Wind Mitigation saves $$$$ on Homeowners Insurance

 

Who is eligible for a wind mitigation inspection discount?

The State of Florida requires all insurance companies to offer wind mitigation discounts to Florida homeowners.  Wind insurance credits are obtainable on the building features that reduce damage during high winds on all single-family homes, townhomes, condominiums, and commercial buildings. Many existing structures have one or more of the wind-resistivity construction features already. Homeowners, as well as condominium associations, qualify for wind mitigation credits.

 

How do I save money?

The State of Florida requires insurance companies to offer reduced rates for certain wind mitigation features. A wind mitigation inspection must be performed by a certified wind mitigation inspector; Home Inspector, Building Code Inspector, an engineer, an architect, or any other individual that holds the necessary qualifications as described by Florida Statues.  A wind mitigation inspector will document features of your home on the required OIR-B1-1802 Wind Mitigation form and take photographs of them, which when applied to your insurance policy will decrease the cost of your homeowner’s insurance.

 

How much money can I save with a Wind Mitigation Inspection?

Wind mitigation features are mandated by state law and can total 45 percent of the original windstorm policy’s premium.  Insurance companies are required to offer discounts for features that qualify for wind storm credits.  A Wind Mitigation Inspection can save you as much as $1,260 on a homeowner’s insurance policy of $2,800.

 

How much does a wind mitigation inspection cost in Florida?

The cost of Wind Mitigation Inspections varies by region in Florida.  Orlando Wind Mitigation Inspection costs average $200.  Miami costs are around $225 while the cost of North and Central Florida remains between $150 and $200.  A wind mitigation certificate is good for five years.  Once you have your Wind Mitigation Certificate it will reduce your premium and save you hundreds if not thousands of dollars each year.

 

How do I schedule a wind mitigation inspection in Central Florida?

Call for Insurance Inspection Quotes at 386-624-3893.  For more information Seminole County Wind Mitigation .

Frank Carr, Florida Licensed Home
Inspector

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 in the Orlando Metro and Daytona Beach areas of Central Florida 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 

Website:  http://1homeinspector.com

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/FirstChoiceHomeInspectionsLlc

LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/first-choice-home-inspections

Twitter: https://twitter.com/1stChoiceHomeIn
E-Mail:  home.inspections@aol.com

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

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

Home Warranty vs. New Home Warranty in Orlando

A home warranty is a one-year service contract that helps protect home owners against the cost of unexpected repairs or replacements of their home’s major covered systems and appliances that breakdown due to normal wear and tear.  A home warranty offers a network of prescreened contractors and qualified technicians, who work in conjunction with the warranty company.

A new home warranty that comes with your new home maybe comfort for your thoughts, but take heed of the fine print. The home warranty is purchased by the builder; the happy feelings of security can quickly turn into a nightmare when something goes wrong.  Many times your builder and the home warranty company insist your particular problem isn’t covered.

As a home inspector, I have seen many situations in which home claims are denied because of one year builder warranty and new home warranty regulations, and even contractors that have gone out of business only to open under a new company name.  A new home warranty is more of a service agreement than an insurance policy.  Be proactive; safeguard yourself by comprehending the policy. When making a home warranty claim, reread your policy thoroughly and be persistent when dealing with the warranty company and builder.

New home warranties cover, workmanship and materials related to a home’s systems and components, including HVAC, the electrical system, plumbing and windows. Most likely it will not cover appliances or components accompanied by a manufacturer’s warranty.  It also usually will not cover alternative accommodations if you have to move out of your home while repairs are being made. 

A new home warranty can last for as long as ten years, but includes shorter coverage terms for certain systems, workmanship and materials. Doors, drywall, and trim are only covered for only the first year; other major structural items may be covered for years longer.  Home warranty coverage only takes effect when severity of defect meets the specified terms covered by the warranty.  A builder will usually warranty workmanship for up to a year.  Make sure you have submitted all claims prior to the year. Schedule a new home warranty inspection to evaluate and document any concerns prior to end of the builders warranty or items limited by a new home warranty.

