If you see any damage or problems in your electrical systems, call a professional. Never attempt to fix it by yourself.

It is not uncommon to see outdated, damaged, or poorly installed electrical wiring in the home. However, it’s not something to take lightly either. Faulty wirings can cause fatal electrical shocks and fire. In the US, there are thousands of residential fires that flare up every year due to faulty electrical wiring. Don’t be part of the census. Below are 6 warning signs of faulty electrical wiring you need to be on the lookout for.

·         Circuit breaker trips

–          Circuit breakers are designed to shut off the power when there is system overload. You can easily switch it back on and it’ll return to work. But, if your circuit breaker frequently trips, it’s a surefire sign of a potentially dangerous problem. Take note if it trips multiple times a month. Make sure to call for a professional if you suspect something is wrong.

·         Flickering, buzzing, and dimming lights

–          Your circuit may not trip but your lights can speak for themselves. Flickering, buzzing, or dimming lights are symptoms of an outdated or damaged electrical wiring. See if your lights buzz and flicker when turned on or dim when you use multiple appliances. If it does, never attempt to fix it on your own. Your home’s wiring may be needing a professional upgrade.

·         Frayed or chewed wiring

–          You may not catch them on the spot but rodents and pets can chew on your wiring. Even ants feed on electrical boxes. They can’t cut through the metal wires but they sure can chew on the softer insulation, exposing the live wires and causing electrical issues. Damaged electrical wiring such as a frayed or chewed one is an electrical shock and fire hazard. It’s extremely important to immediately act if you suspect problems of this kind. Contact an electrical contractor or wiring professional to inspect and possibly replace the wiring in your home.

·         Discoloration, scorching, and smoke

–          It’s important to constantly check the outlets in your home. If you see any discoloration around the outlets, it’s a sure sign of damaged wiring and is releasing heat. Never take this concern lightly as it can get much worse if left unattended.

·         Warm or vibrating wall outlets

–          If you don’t see any discoloration in outlets or any frayed wiring, touch your home’s electrical outlets for heat or vibrations. Either of the two needs a professional electrical inspection to replace any loose or damaged wiring.

·         Burning and odd odors

–          Almost all five senses are needed to examine your own home’s electrical systems. If you smell any burning, smoky or odd odors in your home especially at the point of outlets and electrical panels, contact an electrician immediately. Burning smells means wire damage and fire may have already begun. If that’s the case, have it fixed immediately.

Always trust your senses. Most importantly, always be vigilant around your home. Be alert of these warning signs and act on it immediately by calling for professional help. Do not let you or your family and friends tinker on these electrical issues. 

Schedule your Home Inspection in Orlando FL today! Call us at (407) 218-6522

Water is the source of life, of course. But sometimes, it can also be a source of trouble. Water damage is a nightmare for homeowners because it can appear out of nowhere and leave behind serious problems. In fact, water damage can produce mold growth within 24 hours. Think of the extent of the damage if left untreated for days, weeks, or months.

Signs of Water Damage Your Home Inspector Will Look For

Below are the signs of water damage that can compromise your home’s structural integrity, your family’s health and safety, and even hurt your sale.

Indications of structural damage include:

–     cracks, holes, and water damages in the structure of your home

–     functionality problems of windows and appliances

–     HVAC system issues

–     pipe and drain leakage

Common signs of water damage are as follows:

· Sagging Ceiling – Sometimes we see sagging in the ceiling but we often don’t take this seriously. Unfortunately, this sign of water damage is something that should not be ignored, ever. You only see a sagging ceiling but beyond that are several problems. If left unchecked, your ceiling is likely to collapse. Apart from that, mold growth can thrive within your ceiling and pose a health risk to you and your family.

· Warped Floor Tiles – If you notice soft spots in your flooring, make sure to investigate it further. Improper installation can cause cupping on the floor but water damage can do the same. It can be a result of moisture and humidity. However, it is also an indication of a generous amount of water below the floor. This should be inspected and fixes right away.

· Soggy Carpets – There are many types of carpets out there but a soggy one should be something to worry about. A moist, soggy, or squishy carpet is commonly caused by a slab leak. Whether the moisture can range from damp to soaked, it’s a breeding ground for mold. Act on it quickly. Identify the water source, fix the problem and replace the carpet right away. It’s very important to keep the house dry.

