Orlando Home Inspection in Orange County

First Choice Home Inspections (386) 624-3893
Residential Home and Insurance Inspections in Central FL

 

Now you can put our outstanding reputation for service and reliability to work for you. By contracting First Choice Home Inspection, you benefit from experienced Central Florida home inspectors that deliver computerized reports using the latest technology.  Our reporting system meets and exceeds the state standards. We encourage your presence during the inspection. By being present at the inspection, our professional home inspector can familiarize you with the home and explain things to you as they progress through the inspection.

INSPECTORS

First Choice inspectors are bound to a strict code of ethics; this ensures quality service while providing important protections. For example, our inspectors must:

• Work Exclusively for the Client
•  Follow Nationally Accepted Standards of Practice
• Do Not Perform Repairs on Any Property Inspected

Our inspectors are AHIT and InterNachi certified in addition, they are familiar with a wide variety of situations. We believe that consumers have the right to expect the highest standards of thoroughness, fairness and effectiveness from their home inspector and that is exactly what we provide.

SERVICES

• Home Inspection  (Buyer, Seller and Maintenance)
• New Home Warranty Inspection
• Home Checkup Inspection
• Manufactured Home Inspection
• Mobile Home Inspection
• Moisture Intrusion Inspection
• 4pt Insurance Inspections
• Wind Mitigation Inspection
• Roof Certification Inspection
• Pool/Spa Inspection
• WDO* Inspection
• Irrigation Inspection

SCHEDULE AN INSPECTION:  (386) 624-3893

Frank Carr is the Owner / Inspector at First Choice Home Inspections in Deltona, FL. Formerly in the building trades, Frank’s focus is a safe home and building FCHI. We believe that consumers have the right to expect the highest standards of thoroughness, fairness and effectiveness from their home inspector and that is exactly what we provide. Http://1homeinspector.com

First Choice Home Inspections 
(386) 624-3893
Email:  home.inspections@aol.com
Website:  Http://1homeinspector.com
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/FirstChoiceHomeInspectionsLlc

How much should a Home Inspection in Orlando cost?

I own First Choice Home Inspections and I get 100+ calls a week for home inspections. The first question and many times the only question the buyer asks me is "How much do you charge for a home inspection?” I do not over charge for home inspections. I am a thorough inspector and most inspections take 3 to 5 hours plus an additional 2 or 3 hours finalizing the report and marking the pictures. After the inspection I follow up with the client when they have read over the 40 to 96 page report. I sometime spend an additional hour answering any questions they may have and always let them know if they have any further questions they can always call me. 

As a reputable home inspector, I have expenses like continuing education, insurance (liability and E&O), advertising, tools, membership dues, state licensing fees and regular business expenses just to keep the doors open. My rates are reasonable and I do a complete inspections.  I know the inspectors that charge less for the inspections and I know their reputations for the work they do.  I also know the Realtor that recommend them and only them.  I know what the minimum rate I can charge for an inspection and still keep the doors open.

Every time I quote an inspection and the client says I’ll get back to you or I’m just going to check a few more places I know money is the issue and they will not schedule the appointment. I know the inspectors that are cheaper and I know they do a budget inspection in 45 min to an hour and half. A fast inspection is not a good inspection. A budget inspection is not a good inspection. If it is cheap, what is the client getting for their $199.00. Do they even bother to check if the inspector is active and licensed?  A budget inspector will often complete 3 or more inspections in a day.  When does he have time to research the building permits and history of the home? How can they possible concentrate on the inspection at hand with other inspections scheduled across town?  At First Choice, our inspectors are scheduled and perform 1 home inspection a day.  Our client is our only concern and will have our full attention.

I have relatives in other states that always call me when it comes to buying their home and the advice I always give them is check the inspector out. Check the state their state licensing, insurance, training and experience, and check with people you know for their recommendations. If the most qualified and reputable inspector charges $600, then he is the best inspector to hire. Remember $600 maybe a lot of money but it is only a small portion of a $20,000 roofing mistake not caught by the cheap inspector that did not crawl up in the attic.

Electrical junction nightmare – This junction was
 the result of handyman wiring and could
 have burned down this house.

When looking for a home inspector the last thing you should consider is the cost of the inspection.  The first thing on my mind is the safety of my family.  I do not want to be awake all night wondering if the inspector missed an electrical junction in the attic that should have been in a closed box.  All too often I run across things like the junction in the picture to the right, an exhaust fan wired into the closest wiring run.  In the picture you can note the black burn marks on the copper and the scorch marks on the sheathing and the wood.  The question you should ask yourself is would the $199.00 home inspector find this? 

In the opinion of this Home Inspector if the price is too low you must ask yourself; why?  The fee for a basic home inspection nationwide is $300 to $500 by HUD estimates in "Ten Important Questions to Ask Your Home Inspector" 2011.  The size of the home, additional components and structures, pools or spas and irrigation systems will all add to the price of the inspection.  Fees vary by region of the country significantly.  When purchasing your home, you want the best inspection at a reasonable price.  A thorough inspection will take from 3 to 5 hours to complete.  When it is your money and your family’s safety on the line you want the most meticulous inspector you can find.   