Get a professional home inspection before you close on the home.   Not only can the home inspection ensure the home is properly constructed, it can also establish the situations of the home at the date it was moved into.  It is always prudent to document as much information as you can before filing a claim.

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://www.1homeinspector.com

4 Pt Inspection Vs Home Inspection

Can you use a 4 Pt Inspection in place of a home inspection?  Many home buyers are under the impression that a 4 Pt Insurance Inspection is just a cheaper version of a Home Inspection.  The fact is they are not the same.  By opting to have a 4 Pt Inspection instead of a Home inspection, you must sign a waiver that you are waving your right to a home inspection.

A four point insurance inspection will be required by an insurance company for the purpose of obtaining a new insurance policy or renewing an existing policy.   A Four-Point Insurance Inspection is far less in scope than a standard home inspection.  It covers the information the insurance companies require on the four components that cause damage to a home when they fail. 

 

The Four Point Insurance Inspection is a limited, visual survey of the heating/air conditioning, roof, electrical and plumbing systems.  The purpose of the four point is to collect information for the insurance company about the systems age and condition and to note any safety concerns of these systems.

Insulation is one of many important systems not covered by a 4 Point Insurance Inspection.

A Home Inspection is a comprehensive snapshot of a house on the day of the inspection. It is a non-invasive, visual, and detailed evaluation of the property's structure, foundation or basement, interior, exterior, roof, electrical, plumbing and heating and cooling systems. The purpose of a home inspection is to detect major visible problems or defects and unsafe conditions.

The home inspection is used to assist a client in making a more informed purchasing decision.  It is often required by the finance or mortgage lender for the purchase of the home.  The inspector may also educate the buyer as to typical life expectancies, items to budget for replacement as well as how to take care of and maintain the property.

A four point inspection takes about an hour to complete and only covers four of the many systems of a house.  The home inspection takes many more hours to complete and is a considerably more detailed examination of the entire home and all of its accessible components.

It is the opinion; of this home inspector, that conducting a four point inspection for the purpose of purchasing a home is much the same as sending a $40,000 dollar second-hand car to the mechanic to inspect the tires prior to purchase.  The mechanic has the knowledge to tell you everything about the car and its systems but if you only ask him to check the tires, that’s all you’re going to get.  Much the same with the home inspection if you opt to only have a four point inspection, that is all the information you will get and you are waving your right to a home inspection.

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://www.1homeinspector.com

Clothes Dryers, A Leading Cause of Home Fires in Orlando.

Clothes dryers have become an indispensable part of American family life.  Today, people are not aware that clothes dryers are a leading cause of fires in the home – approximately 15,000 every year.   It is important to rigorously inspect and clean dryers.  A little preventative maintenance can keep them in good working order and keep your family safe.

Causes of dryer fires?

One of the most common causes of dryer fires is lack of maintenance.  When lint traps do not get cleaned as often as they should be, the resulting build-up in the screen or other areas can cause the dryer to perform poorly, operate at elevated temperatures and possibly overheat with dangerous results.  Vent systems must also be checked and cleaned to maintain proper air flow for the same reasons.  The floor area surrounding the dryer must be lint, dirt, and clothes free.  A lint ball, sock or clothing item can easily be sucked from the floor in front or beside your dryer into the heating coils igniting it and the lint in your dryer vents.

Problems also occur when people place improper items in their dryers, such as foam backed rugs or athletic shoes.  Ensure whatever you put in your dryer is approved and safe to place in a dryer.  When in doubt, check the washing instructions on the tag of the clothing or consult the manufacturer’s website for more information.  Plastic or vinyl exhaust vent materials should never be used.    

Reduce your risk of dryer fires!

Ensure that your dryer has rigid or flexible metal venting and ducting materials to help sustain airflow. This will also reduce operating costs and extend the life of the dryer and clothing due to lower drying temperatures.