· Stucco Cracks- Cracks in the stucco of your home exterior is a concerning sign. Water moisture in your walls can enter the foundation of your home and open doors for new issues such as wood rot, swelling in the drywall, mold, and other damages.

· Holes in the Attic – Any holes within your attic space is an obvious sign of roof leak. Heavy rains and storms can produce serious damage and lead to other extensive problems if left unattended.

Is a House with Water Damage Still Sellable?

“Can I still sell my home?” YES. “Do I have to disclose the water damage to the buyers?” YES, of course.

You can still sell your home but the buyers need to be informed of any damages or health risks.

However, water damage can significantly affect the value of your home. That is why a pre-listing inspection is an ideal option before listing your property on the market. This way, you’d be able to address the issues and fix them right away. However, if you cannot afford to fix the problems, you can sell the property for a low value as a “fixer-upper”. Talk to your real estate professional to weigh out your options.

Schedule your Home Inspection in Orlando FL today! Call us at (407) 218-6522

Perhaps for some, there’s nothing more nerve-wracking than the thought of finally owning a home. Of course, it’s for all the good reasons. Home buying can hype you up with a roller coaster of emotions. After years of saving up for down payment and other mortgage fees, you’re a step closer to finally having a place to call your own. Whether you’re buying a newly built modern home or a fixer-upper that was built in the 60s, the truth behind walls is paramount. What’s the best way to get the lowdown of your potential home?

A home inspection. Because the truth is, a home inspection will discover things even the seller didn’t know existed. For sure, you wouldn’t want to move into a premise of issues and defects.

In fact, we’ve compiled some of the problems commonly found during a home inspection. We want to arm you with proper information to help you evaluate your potential purchase.

 1.  Water problems. Water is on top of the list for so many reasons.

Grade sloping is were draining is towards the home instead of away from the home.  This could lead to a damp basement or crawl space and ultimately cause foundation problems. Apart from that, it could rot the walls, and eventually make room for mold buildup and growth. Some indications of foundation movement include doors that have uneven gaps at the top when closed or even floors that are visibly out of level. If not taken cared of right away, the problems can add up quickly just as the repair costs would.

2. Roofing problem. 

After years of keeping the entire house dry, the roof material ages and succumb to water intrusion. This often leads to expensive repairs and replacement.

 3. Style vs the materials used.

A combination of styles and look makes a cool, contemporary house with a hint of the olden days. However, if you plan to buy a home, it’s best to look for consistency in terms of architectural style and building materials being used. Sometimes, unauthorized modification can bring about costly repairs in the end.

4. Faulty wiring. 

Unfortunately, while modern homes have an ample supply of power and electrical outlets, old homes do not. It’s not uncommon to see extension cords running between rooms. Problem is, this is considered a fire hazard as it places a burden on the electrical system, outlets, and cords. Another common problem found in all ages of a home is exposed the wiring. Any exposed electrical wire should be considered a top priority and must be corrected by a licensed electrician.

5. The year the house was built also offers a handful of issues when it comes to potentially hazardous components.

The 1900s to 50s: Knob and tube wiring consists of fuse and fuse boxes. Unfortunately, these components are already considered outdated and risky to cover modern-day loads.

1942 to 1958: What’s popular during these years is the Orangeburg sewer piping. This piping line is made out of papier-mache out of necessity during World War II. If the pipes of the home you plan to buy with Orangeburg piping have not failed yet, you’re in luck. But it doesn’t mean it won’t.

1984 to 1990: ABS piping made out of recycled plastic tends to crack within glue joints and would be extremely costly to replace.

1990 to 2000: A thorough home inspection can help detect a NOX Rod consolidated furnace.

To sum it up, some of the most common problems found during a home inspection are moisture, toxic mold, drainage, piping materials, plumbing defects, and faulty electrical wiring.

Homebuying is a serious business. Be sure to let your home inspector know about your concerns. This is your soon-to-be-home. You deserve the proper knowledge before closing the deal.

Schedule your Home Inspection in Orlando FL today! Call us at (407) 218-6522

Most inspectors focus on one field of specialization, residential or commercial. However, some inspectors do both. While it takes years of experience and perhaps a little more time to branch out, it’s actually a good idea to increase skill sets.

