The opinions of a Central Florida Home Inspector on home inspection related issues and topics. Residential Home Inspections, Four Point Insurance Inspections, Wind Mitigation Inspections, and safety concerns found in Deltona homes. Inspections from Orlando to Daytona Beach.
Wind Mitigation Inspection: A Smart Way to Save Money on Your Home Insurance
Homeowners in Seminole or Volusia Counties of Central Florida may be eligible for a significant discount on their home insurance premium. How? By getting a wind mitigation inspection from First Choice Home Inspections.
A wind mitigation inspection is an examination of your home's protective features that can reduce the damage caused by strong winds, such as hurricanes. These features include the type and age of your roof, the way your roof is attached to the walls, the type and spacing of the nails used to secure the roof sheathing, the type of underlayment that protects the roof sheathing, and the type and quality of the openings, such as windows, doors, skylights, and garage doors.
Insurance companies are required by law to offer discounts to homeowners who have these wind-resistant features in their homes. The wind credit discounts can range from 10% to 70% depending; on the level of protection your home already has. The only way to get these discounts is by having a certified wind mitigation inspector provide a report that verifies your home's features.
Wind Mitigation Inspector in Seminole and Volusia Counties
That's where First Choice Home Inspections comes in. We are a licensed and insured home inspection company that offers wind mitigation inspections in Seminole and Volusia Counties. Our inspectors are trained and experienced in identifying and documenting the wind mitigation features of your home. We use state-of-the-art equipment and software to produce a detailed and accurate report that you will submit to your insurance company.
Our wind mitigation inspection takes about 45 minutes to complete and costs $150.00. It can save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars on your home insurance premium every year. It can also give you peace of mind knowing that your home is better prepared for severe weather events.
Don't let the insurance companies charge you more than you need to pay. Contact First Choice Home Inspections today at (386) 624-3893 to schedule your wind mitigation inspection and start saving money on your home insurance.
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 for Home Inspection services in Central Florida. Counties: Volusia, Seminole, Orange and Lake; Cities: Deltona, Daytona Beach, New Smyrna, Deland, Orlando, Lake Mary, Casselberry, Mt Dora, Eustis, Apopka.
Now you can put our outstanding reputation for service and reliability to work for you. By contracting First Choice Home Inspections, 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; we will explain items discovered, point out important maintenance items, and answer all of your questions.
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 home inspectors are certified by AHIT and InterNachi, nationally certified, and licensed by the State of Florida. First Choice inspectors are experienced and 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.
About Me
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.
All homeowners face pre-sale inspections. This is a standard part of the home selling process. In most cases, the home inspection is organized after signing the purchase agreement and before the final closing date.
As an owner, you should get everything in top shape for the inspection. When something is seriously amiss, your buyer has the right to withdraw the offer and find another home, warns rmxipm.com.
In this article, we'll go over the main tips on how to get your home successfully through the inspection. You'll understand the inspector's working procedures and know what to do before the big inspection day.
How do home inspections work?
Home inspections are carried out to make sure your home conditions meet all the standards.
Some homeowners get an inspection done before entering their property in the market. The early discovery of any issues allows them to fix these issues before showing the home to potential buyers.
However, this isn't how it usually plays out. The regular steps are:
A buyer is looking for a home.
After finding a suitable property, the buyer makes an offer.
Negotiations follow to set the price and closing date.
Once the purchase agreement is signed, the buyer contacts a home inspector and pays for this service.
There is always the risk that the inspector finds hidden issues. When the buyer learns about these problems, they have the right to back out of the deal. Home inspections act as a guarantee for buyers.
You may see home inspections as a formality. But when you consider its implications on your home sale, the inspector's arrival becomes something you should be well prepared for.
Depending on the agreement, the inspector may focus on other areas as well. But it's more than likely that all the listed items will be scrutinized in any case.
How to prepare for your home inspection?
Let's take a look at some practical tips to make your home inspection as smooth as possible.
Prepare all the paperwork
If your home has recent remodeling or renovation done, you should gather all the associated documents. Any other projects are important too, such as installing a new roof.
Your home inspector is likely to only check the building department and county website information. But your buyers may want to know whether the projects are safe and sound both in reality and on paper.
Leave all the utilities turned on
Take care to leave on your utilities before the home inspector does his job. During the inspection, the examiner needs to run appliances in your home and test the HVAC system.
Most inspectors will check your receptacles for grounding and reverse polarity. All these activities are impossible when you have turned off the power. The inability to conduct these tests will result in rescheduling and a re-inspection fee.
Prepare the exterior
Home inspections focus on a lot on the interior. But the inspector will take a good look at your home's exterior too. Make sure that everything is prepared for this part of the examination.
