A professional home inspector provides an inspection report after completing a home inspection. Here’s what you can expect to find in such a report:

1. Visible Deficiencies and Safety Hazards: The report will include a typed list of any visible issues or safety hazards found during the inspection.
2. Photographs: To help you understand the locations of defects and safety concerns, the report will include photos.
3. Summary: The report will highlight the most critical concerns, ensuring you’re aware of any urgent issues that need attention.

What a home inspection includes:

• Roof: The inspector assesses the roof’s condition, materials, drainage system, chimneys, skylights, and flashing. They look for any repairs or damage to shingles and gutters.
• Foundation and Structure: This covers the floor, walls, ceiling, and roof structure.
• Electrical Systems: The inspector checks the electrical panel box, grounding, wiring, outlets, switches, and circuit breakers for proper functioning and safety.
• Plumbing Systems: The plumbing system, including water heaters, pipes, and fixtures (such as bathtubs and toilets), is inspected.
• Heating Systems: The heating equipment, chimneys, fireplaces, venting, and ductwork are examined.
• Air Conditioning Systems: The central and other cooling systems, as well as ductwork, are assessed.
• Built-in Appliances: Any built-in appliances (stoves, refrigerators, dishwashers, microwaves, washers, dryers, etc.) are checked.
• Basement, Attic, and Garage: The inspector evaluates foundations, walls, floors, windows, framing, wiring, electrical systems, and garage door openers.
• Exterior: The condition of exterior paint, siding, lights, and outlets is reviewed.
• Safety Features: Fire and carbon monoxide alarms, staircases, guardrails, etc., are inspected.
• Grounds: Sidewalks, driveways, fences, and lot drainage are also considered.

*Remember, a home inspection report serves as your new homeowner’s manual, complete with a maintenance schedule and checklist.

A four-point inspection is a thorough examination of a home’s four major systems, providing insight into their current condition. These systems include:

1. Roofing: The inspector assesses the roof’s integrity, looking for signs of damage, leaks, or wear and tear.
2. Electrical: This part of the inspection focuses on wiring, panels, and potential fire hazards. Homes with outdated or risky electrical systems may face insurance challenges.
3. Plumbing: The inspector examines pipes and plumbing fixtures to gauge the risk of bursting or water damage.
4. HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning): The HVAC system is checked for functionality, ventilation issues, and signs of leakage.

Why are 4-point inspections important?

• Insurance Requirement: Insurance companies often require a 4-point inspection before approving a new policy or renewing existing coverage. Older homes, in particular, may need this inspection due to the likelihood of costly repairs.
• Risk Assessment: Insurers use the results to identify properties at higher risk of repair, helping them understand the financial risks associated with insuring the property.
• Homebuyers: New homeowners can also benefit from a 4-point inspection. It provides insights into potential issues, allowing them to make informed decisions before committing to a mortgage.

*Remember, a 4-point inspection is not a substitute for a comprehensive home inspection. It specifically focuses on these critical systems to assess risk and condition.

A wind mitigation inspection is when a certified inspector comes to your home to check how well your roof, windows, doors, and other elements of your home can hold up against extreme winds. If the inspector’s report shows that your home has sufficient wind-resistant features to protect against hurricanes, tornadoes, and other windstorms, your insurer will likely reward you with discounts on your home insurance premiums. In fact, if you live in Florida, your insurance company is required by law to give you a discount for having wind-resistant features in your home. Here are some key points about wind mitigation inspections:

1. Savings Potential: A positive risk rating in your wind mitigation inspection report can save you anywhere from 3% to 55% on the wind portion of your home insurance policy. Depending on where you live and your coverage limits, this could translate to significant annual savings.
2. Wind-Resistant Features: To score the biggest discounts, consider installing the following wind-resistant features:
3. Strong, secondary water-resistant layer on your roof
4. Hip roof made of metal that slopes downward
5. Storm-proof garage doors
6. Roof-wall attachments that use double wraps
7. Impact-resistant coverings over all windows and doors with glass openings
8. Process: Wind mitigation inspections typically usually take about an hour to complete. You’ll receive a copy of the inspection report that you can promptly send to your insurance company.

* Remember, wind mitigation inspections are a smart investment to protect your home and potentially reduce insurance costs. If you’re in a hurricane-prone area, it’s especially beneficial to have these wind-resistant features in place.