If you’ve seen companies or inspectors who offer both, you might be wondering how a commercial inspection differs from a typical home inspection. Generally, specializing in commercial inspection drives an inspector to a larger and more devoted customer base. Here’s why:

1.       An incredible variety of buildings to inspect

A home inspection does focus on different types and ages of home, but it’s still a home. Commercial inspection, on the other hand, has an incredible variety in terms of types of buildings or units. In short, there are lots of things to see in the commercial realm. This includes:

–          Apartments

–          Restaurants

–          Office buildings

–          Retail stores

–          Shopping malls

–          Factories

–          Warehouses

–          Grocery stores

–          and other spaces for business purposes

A commercial inspection covers all surfaces, structures, and equipment within a commercial property. This includes interior and exterior walls, structural frame, roof, driveway and pathway, floors, plumbing and electrical system, HVAC units, and other components.

2.       Commercial inspections require more time

Unlike a home inspection which is typically conducted between 2 to 5 hours, a commercial inspection is much more complicated. Aside from that, a commercial inspection may have larger fees which means larger work too. The good thing with branching out to commercial work is that it grows the home inspector’s skillset.

However, in some cases, the client may choose a smaller representative sampling of units and systems to reduce the cost of the inspection. The client gambles on this smaller representative which is common for multiple-unit buildings such as apartments. 

3.       More referral opportunities from commercial clients

As mentioned above, doing commercial inspections also drive a good customer base than home inspections. With home inspections, referrals make a huge impact. However, repeat clients are very rare partially because nobody probably buys a home every single year. With commercial inspections, the clients are investors who may be constantly expanding a business or know somebody else who does. There’s a bigger chance of referrals and repeat transactions. Most of the time, real estate brokers of commercial properties have a good network of clients. Keeping this business people happy guarantees repeat customers.

4.       Liability risk and responsibility, however, is higher.

Commercial inspectors usually face a higher risk of liability and greater challenges in general. First, commercial buildings are larger, and sometimes more intimidating to the inspector. Clients here are businessmen who are critical with deadlines and with money on the line. Since commercial buildings are larger in scope, commercial inspectors usually work on a team. This helps streamline the inspection process and minimize the possibility of errors.

Some home inspectors actually happen to become commercial inspectors by chance. Maybe a residential owner who is also a business investor who needed a reliable inspector. For the most part, many seek professional inspections to help grow their business.

Schedule your Home Inspection in Orlando FL today! Call us at (407) 218-6522

Before you start looking and planning how to decorate your “soon-to-be-home”, there are still a handful of things you need to do. One of these is to have the new home inspected. There are many important reasons why a home inspection is necessary before purchasing your new home.

Picking out paint colors and planning to shop for decorative items is very exciting. However, nothing beats the satisfaction of moving into a safe new home. With all the excitement of figuring out where the furniture will fit, never forget to hire a home inspector and have the home inspected first.

Why Should I Have A Home Inspection by a Licensed and Certified Inspector?

You won’t have surgery without a qualified surgeon. That same goes for the home inspection. There are things that licensed and certified home inspectors see through their trained eyes. They have the experience and the expertise to see things that the home buyer won’t. In fact, some home buyers opt to hire a home inspector during the early phases of construction while most of the house is still visible and accessible. A newly built home is still not exempt from a home inspection and the walk-through with the builder may not be enough.

Below Are 5 Important Reasons Why You Should Choose To Have A Home Inspection

1. You can and will find problems in a newly constructed home. Contrary to what most of us think, just because it’s new doesn’t mean there are not issues. It’s nearly impossible for the builder not to miss something. Building a home involves different subcontractors who work in different areas and with different systems. These separate but simultaneously occurring activities make it impossible for the builder to carefully check all phases. Some common issues found in newly built homes are as follows

– Broken trusses
– Unattached ducts
– Raised roof shingles
– Missing insulation

2. The second reason is that a municipal building inspection is not the same as a home inspection. Municipal building inspectors check for compliance of building codes which are the minimum standard. Most of the time, municipal inspectors conduct multiple inspections a day which may be far from enough of a thorough and comprehensive inspection.

3. The problems found before buying can be fixed before moving in. The good thing with a home inspection is that you have a heads up on what must be done before taking ownership of the home. You won’t be bothered with dust, noisy repairs or having to stay home from work to monitor the repairs being done.

4. Minor repairs can be fixed before they cause major damage. A home inspection gives you the proper knowledge of the major components of the home. It gives both sellers and buyers the time to address what needs to be handled before it results in serious concerns or rather costly damage.

