Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)
What is an inspection agreement?
The inspection agreement is a legal document required by our insurance company. It verifies that you understand the home inspectors’ standard operating procedures and agree to our terms and conditions. We are not allowed to perform an inspection without one.
How long does a home inspection take?
We estimate approximately 1 hour per thousand square feet plus one hour. Large attics with multiple accesses, additional buildings, pools, crawlspaces, and older homes may add time to the inspection. A modern 2000 square foot house is typically completed in less than 3 hours. Our staff will communicate an accurate timeframe with you on the day of your inspection if you are attending.
What is a wind mitigation?
Also known as a “windstorm” inspection, a Wind Mitigation Inspection is an examination of a home’s existing safety features that make it more secure and less likely to be damaged during storms. This report cannot hurt you, but it can get you discounts! During the inspection, we will be checking different areas such as: roof covering and installation, roof to decking attachments, roof to wall ties, windows and doors, garage doors, etc. Upgrades such as hurricane clips, hurricane impact rated windows, etc. will give you credits and discounts on your premium. The Wind Mitigation Inspection is typically requested for homes older than a 2007, but it is not mandatory. Homes newer than a 2007 typically get full credits because it is assumed they are built to the highest standard.
What is a four point?
A 4-Point Inspection’s purpose is to report on the four major systems of a home: the roof, electrical, plumbing and HVAC. This is a limited inspection (NOT a home inspection) to give the overall condition of those elements. This inspection is typically required by insurance companies for homes 30 years and older, though some companies require them for homes 25 years and older. An insurance company will require this to verify that the home has been well maintained.
What do you inspect during a full home inspection?
During a full home inspection, we are inspecting your future home from top to bottom. We will be inspecting the roof, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, windows, siding, appliances, etc. You can find more information online under the Florida standards of practice for home inspectors. We are not looking for cosmetic defects such as chipped paint and scuffed floors.
What if it’s raining?
If it is raining, the inspection will proceed as normal. Typically, there is a break in the rain where your inspector is able to perform the roof inspection, but if it is unsafe due to the amount of rain and or slope of the roof, they will do a visual inspection from the ground or their ladder as well as in the attic checking for visible leaks.
How do you inspect the roof?
Unless the home is over two stories or the slope of the roof is unsafe, we will traverse the roof by foot. This allows your inspector to feel for any soft spots as well as get the best view possible of all components on the roof. If the inspector feels that the roof is unsafe to traverse, they will inspect from their ladder and or on the ground at multiple points around the home.
How soon will I have my report?
You will typically receive your report within hours of the inspection, but it depends greatly on your inspector’s schedule and how time consuming each home is that day. We guarantee that you will have your report within 24 hours.
Can I attend the inspection?
Yes, you are welcome to attend the inspection and we highly encourage making an effort to be there for the last 15-20 minutes of the inspection. This is when the inspector is finishing up and will have time to debrief you on his findings. This is also your opportunity to ask him any questions that you may have as well.
Should I attend the inspection?
We highly recommend at least attending the last 15-20 minutes of your inspection. This will give you a chance to look around one more time as well as be present for a debriefing from your inspector on their findings. This is also your opportunity to ask him any questions that you may have as well. If you are unable to attend for any reason, our admin staff and inspectors will be available to answer your questions after you have read your report.
Can I follow the inspector during the home inspection?
No, you cannot follow your inspector during the inspection. It can be unsafe for both of you as well as distracting to your inspector. Their job requires that they are able to concentrate in order to perform the best inspection for you. If they are distracted by people following them, asking questions, etc then they will not be able to perform their best for you.
What if the sellers are there during the inspection?
It’s not typically an issue if the sellers are there during the inspection. We know it can be uncomfortable if you, the buyer, plans on attending, but typically both parties are able to keep to themselves. It is their home, so we cannot ask them to leave but they will be briefed before the inspection begins and asked to not follow the inspector or interfere in any way.
Can the inspector or TLP repair defects found on the inspection?
No. It is a conflict of interest for us to perform work on defects that we identify during a home inspection.
Do you recommend contractors for repairs?
We do have and can provide referrals but we only provide contacts for tradesmen or people we have personally done business with and trust. Always be sure to ask your Realtor as well, most realtors are well networked with quality tradesmen.
Will the inspector find EVERY defect in a property?
No. Our inspectors are human and therefore they cannot see through walls and they cannot predict the future. Most major defects are visible or have visible indications of concealed problems and we make every effort to find all of the major defects in a home; however, on occasion some systems or components are inaccessible. On rare occasions some defects may even be hidden by home owners. As is the case with anything, systems and components can wear out or break after the inspection as well. It is important to remember that a home inspection is a snapshot in time and conditions can and will change after the inspection.