Here are the steps you can take to minimize any exterior issues:
Clean your downspout drainage.
Are some of the trees really close to the roofline? Trim these trees before the inspection.
Any accumulated debris on the roof should be pressure washed off its surface. The exception is asphalt roofs, which you should never pressure wash.
Check that your downspouts direct the water away from the home's foundation.
Thoroughly clean the gutters to remove dirt and debris.
Keep the AC compressor and its adjacent areas free of loose waste.
Allow complete access to your rooms
Ensure attic access panel
is free of obstructions
The home inspector needs access to your attic and basement. Some homeowners have boxes or other items stacked against the walls, making access difficult or impossible. Remove these physical barriers before the inspector enters your home.
You should leave keys for outbuildings, electrical boxes, and similar areas of your property. Definitely label the keys because this makes the whole inspection quicker. Should you have any remote controls, such as a garage door opener and then label these for convenience as well.
Another obstacle home inspectors often face is finding cars blocking the attic access. And sometimes there is clothing in a closet that provides the only entrance to the attic. Take care to remove these obstacles before the home inspector arrives.
Sellers can take practical steps to make the process smoother for all parties involved:
Gather all the relevant paperwork
Prepare the exterior for inspection
Leave on the utilities
Allow complete access to the premises
Jason received his Real Estate License in 2004 where he quickly became a
multi-million dollar producer within his first full year. He graduated
from the Realtor Institute a few years later and then went on to achieve
his Broker’s License in 2009. In 2008 he was asked to start up and lead
the Property Management Department. He has served as President of the
local National Association of or Residential Property Managers for
numerous terms. In 2019 Jason officially took over as Managing Broker
for RE/MAX Infinity and now works to provide an exceptional experience
for all of the agents and clients.
The most cost-effective way to cut heating and cooling costs, increase stability, improve comfort levels, and create a healthier interior atmosphere is to reduce the amount of air that flows in and out of your home. Before considering improving insulation or installing a vapor barrier, you should take care of those drafty utility penetrations, windows and doors. Weather stripping and caulking around doors, windows and utility penetrations are two simple and effective techniques for air-sealing that offer quick returns on investment. Weather stripping is used to seal components that move, such as entry and garage doors and operable windows. Weather strips take a lot of abuse and wear out frequently over a home’s lifetime, check them quarterly and replace as needed. Caulking (interior and exterior) is generally used for cracks and openings between stationary house components like; doors, windows, masonry cracks and ledges, utility penetrations any trim or siding joints.
Air Leakage
Air leakage occurs when outside air enters and conditioned air leaves your house uncontrollably through cracks and openings. When it is cold or gusty, an excessive amount of air may enter the house. During summer or warmer weather, conditioned air exits the building envelope, which can result in poor indoor air quality. Air leakage also causes moisture problems that affect the structure’s durability and the occupants’ health. Condensation is a major contributing factor to wood rot in most homes. An added benefit is that sealing cracks and openings decrease drafts, cold spots, and improves comfort. It is important to seal the fire barrier between the home and garage to reduce the chances of carbon monoxide poisoning. Never rely on air leakage for ventilation.
Detecting Air Leaks
The best way to reduce air leakage and controlled ventilation is to have a home energy audit performed on your home. The test, when performed by a licensed professional, will identify air leaks, air quality and if additional ventilation is needed. Before sealing air leaks, assess your ventilation needs for indoor air quality.
If you are planning an extensive renovation of your home, review techniques used for air sealing in new home construction and consider a home energy audit to identify all the ways your home costs you money by wasting energy. To seal air leaks, apply air sealing techniques and materials, including caulk and weather stripping.
How to Seal Air Leaks
Common places air leaks are found:
Check the weather stripping on doors and windows.
Check caulking on doors and windows. Old, dried and cracked caulking should be removed and replaced. There are many types of caulking for many different applications. You should know what type of caulk you should use before sealing those leaking windows.
Check caulking where utility penetrations come thru exterior walls. Check plumbing, ducts, electrical wiring, cable TV and telephone cables comes through the floors, exterior walls, ceilings, and soffits.
Install foam gaskets on electrical outlets and switches on perimeter walls.
Dirty spots on insulation may be an indication of air leaks and mold. Look for leaks and seal with low-expansion spray foam. Large gaps may require the installation of flashing.
Dirty spots on your walls, often around electrical receptacles and switches, or ceilings by vents or light fixtures, may indicate air leaks. Use foam gaskets or spray foam to seal leaks.
Single-pane windows allow hot and cold air to transfer. Double-pane low-emissivity windows are more efficient and the cost to upgrade will be recouped in energy saving over a few years.
Use foam sealant on larger gaps around windows, baseboards, and other places where air may leak out.