5. It will definitely matter when you resell the property. When you plan to resell, buyers will likely get a home inspection. Even if you didn’t know that some issues existed before you took ownership of the house, the home inspection can still discover it. Remember, the builder will no longer take responsibility for these issues.

6. With the above reasons mentioned, hiring a professional licensed and certified home inspector to inspect your new home will pay off in so many ways and allow you and your family to enjoy many years in your new home.

Schedule your Home Inspection in Orlando FL today! Call us at (407) 218-6522

(BPT) – If you’re building a new home, you want it to be stylish, functional, and of course, state of the art with the latest technology advancements. Smart home features are on top of the wish list for homeowners, with 81 percent of homebuyers stating they would favor purchasing a home with smart accessories already installed, according to Digitized House. By building your own home, you get the advantage of these features being integrated seamlessly into the design.

Every year, smart home technology gets better and better, with new trends emerging that make homeowners’ lives easier and more convenient than ever before. Here are some of the top smart home trends of 2019 that you may want to integrate into your building plans:

Smart circuit breakers

For the most part, circuit breaker boxes in traditional homes have remained unchanged for decades. The mysterious gray box in your basement or garage is one that you tend to avoid, but smart design and technology are taking these load centers into the 21st century. Leviton’s new load center with optional internet connectivity sends homeowners real-time monitoring data and customizable alerts to their smart devices. 

 How does it work? The Leviton Load Center’s smart circuit breakers communicate with a Wi-Fi or Ethernet-enabled data hub to report real-time status. Using the My Leviton App, homeowners can conveniently monitor electrical usage per circuit branch or specific appliance, safely turning breakers off remotely if needed. Smart circuit breakers also report home energy consumption, including historical views by day, month, or even year. The My Leviton App also allows users to receive alerts when a circuit breaker trips, or if a circuit is using more energy than usual. They can even set contractors as recipients of this notification and give them secure access to their app’s panel view, allowing them to troubleshoot remotely. No more wondering if the stove was left on – you’ll be able to see instantly. 

More than just a simpler way to improve your home’s safety, if you’re concerned about your home’s energy output, Leviton’s smart circuit breakers provide real-time data on how each circuit is performing, as well as information on current and historical costs – so you can make smarter energy choices. Good for the environment and your utility bill. Learn more at www.leviton.com/loadcenter. 

 Smart comfort

You want to stay comfortable from season to season in your home, but you also want to heat and cool it efficiently. Smart temperature controls are making this easier than ever for homeowners, allowing you to put the temperature decisions virtually on auto-pilot. 

Smart thermostats go beyond programmable thermostats by using technology to analyze heating and cooling usage and maximizing efficiency for when you are home versus when you are gone. Connected to an app on your phone, the technology knows through your device’s physical location if you are home or away at work. It records patterns and begins to make suggestions and adjustments based on your lifestyle. These smart temperature controls allow you to make automatic adjustments remotely if necessary, so if you’re headed home early, you can have the house to your ideal temperature by the time you arrive.

With access to historical energy use data and temperature control charts, you’ll be able to analyze your energy footprint and make informed decisions about how you want to use your home’s heating and cooling systems best for your comfort and for the environment. 

Smart security systems

It’s amazing what modern home security can do when paired with smart home technology. Not only will your home be safer, but it will be more accessible, too.

For example, pair cameras with intelligent locks to let you know who is at your door even when you’re away. If it’s your child coming home from school, they can be safely let into the house. If it’s a package delivery, you will know right away. If it’s a package thief, you can be alerted and take action through two-way audio before the police arrive. Smart cameras can detect people, animals, and things, making your spaces incredibly secure.

Smart sensors are also a big part of the smart home security trend, bringing peace of mind to homeowners. These sensors monitor environmental changes in the home, so you’re alerted to air quality changes and other concerns such as temperature fluctuations or smoke. For example, you’ll know right away if high levels of carbon monoxide are detected, whether you’re at home or away.

Another way to keep your home safe is by making it look like you are home when you are away. Smart lighting options such as the Leviton Decora Smart with Wi-Fi Technology enables you to schedule lights to turn on and off throughout the day from any location all through the convenience of the My Leviton App. 

When building a home, it’s important to make it a smart home. These three emerging areas are bringing the home fully into the future with more innovations still to come.