In addition:

• Clean the lint trap before or after drying each load of clothes.
• Don’t forget to clean the back of the dryer where lint can be trapped.
• Ensure the floor around your dryer is free of debris, lint and clothing.
• The interior of the dryer and venting system should be cleaned periodically by qualified service technician.  If drying time is longer than normal, clean the vent system thoroughly to ensure proper airflow.
• Replace plastic or vinyl exhaust hoses with rigid or flexible metal venting.
• Do not dry clothes or fabric on which there is anything flammable (alcohol, cooking oils, gasoline, spot removers, dry-cleaning solvents, etc.). Flammable substances give off vapors that could ignite or explode. 
• Gasoline should not be stored near dryers or water heaters and should only be stored in approved containers.
• Read manufacturers’ warnings in use and care manuals that accompany new dryers.  Warnings can usually be found on the inside of the dryer’s lid and take only minutes to read.

Did you know that?

• Clothes dryers can be found in 80 percent, or 81.5 million homes throughout the United States.
• A full load of wet clothes placed in a dryer contains about one half gallon of water.  Lint is created from the clothes as water is removed.
• Clothes dryers are one of the most expensive appliances in your home to operate.  The longer it runs the more money it costs you.
• The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) estimates that 15,500 fires associated with clothes dryers occur annually. These fires account for an average of 10 deaths and 310 injuries and more than $84.4 million in property damage annually.

In the opinion of this home inspector, you should pay careful attention to the maintenance and cleaning of your clothes dryer.  Be careful to remove lint before or after every use.  Preform a detailed cleaning monthly and call in a appliance technician annually to clean and maintain your dryer.  Out of sight lint can go unnoticed until it is too late and fire breaks out.  Protect yourself, your family and your home; a home fire can take all you hold precious.  

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
Http://www.1homeinspector.com

Polybutylene - Is it a problem?

Acetal fitting shows signs
 of flaking

As a home inspector, I often run across polybutylene plumbing.  Home buyers and home owners always ask, “Is it a problem?”   The facts are polybutylene pipes have an unusually high rate of failure under normal operating loads. Deterioration linked to water additives like chlorine and fluorides react with the polybutylene piping and acetal (a strong stiff plastic) fittings causing them to scale and flake and become brittle.  Micro-fractures result and the basic structural integrity of the system is reduced.  The system becomes weak and may fail without warning causing damage to the building structure.

Polybutylene is a form of plastic resin that was used extensively in the manufacture of water supply piping from 1978 until 1995. Due to the low cost of the material and ease of installation, polybutylene piping systems were viewed as "the pipe of the future" and were used as a substitute for traditional copper piping.

• Polybutylene pipe is grey, black or blue.  Interior polybutylene plumbing is almost always grey and exterior polybutylene plumbing is mostly blue.
• Polybutylene pipe was installed and manufactured from the late 1970's till the mid-1990's, however, stockpiles of polybutylene pipe at supply vendors, such as supply risers were still known to be available up to 1999.
• The most common sizes for polybutylene pipe are 3/8", ½", ¾" and 1".
• Polybutylene piping was easy to install and often used as a replacement for copper.
• Polybutylene was often routed through the attic, a disaster in waiting.
• Polybutylene piping was used for both residential and commercial water distribution piping.
• Polybutylene pipe connectors can be copper, brass, or plastic. The connector types are barbed with a crimp ring or compression with a plastic or metal ferrule. 

Polybutylene pipe with plastic fittings or metal fittings will ultimately suffer damage; polybutylene piping is not reliable under any circumstances. If a pipe has been leaking for some time without the knowledge of a homeowner, severe structural damage to the home can result, making repairs extremely difficult.

Damage from polybutylene pipe leaks can be costly, in some cases more than the original cost of the house.  Insurance companies require a home inspector to note any polybutylene plumbing on a four point inspection report.  Policies may be cancelled or refused for homes with known polybutylene problems, and it is difficult to market a home that has such an unreliable plumbing system.

You can get a good deal when purchasing homes with polybutylene plumbing but have a plumber estimate the cost to replace the plumbing.  Factor in the cost of replacement of the plumbing system into the offer for the property.  Make sure you replace the plumbing system sooner than later.  Polybutylene may be stable for years or it my burst at any time.

In the opinion of this home inspector, the only good polybutylene is no polybutylene.  Polybutylene is unstable and could burst at any time.

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
Phone:  (386) 624-3893
Email:  home.inspections@aol.com
Website:  Http://www.1homeinspector.com