We love inspecting homes, and we can’t imagine doing it in any other part of the world. Anyone who knows Florida will tell you that it’s a beautiful state, but our climate can be tough on our houses.
As home inspectors, this presents a unique challenge, but it’s a challenge we’re happy to accept. So, what’s so different about inspecting a home in Florida, compared to the other states?
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Flooding
The top causes of flooding in Florida are typically the result of heavy thunderstorms, hurricanes, or tropical storms. Because the vast majority of Florida is at or near sea level, Florida is susceptible to floods. Some areas of South Florida, such as Broward County, are at higher risk of flooding.
Flood damage to a home can be particularly devastating to floors and interiors, with long-lasting effects that can be costly to rectify if not tackled early.
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Heat
The Sunshine State enjoys warmer weather most of the year, which can mean that a home’s HVAC (Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning) system is in demand to keep its residents cool and comfortable. If not maintained regularly, and inspected by a professional, this system can deteriorate. Dirty filters must be changed every six months, and leaky ductwork rectified in order to keep the HVAC in good working order.
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Wind
Harsh winds, especially those that accompany the Florida hurricane season, can mean that your home’s roof takes quite a battering. It’s wise to have a professional inspect your roof to assess any damage after a storm, and what repairs are required to keep you warm and dry. Neglecting your roof can have serious effects on your home in the long run. A wind mitigation inspection is common in Florida because it looks at solutions that reduce the amount of damage your home may suffer in the event of a hurricane or strong windstorm and determines the appropriateness of a home’s construction in the event of strong winds or a hurricane.
Florida: Home Sweet Home
A word to the wise: don’t buy or sell a home in Florida without scheduling a professional home inspection, as it could save you thousands of dollars.
Clever home buyers know that a buyer’s inspection is essential when it comes to buying a Florida home. Under Florida law, a home inspector must provide you with a written, unbiased opinion on the condition of the home – that’s an honest verdict of the systems and components of the biggest purchase you’re likely to make. Without this inspection, many buyers are at the mercy of non-disclosure of a defect in a home – an expensive mistake.
Home inspections aren’t just for home buyers, they’re for home sellers too. It’s a wise move to invest in a thorough pre-sale home inspection before putting your Florida home up for sale because the last-minute discovery of problems by a prospective buyer can lead to time delays, added expenses and can even derail a deal altogether.
The Florida standard
When scheduling a home inspection, choose an inspector who meets the strict requirements of a licensed home inspector in the state of Florida. At Matter Home Inspections, we are friendly, professional, and experienced. We are licensed by the state of Florida to inspect systems and components of the home, such as electrical systems, HVAC, roofing, plumbing, interior components, and exterior components.
Call us to inspect your Florida home, it’s an investment you’ll be glad you made.