Schedule your Home Inspection in Orlando FL today! Call us at (407) 218-6522

(BPT) – Whether it’s a cabin up north, a villa down south or a quaint cottage near family, many people in the United States own a second home. You spend time at these vacation properties during some seasons, but for much of the year, they remain empty. That’s why it’s important to take precautions to ensure your property and belongings stay safe even when you’re not there.

Not only are vacation homes a target for thieves, but empty homes are often vulnerable to the elements and the unexpected. For example, can you imagine the damage that a water leak would cause if it remained undiscovered for weeks … or months? With a proactive approach, you can keep your investment safe and give yourself important peace of mind.

To keep your second home secure, consider these smart steps:

1) Create the appearance of a lived-in home

It doesn’t matter if your home is in a well-traveled section of the city or a remote part of the forest, you want it to be secure from criminals. Vandals and robbers scout for empty homes, so one of the best ways to deter them is to make your property appear to be lived in. If they think someone is home, they’re more likely to stay away.

To create the appearance of a lived-in house, stop mail and newspaper deliveries immediately. Nothing screams “empty house” like a few weeks’ worths of papers at the front door. Next, keep the lawn mowed and trim the landscape, so the home is well maintained and doesn’t have overgrown shrubs where criminals can hide. Finally, alert a trusted neighbor that you’ll be gone, so they can keep an eye on things. Don’t know anyone nearby? Or is the property isolated? Consider hiring a property manager to check on the house periodically.

2) Consistently monitor water use

Even small water leaks can cause big damage, and if you’re not living in a home, that damage can multiply quickly. From leaks that cause terrible mold growth to burst pipes that flood entire floors, it’s easy to see why water is a top concern for owners of second homes while away. One simple solution is Phyn Plus: Smart water assistant + shutoff. This intelligent device is installed on the main water line after the meter by an authorized Uponor Pro Squad team plumbing expert. Once installed, it uses programmed data and learns the home’s water-use habits, so it can proactively detect leaks and water problems in real-time.

If a change is detected, you are alerted through a smart app on your phone, so you can take appropriate next steps. Phyn Plus will even shut off the water when an emergency is detected. You then can monitor or turn the water back on from any remote location. Learn more at www.phyn.com/installation.

3) Implement multiple security measures

Of course, you want to ensure you secure all doors, windows and other points of entry. But to really keep tabs on your second home, consider investing in a security system with an app or program for easy remote monitoring. With a live-monitor feature, you can check your home at any time. Additionally, programmable lights that turn on at set times inside give the illusion of people being home, and motion lights outdoors eliminate dark corners.

Finally, you might consider registering your home as vacant with the local police. Some cities offer a free service where an officer will come periodically to check your home while you’re away. Keep in mind this might not be available in your area and there may be a time limit for how long you can request these checks, but it’s worthwhile to call your local law enforcement and ask.

Put worries aside and keep your second home safe and secure by following these simple steps. That way you can feel confident that every time you visit your vacation property, you can enjoy it to the fullest.

A.C.F. Home Inspections, Your Premier Orlando Home Inspection Company | Let this experienced Orlando Home Inspection Company help keep you from buying The Money Pit. We’ll alert you to any and all health or safety issues and maintenance needs of the home you’re looking to buy.

As a family-owned business, we pride ourselves on supporting homeowners and families who need an honest, competent and dependable property inspector. We understand the importance of safety. When it comes to children and family. Therefore, we give special attention to deficiencies in systems and components of the home that represent an immediate danger. And we are independent and impartial; we work for you – our client – and not for an agent or other interests.

A.C.F. Home Inspections is committed to bringing you a consistently high level of service. We are an indispensable asset to real estate agents, buyers, sellers, investors, property managers, landlords, mortgage brokers, and private and nursing care homes.  Let us be your residential and commercial advisor, and find peace of mind that you are getting a professional’s opinion.

A.C.F. Home Inspections will be your home buying or selling advocate!  We’re highly experienced and extremely thorough. If you’re looking to buy or sell in the Orlando area, we can help!

