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Frequently Asked Questions

Why Choose Accurate Home Inspections of America, LLC?

Time: A thorough Home Inspection takes time. My inspections usually take 2-4 hours (...or more) depending on the size, construction and age. High end homes of 4000 square feet and more may take the better part of a day.

Thoroughness: Since I'm spending the most time on your inspection, I'm going to look at things and go places that other inspectors may not. Assuming that it's safe, I go up onto roofs, go into the attic and into crawl spaces.

Detail: I give you a comprehensive report with detailed descriptions and photos. I slso include recommendations on what steps are required to resolve a specific issue.

What's Included In The Inspection?

A home inspection is a visual evaluation of the major systems in the house including structure, roof, exterior, heating/cooling, plumbing, electrical and the interior. As long as it's safe and accessible I'll walk on roofs, enter attics and crawl spaces, remove access panels and operate equipment. I'll look at every room in the house using the Standards of Practice of the InterNational Association of Certified Home Inspectors(InterNACHI). In addition, I provide a free 90 Day Limited Home Warranty by American Home Warranty. Finally, you are enrolled in our Referral Rewards Program where you can earn back the cost of your inspection and more!

Does A Brand New House Need An Inspection?

Yes. Most builders try to provide a high quality house, but they have to balance that with staying competitive. For builders, it often comes down to 'survival of the cheapest'. Much work is done by sub-contractors. A construction boom in recent years has caused a shortage of skilled labor. Coordinating schedules between different trades is a juggling act. New products are constantly being introduced into the market adding even more confusion.

Municipal inspectors try to do a good job but they're vastly overworked, often looking at dozens of houses each day. A thorough home inspection takes hours, not minutes. Municipal inspectors simply don't have the manpower to find all the construction defects.

Do you perform swimming pool/spa inspections?

Yes. Just as a home inspection informs you about the condition of the home you are interested in purchasing, a pool inspection informs you about the condition of the pool. Most home inspectors do not offer a pool inspection, as this requires specialized skills. Some pool service companies may offer inspections, but as this is not the focus of their business, they are unlikely to have highly trained and experienced staff solely dedicated to this purpose. I am a state certified Commercial Pool Operator.

How Much Does A Home Inspection Cost?

The cost of a home inspection is a small fraction of the cost of the home and is priceless in terms of delivering peace of mind!

A minimum fee will cover smaller homes that are fairly new. Condominium inspection fees can be slightly lower. Fees are higher for larger homes and older homes because they take longer to inspect.

Please call (407)865-5884 or use Request an Inspection and I'll be glad to give you an exact price. I will need information such as size, age, foundation configuration (does it have a crawl space?), if there is a swimming pool/spa and where the house is located.

Why Do Your Competitors Cost Less?

All home inspectors are not equal. You only have one chance to get a good home inspection. You don't want cheap, you want the best home inspection possible! Saving a few bucks by using a bargain-priced home inspector could cost you thousands of dollars in repair costs in the long run.

May I Attend The Inspection?

Yes. I invite you to come along on the inspection to get the most benefit. By being present at the inspection I can familiarize you with the home and explain things to you as we move through the house. Be suspicious of any inspector who doesn't want you along during the inspection.

When Should I Call To Schedule The Inspection?

As soon as possible after you have a signed purchase contract. Make sure that your purchase contract has plenty of time for you to get repair estimates for major problems that may show up during the inspection.

For newly constructed homes, schedule the inspection a few days before your walk-through with the builder so that you'll have my written report in your hands during the walk-through. You should schedule warranty inspections at least a month before your warranty expires.

How Do I Prepare For The Inspection?

It's the seller's responsibility to get the house ready for the inspection. The seller should:

Have all utilities turned on (water, electric and gas).
Have all gas appliances ready to run with pilot lights turned on.
Clear access to areas like attics, crawl spaces, electric panels and furnaces.
Unlock areas such as storage closets, fence gates, electric panels and crawl space hatches.
Remove pets from the property, or secure them so they are not free to roam.
Also see "Ten Tips to Speed Up Your Home Inspection"

To help you get the most benefit from the inspection you should leave the kids at home, you won't be able to pay attention to them and the inspection at the same time. For the same reason, if you have family members or friends who would like to see the house you should arrange a visit for another time.

When Will The Report Be Ready?

I provide the Inspection Report the same day as the inspection via a password protected secure web link or e-mail or fax. It is your choice on the method of delivery.

What If The Inspection Reveals Problems?

I may find things that weren't expected. No house is perfect, not even new construction. The report is not a seller's "Must-Fix" list; it's simply an impartial report of the homes condition giving you clear direction for what should be done about each problem. Every situation is different, it's up to you and your real estate agent to decide how to proceed after the inspection.

Are There Limitations To The Inspection?

Yes. I can't see through walls or predict the future! A home inspection is not an appraisal or a check for compliance with building codes and it's not an evaluation for any biological or environmental hazards.

See the inspection agreement and the InterNACHI Standards of Practice for more information on the limitations of an inspection.

Do You Offer A Guarantee?

I guarantee the Home Inspection will be performed within 48 hours of your call, if requested in the advent of a tight closing or urgent need. Also, if you are not satisfied with the way the inspection is performed, you do not pay.

I do provide a free 90 Day Limited Home Warranty through American Home Warranty Company with each buyers Home Inspection, when requested.

For another perspective, read the article on Breakdowns by newspaper columnist/home inspector Walter Jowers. It's required reading for all home buyers.

Will I Perform Or Manage Any Repair Work?

No. I am bound by a strict code of ethics and I do not perform repairs on any home I inspect.

Are You Licensed?

There is no licensing for home inspectors in Florida and anyone can claim to be a home inspector. Hiring a professionally trained and experienced Home Inspection company is the best way to ensure the quality of your inspection.

Are You Certified?

Yes. However, a certification is only as good as the organization that issues it. Recently, some "organizations" have entered the lucrative business of handing out a certification to anyone who will send them a check, regardless of actual qualifications. Although appearing to be non-profit professional societies, they're actually for-profit companies. Highly deceptive. If someone tells you that they're certified, be sure to check up on the organization that's doing the certification. I have been trained and certified through the American Home Inspectors Training Institue (AHIT) which meets or exceeds the requirements of InterNACHI, ASHI, NAHI, CREIA, TREC and other professional organizations. I'm also certified and a full member of InterNACHI,the largest and most respected professional society in the industry.

What If I Have Questions Later?

As a Client of Accurate Home Inspections of America, LLC, you may contact me at any time if you have questions about anything related to the condition of your home, or home of a friend, relative, or business associate. To that end, you also are automatically eligible for our Referral Rewards Program. The program is quite simple and allows you to earn your complete property inspection fee back. But you dont have to stop there. You can keep on earning money each time you refer someone to us for a property inspection.