When contracting a home inspector check them out; license, insurance, professional association, and do they have complaints on file with the state regulatory agency.   Ask the important questions and if you are satisfied with the results ask the inspector for a quote. 

Frank Carr is the Owner / Inspector at First Choice Home Inspections in Deltona, FL. Formerly in the building trades, Frank’s focus is a safe home and building FCHI. 

We believe that consumers have the right to expect the highest standards of thoroughness, fairness and effectiveness from their home inspector and that is exactly what we provide.

First Choice Home Inspections
Residential Home Inspections in Central Florida
(386) 624-3893 
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/FirstChoiceHomeInspectionsLlc
LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/first-choice-home-inspections
Google+:  https://plus.google.com/+FirstChoiceHomeInspectionsDeltona
Website:  Http://1homeinspector.com

Dangers of Roof Dryer vents in Orlando

As a home inspector, one of the biggest safety hazards I see daily is dryer vents.  Dryer fires are among the top ten reasons for home fires and cause more than 15,000 fires annually.  Dryer exhausting through the roof should be ducted to a special dryer roof vent without screen.   

The roof vent or louvered plenum must be equivalent to a 4 inch wall termination in regard to resistance to airflow and back-flow prevention, and should require little or no maintenance to prevent clogging.

Home built in 2013 goose-neck looks shiny and new.

2013 home inside of goose-neck vent. 

There are many issues with this type of vent.  It must be a vent that has a back-flow prevention flap and it should not have a screen.  Many of the goose-neck type of vents come with screens and are unsuitable for dryer venting.  

Goose-neck vent with screen

Goose-neck that is totally blocked.

Inoperable back-draft damper.

Goose-neck with screen was clogged.  Improper duct type.  Lint exhausted into attic damaging roof decking.

1. Dryer ducts must be at least 4 inches in diameter or at least the size of the dryer outlet. The exhaust duct must not extend into or through heating or air-conditioning ducts. The exhaust duct system should be supported and secured by mechanical fasteners. It should be insulated in non-conditioned spaces to prevent condensation.
2. The maximum length for a clothes dryer exhaust duct should not exceed 25 feet. This length should be decreased by 2.5 feet for every 45-degree bend the duct makes, and 5 feet for every 90-degree bend the duct makes.
3. The dryer exhaust ducts should be constructed of rigid metal (galvanized steel). The interior of the duct should be smooth surfaced with the joints running in the direction of the airflow. There should be no sheet-metal screws, rivets or any other fastener used to connect the duct joints. Fasteners that penetrate into the airway will catch lint and block airflow. 
4. Foil duct tape (not plastic or vinyl) should be used to secure joints. Outside termination must be equipped with a back draft damper, which prevents air, moisture and rodents from entering. The termination must not have a screen covering the exhaust outlet.

 

I have seen all of these used for dryer roof vents.  Just because they are sold at the hardware store does not make them right.

 According to the IRC:

- M1502.3 Duct termination.

- - Exhaust ducts shall terminate on the outside of the building.  Exhaust duct terminations shall be in accordance with the dryer manufacturer’s installation instructions.  If the manufacturer’s instructions do not specify a termination location, the exhaust duct shall terminate not less than 3 feet (914 mm) in any direction from openings into buildings.  Exhaust duct terminations shall be equipped with a back draft damper.  Screens shall not be installed at the duct termination.

In the opinion of this home inspector, the biggest problem I see with the roof vent is out of sight out of mind.  Each year many people die in home fires that start at the dryer.  Prevention is often easy and requires little effort.  Dryer vents should be cleaned annually but in the case of roof top vents I recommend semi-annually.  

Clothes dryers a leading cause of home fires in Orlando

Frank Carr is the Owner / Inspector at First Choice Home Inspections in Deltona, FL. Formerly in the building trades, Frank’s focus is a safe home and building FCHI. We believe that consumers have the right to expect the highest standards of thoroughness, fairness and effectiveness from their home inspector and that is exactly what we provide. Http://1homeinspector.com


First Choice Home Inspections 
(386) 624-3893
Email:  home.inspections@aol.com
Website:  Http://1homeinspector.com
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/FirstChoiceHomeInspectionsLlc

Hiring a Home Inspector in Orlando; 7 Questions to Ask?

When purchasing a new or existing home; the most critical part of the buying process is the home inspection.  Never sign a waiver to surrender your rights to a home inspection, even on a new home.  A home inspection is your right in the buying process and should never be relinquished.   The home inspection process is in place for your protection, to discover any defects or building flaws unknown or not disclosed by the seller.

Once you have selected your dream home; how do you find the right home inspector to investigate your future home and investment?  In the selection process; there are seven critical questions you should ask a home inspector.



1.     Is the home inspector licensed by the state or approved agency?  Many states require a home inspector to obtain a state license to inspect homes.  If you are obtaining financing through a government program, VA, HUD, or FHA; that agency may also require an additional certification or approval for the home inspector.  You should verify the license with your state or agency prior to contracting the home inspector.