Call A.C.F. Home Inspections Today (407) 218-6522 or Click To Schedule Online 24/7 Right From Our Website.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, over 600,000 homes experience termite infestation every year. If you think you are fighting this battle alone, there are still about 599,999 homes out there with the same ordeal. Aside from the negative impacts, it has on the structural integrity of your home, termite infestation costs homeowners billions of dollars for repair, termite inspection, and pest control treatment. Unfortunately, that’s not the only thing you should be worrying about. Termites can lower the resale value of your home. So, if you are planning on selling your property, have it inspected right away and consider taking immediate actions such as Termite Inspection to prevent an outbreak.

Aside from the negative impacts, it has on the structural integrity of your home, termite infestation costs homeowners billions of dollars for repair, termite inspection, and pest control treatment. Unfortunately, that’s not the only thing you should be worrying about. Termites can lower the resale value of your home. So, if you are planning on selling your property, have it inspected right away and consider taking immediate actions such as Termite Inspection to prevent an outbreak.

Just like any other insects and critters there are, termites need to feed themselves. One of the most common types of termites found in North America is subterranean termites. Termites enter your homes through gaps and cracks on your walls. These soft-bodied insects feed on cellulose-based materials such as furniture, boxes, paper, wood, and drywall coverings, all of which are commonly found inside your homes. A window frame would hardly be enough for an entire colony and so termites are always foraging for food. Aside from the wood itself, termites are attracted to the moisture it holds. Hence, inspection companies offer Termite Inspection services.

Below are 6 ways how termites can affect the resale value of your home:

1.       Weakens structure and lowers aesthetics

–          Termite infestation creates hollows and sunken wooden structures.  Termites can cause extensive damages and are capable of eating their way through your home’s support beams. This alone can greatly impact your home’s retail value.

2.       Reduces at least 20% of the value

–          Treating your home right away at the earliest sign of infestation helps maintain your home’s retail value.

3.       Increase in renovation and repair costs

–          More damage means more repair that needs to be done which leads to expensive home repairs and renovation.

4.       Damages furniture and wooden structures

–          Termite can eat their way through. In fact, their appetites are insatiable. Plus, they do not only feed on wooden furniture but paper, carpets, and basically anything that is fibrous and cellulose-based.

5.       Termites can affect your home’s real estate value

–          You will need to disclose any information about the home you’re selling, much more the history or existence of termite infestation. Appraisers will calculate the value of your home and termite damage can definitely impact the calculation.

6.       Negative image for your listing

–          A listing loses prospective buyers because of termite infestation. It would be hard to convince them about the structural integrity of the house when termites had previously chewed on it.

3 Ways You Can Increase Your Resale Value:

1.       Always call for a professional termite inspection. A good termite inspection conducted by a professional will assure buyers that your home is termite-free.

2.       Assure buyers by purchasing an extended termite warranty that is transferrable.

3.       Disclose everything as they are. Provide documentation of all inspections, mitigation, and treatments done to your home.

Here’s How You Can Identify an Infestation

·         damaged wood structures and sawdust – This is the most visible sign of termite infestation. Check window frames, door frames, and other wooden structures.

·         mud tubes – usually found in the corners or multiple tubes lined up on walls, mud tubes are made from small pieces of soil and wood. These mud tubes protect them from dry environments and predators.

·         spongy floors

·         cracks and gaps in walls, beams, and ceilings

·         signs of deterioration on windows and doors

How to Prevent Termite Infestation

·         Block and seal leaks in waterworks

·         Make sure that no wooden structure has direct contact with soil

·         Fill in all cracks and gaps

·         Have a termite inspection scheduled every 2-3 years

·         Prevent moisture buildup by allowing ventilation in your home·        Schedule a regular termite inspection to ensure that your home is protected from possible infestation.

A.C.F. Home Inspections, Your Premier Orlando Home Inspection Company | Let this experienced Orlando Home Inspection Company help keep you from buying The Money Pit. We’ll alert you to any and all health or safety issues and maintenance needs of the home you’re looking to buy.

As a family-owned business, we pride ourselves on supporting homeowners and families who need an honest, competent and dependable property inspector. We understand the importance of safety. When it comes to children and family. Therefore, we give special attention to deficiencies in systems and components of the home that represent an immediate danger. And we are independent and impartial; we work for you – our client – and not for an agent or other interests.

A.C.F. Home Inspections is committed to bringing you a consistently high level of service. We are an indispensable asset to real estate agents, buyers, sellers, investors, property managers, landlords, mortgage brokers, and private and nursing care homes.  Let us be your residential and commercial advisor, and find peace of mind that you are getting a professional’s opinion.

