Why Should I have a home inspection?

The purchase of a home or commercial building is one of the largest single investments you’ll ever make. Since it’s such a big investment, you will need to know the current condition of the property — as well as any repairs and maintenance that will be needed in the future.

A professional home inspection informs the home buyer of the property’s condition. Things aren’t always as they seem. A fresh coat of paint might be hiding serious structural concerns. Stains on the ceiling may simply be the result of a resolved leak, or they could indicate chronic roof leakage and mold damage. There could even be extensive termite damage that compromises the integrity of the home. After evaluating the property, our home inspectors will present their professional opinions on the property’s condition. This will give you a clear understanding of the home so you can make a confident decision.

What is a home inspection?

An inspection is a visual examination of the structure and the systems of a building. If you are thinking of buying a home, condominium, mobile home, or commercial building, you should have it thoroughly inspected by an experienced and impartial professional before the final purchase. When you choose us here at FEC Inspections to do the evaluation, you can rest assured that our inspectors are some of the best in the industry.

What parts of the house will a home inspector assess?

FEC Inspections offers the most comprehensive home inspections on Florida’s East Coast. Depending on the package you choose, our inspections can include evaluating the drainage system, crawl space and ventilation, insulation, framing, plumbing, complete exterior, complete interior, air conditioning, electrical system, foundation, masonry, appliances, windows, doors, roofing, heat pumps, furnace, siding, and more.

Does a newly constructed home need an inspection?

Absolutely. A professional inspection of a new home is important. We can spot potential problems early, while they are still easy to correct. It’s especially valuable to arrange an inspection before the final purchase date.

When should I schedule an inspection?

The best time to schedule an inspection is directly after you have made an offer on a property. The real estate contract usually allows for a grace period to inspect the building. Ask your real estate agent to include this inspection clause in the contract, making your purchase obligation contingent upon the findings of a professional inspection.

Do I really need an inspection?

Homes, like cars, require maintenance. You don’t want to purchase a home and then realize that the roof, electrical service or plumbing needs to be replaced after the closing is done. A home inspection helps protect you from those situations and gives you a negotiating point for repairs to be completed before or after closing.

Do I need to be there during the inspection?

No, you aren’t required to be there for the inspection, but we do recommend that you be present. It’s a valuable learning experience for most people and will help you get the most benefit from the inspection. By following the inspector you can ask questions directly and the inspector can explain maintenance tips for specific areas. We feel you’ll be able to best understand the finished report and get the most benefit from it by having been there during the inspection.

How long will a typical inspection last?

The time will vary depending on both the size and condition of the home. For most homes, 2 hours is pretty typical. But for larger homes, or homes in poor condition, it may take longer.

What if the inspection uncovers problems?

Our report will tell you the condition of the house, including needed repairs and expenses. No house is going to be perfect. It is up to you to decide how any problems the inspection uncovers might affect your decision to purchase. If major problems are discovered, you may want to try negotiating with the seller to have them repaired before closing the deal.

Can I hire the inspector to fix any problems found during the inspection?

No. The code of ethics of The International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI®) prohibits its members from doing any repair work on properties they inspect. This assures that there will never be any conflict of interest by the inspector. Our purpose is to provide an unbiased, objective third party report on the condition of the home.