A comprehensive home inspection could be just what you need to proceed with a home purchase or to negotiate an offer that aligns better with the home's condition.

Five Scenarios Where You Need a Home Inspection

Typically, 4-point inspections are the primary choice for pre-sale inspection of residential homes, offering essential insights into four key home systems: roof, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC. However, there are instances when buyers may benefit from taking the extra step and arranging a comprehensive home inspection.

Such inspections delve deeper into not only the aforementioned home systems but also evaluate additional systems and structural conditions that could give buyers pause or empower them to negotiate a more favorable deal.

A full home inspection incorporates all the assessments provided in a 4-point inspection and further includes:

• Lot Grading and Drainage
  If your property exhibits signs of inadequate grading and drainage, you face potential risks of flooding and moisture-related challenges. Furthermore, prolonged neglect of this issue could already have caused damage to your home's foundation or led to wood and structural decay in its lower areas.

• The Foundation
  In addition to evaluating grading and drainage, we will thoroughly examine the foundation of the home to detect any indications of cracks or deterioration in the actual structure. During the inspection of your residence and its crawl spaces, we might also identify other symptoms of foundation concerns, including uneven flooring, cracked bricks or tiles, or damaged drywall.

• Insulation and Ventilation
  As we ascend to the attic for a roof check, a comprehensive home inspection involves a thorough evaluation of the property's insulation and ventilation. These elements are vital in our climate to enhance overall home comfort, prevent moisture and mold concerns, and lower energy usage and costs.
  
  
• Evidence of Leaks or Water Damage
  The examination encompasses a comprehensive review of every room within the residence, as well as the cabinets beneath plumbing fixtures, with a keen eye for any indications of unresolved or past leaks and water harm. Should any issues arise, we may employ infrared technology to detect water damage concealed within interior walls and floors.
  
  
• Pest Damage
  There is no reason to consider relocating to a residence with a substantial pest issue when it can be addressed proactively. Although we will inspect for signs of rodent infestations, the primary focus is on wood-destroying organisms (WDOs), responsible for causing millions of dollars in damages in Florida every year.
  
  
• General Property Condition and Features
  We will thoroughly document all observations that are crucial for a potential home buyer. This encompasses assessing the condition of the home's siding, door and window trim, as well as evaluating the functionality of doors, windows, cabinets, drawers, and appliances. Additionally, we will investigate if the landscaping or any other property structures could potentially pose a threat to the home during severe storm conditions.

Upon completing the reading of our report, you will have a comprehensive understanding of the home's condition, regardless of any concealment by glossy real estate photos or the seller's "curb appeal" tactics.

Five Scenarios Where You Need a Complete Home Inspection

Here are five situations where we feel it’s best to forgo the standard real estate 4-point inspection and schedule a complete version instead:

1. You’re First-Time Homebuyers

If this is your initial home purchase or if you prefer not to tackle home renovations yourself, a thorough home inspection is essential. This is crucial for gaining a clear understanding of the property. The only exceptions are for newly constructed homes or those built within the last 10 years.

2. The Home is 30 Years Old or More

Thirty years doesn’t feel that long when you live them, but much can go wrong in a three decades old home – especially if it didn’t benefit from routine home maintenance. If the house hasn’t been updated since the 90s, we guarantee some things aren’t up to current building code standards.

3. Owners Unable to Present Documentation of Maintenance

If homeowners are unable to demonstrate regular maintenance of their home's systems (roof, HVAC, attic, etc.), it is essential for you to be informed of the current situation. We will identify any areas requiring immediate attention and furnish you with a prioritized maintenance checklist for necessary repairs and replacements.

4. Buying a Home Without Seeing it in Person

As previously discussed, captivating real estate photos and zealous agents might tempt you into buying a home that exceeds your expectations. Without a trusted representative available for an in-person walkthrough, our thorough home inspection serves as the ideal alternative.

5. You’ve Waived the Home Inspection

We strongly advise against forgoing a home inspection since potential issues could far exceed your expectations for repair or replacement. In the event that you did waive the inspection, acting promptly is crucial to addressing any problems before they escalate into more substantial issues.