If you’re looking to buy a home in Florida, you’re in luck. Not only will you fulfill your dream of becoming a homeowner, but your soon-to-be-new home will be located in the Sunshine State. But hold the champagne – the home’s not yours yet. For that to happen, you first must ensure that the property you’re buying is hazard-free, up-to-code, and last but not least, the right investment for your dollars. No, we are not saying that a home inspection is absolutely required. What’s more, there may be instances where buyers would want to forgo one. However, it is always pretty good to know what you can expect before closing the deal. Use this home inspection checklist for buyers to learn more about the process.
What is a home inspection?
So, what is a home inspection? People often confuse it with a home appraisal, but the two terms aren’t exactly interchangeable. A home appraisal helps the sellers and the buyers understand a home’s value, whereas a home inspection determines its current condition and helps locate any potential red flags.
In simplest terms: a home inspection is a process conducted by a professional home inspector in which the house you’re buying/selling is being thoroughly examined. Still, it’s not like a home inspector will pay attention to trivial details or something similar; bigger problems are the ones in focus, primarily safety issues. So, what’s the point of it? Well, it helps both the buyer and the seller. After a home inspection finds this or that, a buyer can use those issues to negotiate the price. Also, sellers can do a home inspection before putting the house on the market to know exactly what they’re selling.
A home inspection typically involves a professional examination of the home you’re planning to buy/sell carried out by an expert.
Alt-text: A kitchen inside a home.
What if the home inspection shows defects?
Hopefully, the home inspection won’t reveal any serious issues in your dream home. Still, it’s wise to know what you’re to do if it does.
Your first option is to back out. However, this is only wise if your purchase offer includes a home inspection contingency. This way, you can back out of the deal without worrying about penalties. However, not putting this contingency in your contract can result in your losing your earnest money if you decide you want to back out.
Not backing out?
If, on the other hand, some problems appear on your home inspection report, but you decide to go through with the transaction, you can:
- Accept the property ‘as-is’;
- Request that the home seller complete the necessary repairs;
- Negotiate a lower price;
Whatever you decide, it’s essential to postpone moving into the property until the home is safe and hazard-free. This is especially important if you’re coming from afar (even if you’re moving within Florida – it’s a big state). If the property isn’t completely move-in ready and safe, it might take a while before it finally is. In the meantime, you’ll have to find another place to stay, which could be difficult if you don’t know anyone in the new city. And even if you pay for a hotel, you’ll still need a space to store your belongings. So, you’ll also end up shelling out for storage.
In other words, not postponing the move could result in someone getting hurt or paying for a lot of unnecessary expenses. So, if you’re moving long-distance, contact your Florida movers and explain the situation. Although experienced movers would be able to get you there safely, they’ll understand that you may not be safe once you get there and help you schedule a different date.
Home inspection checklist for buyers
#1 The exterior
We’ll start with the property exterior. After all, it’s the first thing anyone inspecting a home (whether a professional or a buyer) will notice. Here’s what needs to be inspected:
- Paint condition.
- Doorbell function.
- Gutter presence & condition.
- Garage door condition.
- Window condition.
- Vegetation/mulch.
- Outlets/electricity.
- Structure (especially if we’re talking pre-1950s homes).
As you can assume, the list’s a bit longer. However, these were the most critical items that should be checked on a single home’s exterior. Think we forgot the roof? Well, that’s a whole different story.
#2 The roof
Let’s move on to what kind of questions might home inspector need to answer once they give the roof a thorough examination. For instance, your home inspector might want to check if the roof’s permitted, or when’s the last time it got a permit? Also, are there any visible or non-visible signs of damage that needs repairing? What about adequately secured ridge vents or offset ridge vents? Yup, these are all questions that’ll come up. Additionally, a home inspector will check if any exposed nails need to be tarred over. Finally, a home inspection will pay close attention to the attic condition.
Keep in mind that most buyers don’t want to deal with a property that has a bad roof because it can work out very expensive. So, replacement costs are something you must consider when searching for a new home.
#3 The interior
Once the inspectors step into your home, they’ll look for specific issues such as: whether or not the plumbing’s alright (for instance, is the water pressure low or are toilets working as they should), are there any traces of mold/moisture, are windows and doors in good condition, what about kitchen appliances, etc. The list can go on and on, but these are probably the most critical questions that might come up during a home inspection.
#4 A/C
Well, of course! How can we forget the A/C system! We’re talking about buying a home in Florida here! Here are some questions that became something of a home inspection standard:
- What’s the brand of the A/C? How old is it?
- Are there any signs of leakage present?
- What about heating mode? Does it function properly?
- Any signs of gas safety hazards?
- What’s the condition of the ductwork?
One can guess the thorough examination of the A/C system is, by all means, crucial during the home inspection process in Florida. They don’t call it the Sunshine State for nothing.
#5 Electrical system
As for the final item on our home inspection checklist for buyers in Florida, we’ve got the inspection of the electrical system inside a home. An experienced, professional home inspector will want to check:
- The service equipment/cables.
- The light fixtures, power switches, etc.
- Thermostats, vents, access panels.
- Circuit interrupters.
- Entrance conductors and raceways.
Also, a home inspector will look for signs of scorching/overheating/arcing. The expert will also want to know the current age of the electrical system and when was the last time it was updated. Lastly, a home inspector will ask to see every relevant permit related to the electrical system inside the home that’s being inspected.
What’s not there?
Okay, so one might wonder what’s usually not included in the home inspection checklist for future Florida buyers. Here’s the answer:
- Landscaping
- Termites/carpenter ants presence.
- Radon tests (you’ll want to do them, still).
- The presence of rodents.
Final words
That’s about it, folks! Hopefully, you’ve learned a thing or two about Florida’s typical homes inspection ordeal with our home inspection checklist for buyers. There’s nothing left to say except: enjoy your new Florida home!