2.     What is the inspector’s background and certifications?  The inspector’s background certifications are critical to their understanding of building technologies.  Your inspector should have a basic knowledge of the construction process to thoroughly evaluate the property being inspected.  The inspector should be able to determine whether a crack is structural or cosmetic based on their knowledge of the buildings obscured structure that lies beneath the drywall.  Has the inspector stayed current on modern building technologies and what certifications have they completed?  Home inspector organizations, like International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNachi), require inspectors to stay current and take continuing education units (CEUs) that often exceed state requirements.  Ask if they are a member of a national organization.

3.     How many years has the company been in business?  Has the company met the requirements to stay in business and are they current with modern building technologies.

4.     Ask how many inspections a day does the inspector complete?  Is the inspector working for your best interests or his?  One or two is the answer you are looking for.  If the inspector is completing three or more, it is likely they are cutting corners to complete all the inspections.

5.     How much time is spent at an inspection?  This number should vary based on the size of a home.  The basic number you are looking for is 1 hour per 1000 square feet.  If the inspector is inspecting a 3,500 sq. ft. home in less than 3½ hours on site, they are most likely not the best inspector for your family.  This time should not include the completion of the written report.

6.     Written Report, How Long? How many Photos? There are many styles of written reports, which will be determined by the preference of the inspector.  That being said, style is not as important as content.  There should be at least one summary page, one page per system (7) and one page per room.  A typical 3 bedroom, 2 bath, and two car garage should have a minimum of 20 pages excluding photos.  Photos again may be a personal preference but should include at least one per deficiency noted in the report.  The minimum number is 15-20, but if a picture is worth a thousand words, 20-30 is better.  

7.     Does the Inspection Company and the Inspector carry insurance?  Who would the courts consider liable for damage to the property during the time of the inspection?  What type of insurance do they carry and what is the liability amount of the insurance?  Many states require an inspector carry minimum liability insurance, but would it cover full damages to the property in the worst case scenario? 

When purchasing your home, you may not have to be an expert on the home, but you should have a knowledgeable inspector on your side.  You should feel secure in the knowledge that your family and your investments are safe.  Choose wisely, when selecting a home inspector and never put your family’s safety at risk by waiving the inspection.  Never select an inspection company based on price or how quick they can complete an inspection.  One item found by a competent inspector can save you thousands of dollars in repairs down the road.

Frank Carr is the Owner / Inspector at First Choice Home Inspections in Deltona, FL serving Volusia, Seminole, Orange and Lake Counties.  Formerly in the building trades, Frank’s focus is a safe home and building FCHI. We believe that consumers have the right to expect the highest standards of thoroughness, fairness and effectiveness from their home inspector and that is exactly what we provide.

First Choice Home Inspections 
(386) 624-3893
Email:  home.inspections@aol.com
Website:  Http://1homeinspector.com
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/FirstChoiceHomeInspectionsLlc/

Orlando Home Inspection

Orlando Home Inspections Services (386) 624-3893

First Choice Home Inspections

Now you can put our outstanding reputation for service and reliability to work for you. By

Orlando & Central Florida 

contracting First Choice Home Inspection, you benefit from experienced Central Florida home inspectors that deliver computerized reports using the latest technology.  Our reporting system meets and exceeds the state standards. We encourage your presence during the inspection. By being present at the inspection, our professional home inspector can familiarize you with the home and explain things to you as they progress through the inspection.

Inspectors

First Choice inspectors are bound to a strict code of ethics; this ensures quality service while providing important protections. For example, our inspectors must:

·         Work Exclusively for the Customer

·         Follow Nationally Accepted Standards of Practice

·         Do Not Perform Repairs on Any Property Inspected

Our inspectors are AHIT and NAHI certified in addition, they are familiar with a wide variety of situations. We believe that consumers have the right to expect the highest standards of thoroughness, fairness and effectiveness from their home inspector and that is exactly what we provide.

Services:

·         Home Inspections  (Buyer, Seller and Maintenance)

·         New Home Warranty Inspection

·         Residential Home Checkup

·         4pt Insurance Inspections

·         Wind Mitigation Inspections
·         Roof Certification Inspections
·         Mobile Home Inspections
·         Manufactured Home Inspections
·         Moisture Intrusion Inspections

·         Pool/Spa Inspections

·         Irrigation Inspections

·         WDO* Inspections

Schedule an Inspection call:  (386) 624-3893

* All WDO Inspections are performed by a Licensed Termite Inspector that may or may not be an employee of FCHI.

Frank Carr is the Owner / Inspector at First Choice Home Inspections in Deltona, FL. Formerly in the building trades, Frank’s focus is a safe home and building FCHI. We believe that consumers have the right to expect the highest standards of thoroughness, fairness and effectiveness from their home inspector and that is exactly what we provide. Http://1homeinspector.com

First Choice Home Inspections 
(386) 624-3893
Email:  home.inspections@aol.com
Website:  Http://1homeinspector.com
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/FirstChoiceHomeInspectionsLlc