Check your kitchen exhaust fan for air leaks. Stop air leaks by upgrading the exhaust fan or cover the vent to stop air leaks when not in use.
Check your dryer vent to be sure it is not blocked. Lint will keep the dryer vent door from closing allowing air to leak in and out of your home. This will save energy and may prevent a fire.
Check the bottom door sweep and threshold for pliability and damage. Replace damaged seals with energy efficient pliable sealing gaskets.
Fireplace Flues, Dampers and Chimneys
Fireplaces are a major source of air outflow. Keep the fireplace flue damper tightly closed when not in use.
Seal air leaks around fireplace chimneys, furnaces, and gas-fired water heater vents with fire-resistant materials such as sheet metal or Sheetrock and furnace cement caulk.
Check your makeup air vent damper to ensure it seals properly.
Fireplace flue damper doors are made from metal, constant heating and cooling can cause
the doors to warp, crack or break, creating a passage for air loss.
One way to seal your flue when not in operation is an inflatable chimney balloon. A chimney balloon is made of durable plastic and can be reused many times. It installs easily beneath your fireplace flue and can be removed easily. The balloon will automatically deflate within seconds if it becomes heated, if you forget to remove the balloon before making a fire. Balloons are available in various sizes online and in retail shops.
Sealing air leaks will not eliminate the need for proper insulation or radiant barriers that reduce heat flow through a home’s building envelope.
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.
Barbecue grill are the #10 leading cause of home fires in the United States. With the 4th of July weekend coming up and summer grilling kicking off, now is the time to check your grill and review BBQ grilling safety. Grilling steaks and burgers with your family will make a great summer time gathering. A home fire will make your summer commencement barbecue unforgettable for all the wrong reasons. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reported that there were 3,800 grill injuries reported annually requiring medical care.
Before grilling check your equipment, review safety procedures with your party and children, and ensure you have proper clearance from combustible material. Have your home fire extinguisher or garden hose in a handy location. Keep children and pets away from the grill area and never leave your grill unattended.
Propane and charcoal BBQ grills should only be used outdoors.
The grill should be placed well away from the home, deck railings and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.
Keep children and pets away from the grill area.
Keep your grill clean by removing grease or fat buildup from the grills and in trays below the grill.
Never leave your grill unattended.
BEFORE BARBECUING
Grill maintenance, check thoroughly for leaks, cracking or brittleness before using it. Propane grills clean out the tubes that lead into the burner.
Make sure the grill is at least 10 feet away from your house, garage, or trees.
Store and use your grill on a large flat surface that cannot burn (i.e. - concrete or asphalt).
Grills should not be placed in a garage, porch, deck or on top of anything that can catch fire.
Establish a safety zone around the grill area. Keep children away from fires and grills. Instruct children to remain outside the zone. A chalk line works great for this purpose.
Have a fire extinguisher, a garden hose attached to a water supply, or at least 4 gallons of water close by in case of a fire.
DURING BARBECUING
Don't wear loose clothing that might catch fire.
Use long handled barbecue tools and/or flame resistant mitts.
Never use any flammable liquid other than a barbecue starter fluid to start a fire.
Never pour or spray starter fluid onto an open flame. The flames can easily flashback along the fluid's path to the container in your hands.
Alcoholic beverages are flammable. Keep them away from the grill.
Never leave the grill unattended.
AFTER BARBECUING
Always follow the manufacturer's cleaning and storing instructions for the grill.
Keep your grill clean and free of grease buildup that may lead to a fire.
Never store liquid or pressurized fuels inside your home and/or near any possible sources of flame.
IN CASE OF A BARBECUE FIRE
PROPANE Grills - turn off the burners. If you can safely reach the tank valve, shut it off. If the fire involves the tank, leave it alone, evacuate the area and call the fire department (911).
CHARCOAL Grills - close the grill lid. ELECTRIC Grills - disconnect the power.
DIAL 911 - If there is any type of fire that either threatens your personal safety or endangers property.
Grease fires - NEVER attempt to extinguish with water. It will only cause the flames to flare up. Use an approved portable fire extinguisher.
PROPANE GRILLS
The CPSC reports that more than 500 fires and 20 injuries occur every year from gas grill fires and explosions of grills that have not been used for several months.
Check the tubes leading to the burner regularly for blockages. Check with your specific grill manufacturer's instructions.
Check for leaks EVERY TIME you replace the cylinder. Pour soapy solution over the connections and if bubbles begin to form, there is a leak. Placing the soapy solution into a spray bottle makes it much easier to apply. If there is a leak, turn off the grill IMMEDIATELY and have it fixed. Do NOT use the grill until the leak is fixed.