A.C.F. Home Inspections will be your home buying or selling advocate!  We’re highly experienced and extremely thorough. If you’re looking to buy or sell in the Orlando area, we can help!

Call A.C.F. Home Inspections Today (407) 218-6522 or Click To Schedule Online 24/7 Right From Our Website.

Most first time home buyers don’t realize that there’s still much to do when buying a house. Well, sometimes it’s easy to say “Oh I could just repaint the walls or maybe install new wallpapers” or “No worries I’ll buy a new AC anyway I think that’ll do. I don’t need a home inspection. I think I can close the deal now.” Did you know that being a cheapskate can sometimes lead to bigger trouble? Here’s why: NO HOME IS PERFECT. Every home will always need a home inspection. It doesn’t matter if it’s newly constructed or a century-old, you still need to call your local home inspector and schedule an appointment.

It’s pretty easy to understand why most homebuyers do not opt for an inspection. There are many myths out there that surround this idea and they don’t know what to expect from it. However, let’s correct that and start thinking on the brighter side. Here’s what you need to know and what to expect from a home inspection.

Finding A Home Inspector

First, you need to find a trusted home inspector. Unfortunately, most homebuyers, especially first-timers, don’t realize that it’s their responsibility to look for an inspector. Well, of course, there are referrals from your agent but it’s your home after all so it’s also your call. Choose whoever you think is best, whether it be a recommendation or personal research. What’s important is he’s qualified and licensed. Some states require home inspectors to have certifications but some also don’t. However, for those states that do not require, you can look up in organizations such as the American Society of Home Inspectors. Membership in such an organization can give you assurance about the inspector’s professionalism.

It’s also important that you don’t go rushing about hiring an inspector. Take the time to interview them and ask about their experiences and familiarity with the type of home you’re buying. Also, ask what’s included in the inspection and the details in the report.

What to Expect from A Home Inspection

A home inspection is a non-invasive physical examination. A home inspector thoroughly examines and evaluates the physical structures of the home and all its components. The examination includes an evaluation of the following:

• Electrical systems

• Plumbing systems

• Heating and Cooling

• Radon Testing (this can be a stand-alone test or contingent to air quality testing, depending on the inspection company)

• Walls, Ceiling, and Flooring

• Windows, Doors

• Roofing

• Attic

• Foundation

• Basement, Crawlspace

• Insulation

What’s good about a home inspection is that you get to see the conditions of the home through the eyes of a neutral third party. Aside from that, an inspection uncovers problems, damages, maintenance, and safety issues that might be costly to repair or need replacement. However, areas that are no longer accessible to the inspector might need a separate or additional inspection such as wells and septic tanks.

Inspection Report

The home inspector submits a comprehensive report within 24 hours following the inspection. This report includes about 50 to 100 issues most of which are relatively small issues that can be easily fixed. It also includes details such as the severity of issue and how much it would cost to fix each problem. You can ask the inspector for clarification. If you find the issues are more than you can handle, you can either back out or negotiate with the seller to work on the repairs or lower the price of the property.

Now that you have an idea of what a home inspection is, it’s best to schedule it right away. You deserve the peace of mind. Choose the wise decision and call your local home inspector today!

A.C.F. Home Inspections, Your Premier Orlando Home Inspection Company | Let this experienced Orlando Home Inspection Company help keep you from buying The Money Pit. We’ll alert you to any and all health or safety issues and maintenance needs of the home you’re looking to buy.

As a family-owned business, we pride ourselves on supporting homeowners and families who need an honest, competent and dependable property inspector. We understand the importance of safety. When it comes to children and family. Therefore, we give special attention to deficiencies in systems and components of the home that represent an immediate danger. And we are independent and impartial; we work for you – our client – and not for an agent or other interests.

A.C.F. Home Inspections is committed to bringing you a consistently high level of service. We are an indispensable asset to real estate agents, buyers, sellers, investors, property managers, landlords, mortgage brokers, and private and nursing care homes.  Let us be your residential and commercial advisor, and find peace of mind that you are getting a professional’s opinion.

A.C.F. Home Inspections will be your home buying or selling advocate!  We’re highly experienced and extremely thorough. If you’re looking to buy or sell in the Orlando area, we can help!

Call A.C.F. Home Inspections Today (407) 218-6522 or Click To Schedule Online 24/7 Right From Our Website.