cost estimates are given.
5. Plumbing
The type of water supply and waste lines (pipe) are provided along with the age, current condition, life expectancy and clean-out locations.
Exposed water and waste lines are visually inspected. Water stains are noted and determined to be active or a past water event.
All plumbing fixtures; faucets, sinks, tubs and showers are inspected for current condition and leaks.
The water heater is examined, providing the make, age, size, water temperature and current condition. Cost estimates are given.
If you have a well we highly recommend the well and pump be checked by a licensed well contractor.
6. Electrical
The main service entrance cable, mast and meter box are examined.
The electrical service cabinet (electrical panel) is examined for defects, under and oversized breakers and improper installations. All readily accessible switches, outlets and light fixtures are tested.
7. Appliances
The age, current condition, function and life expectancy are provided. The range, oven, refrigerator and dryer are tested with a laser temperature thermometer.
8. Windows and Doors
The readily accessible windows are inspected for obvious defects such as cracked or broken glass, damaged frames or missing screens. The exterior is inspected for a good consistent caulking bead. The frames inspected for damage and function. The walls and floors below windows are inspected for water stains indicating a possible leak.
9. Sprinkler System
The system timer and zones are tested for function manually. The heads are tested and confirmed to be functioning. The type of water supply is noted. If a well exists we verify function only and exposed pipes for leaks.
If you have a well we highly recommend the well and pump be checked by a licensed well contractor.
10. Video
SI.com has video taped every inspection for the last 15 years. We feel this has set us apart form everyone else. It has provided our clients with important information for litigation after they have moved in. The video documents what we do, what we did, what we found and the current condition of the dwelling at the time of inspection. The video is archived in oiut vault for at least five years. If you ever need it, it is there for you. If you wish to purchase a copy there is a fee for production and format copies.
SI.com also inspects swimming pools, spas, hot tubs, seawalls, docks, mold, radon, termites, lead, carbon monoxide and water testing for an additional fee.