Make sure all the connections are secure BEFORE turning on the gas.
Never start a propane grill with the lid closed. Gas can accumulate and when the grill is ignited may cause an explosion.
Only get propane from approved compressed gas suppliers.
Before getting a propane cylinder filled, check for any damages to it.
Never store propane cylinders indoors or near any heat source.
Never transport or store propane cylinders in the trunk of your automobile.
ALWAYS shut off the propane fuel at the grill and at the bottle after you have finished barbecuing. Otherwise, this will lead to fire hazards, such as leaks and faulty regulators.
CHARCOAL GRILLS
Twenty deaths and 400 injuries are treated resulting from carbon monoxide poisoning from charcoal grills according to the CPSC.
Due to the production of carbon monoxide when charcoal is burned, charcoal grills should not be used inside homes, vehicles, tents, or campers, even if ventilation is provided. Carbon monoxide is odorless and colorless; you will not be alerted to the danger until it is too late.
Never use any flammable liquid other than barbecue starter fluid to start a charcoal barbecue.
Use the starter fluid sparingly and never put it on an open flame.
Never add fire starter after you have started your barbecue to speed a slow fire or rekindle a dying fire. The flames can easily flashback along the fluid's path to the container in your hands.
Remove the charcoal ashes from the grill and place them into a metal container with a tight-fitting metal lid. Add and mix in water with the ashes, and set aside for several days. Dispose of the mixture in accordance with the Department of Sanitation's guidelines.
Remove the ashes only after they are completely cooled and no warm embers remain.
Always soak coals with water after cooking; they retain their heat for long periods of time.
Keep damp or wet coals in a well-ventilated area. During the drying process, spontaneous combustion can occur in confined areas.
ELECTRIC GRILLS
Keep the grill at least 10 feet away from any combustible material.
Do NOT use any flammable liquid to start an electric grill.
Follow the manufacturer's instructions in the use of an electric grill.
When using an electrical extension cord, make sure it is properly rated for the amperage required for the electric grill. Route extension cords out of the line of foot traffic to avoid trip hazards.
DEEP FRYERS
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), deep fryer fires cause an average of 5 deaths, 60 injuries, and more than $15 million in property damage each year.
Basic safety principles when using deep fryers:
Oil Level- If the cooking pot is overfilled, the oil may spill out of the pot when the turkey is lowered in. Oil can hit the burner and cause a significant fire. Follow the owner's manual and make sure the oil level is at the proper level.
Frozen or Partially Thawed Meat in Oil - Frozen or partially frozen fowl placed into the fryer can cause the oil to spill over the pot and may result in a significant fire or burn injury. Do not use water to thaw your turkey. Make sure your fowl is properly thawed and slowly lower it into the pot to prevent the oil from splashing.
Placement of Deep Fryer - Cook outdoors and on a level, firm, and non-combustible surface. Home fires involving fryers can start in a garage or on a patio or deck. Maintain a safe distance from any buildings and keep the fryer off of any wooden structures.
Don't Use Water or Ice - When ice or water comes into contact with hot oil, the water vaporizes, causing steam bubbles to pop and spray hot oil. Do not use ice or water to cool down oil or extinguish an oil fire. Keep an extinguisher approved for cooking or grease fires nearby and immediately call 911 for help.
Don't Leave Your Fryer Unattended - Frying involves cooking with a combustible cooking oil or grease. Many frying units do not have thermostat controls and if unwatched, the oil will continue to heat until the oil ignites.
Level Surfaces - Many fryers are very top-heavy and can be unstable if not used on a level surface. Fryers not on level surfaces can tip over causing a significant fire or burn injury.
REMEMBER
Never use a propane barbecue grill on a balcony, terrace or roof.
Never use a charcoal or propane grill inside your home or garage.
Propane tanks - no more than two (2) 20-pound propane tanks are allowed on the grounds of a one or two-family home, but be sure to follow the fire safety precautions above.
Only use a charcoal barbecue on a balcony or terrace if there is a ten foot clearance from the building and there is an immediate source of water (garden hose or four (4) gallon pail of water).
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.
damage caused by strong winds, such as hurricanes. These features include the type and age of your roof, the way your roof is attached to the walls, the type and spacing of the nails used to secure the roof sheathing, the type of underlayment that protects the roof sheathing, and the type and quality of the openings, such as windows, doors, skylights, and garage doors.
That's where First Choice Home Inspections comes in. We are a licensed and insured home inspection company that offers wind mitigation inspections in Seminole and Volusia Counties. Our inspectors are trained and experienced in identifying and documenting the wind mitigation features of your home. We use state-of-the-art equipment and software to produce a detailed and accurate report that you will submit to your insurance company.
