Even brand-new homes can have issues. The National Association of Realtors reports that among new home buyers who had an inspection done, 65% said the inspector found issues that needed to be addressed. Most of these problems were minor and didn’t affect the closing date, although 24% of buyers said their home failed its first inspection.
Another benefit is that even if an inspection doesn’t identify any immediate problems, the inspector can inform the buyer about potential issues before they arise. For example, if an inspector mentions that the roof might need to be replaced in a couple of years, it might not disrupt the sale, but it would give the buyer time to prepare for such an expense and to address the issue before it becomes a major problem.
What Is the Cost of Home Inspections in Florida?
The cost of a home inspection in Florida largely depends on the size of the home, its location, and any complications, such as the age of the home or unusual design issues. HomeAdvisor reports that the cost of a home inspection is between $296 and $424, with an average of $343. Here in St. Ocala, the normal range for a home inspection is $233 to $372, but it could reach as high as $450.
Is A Home Inspection Required in Florida?
There aren’t any Florida home inspection requirements mandated by the state, but a Termite and Other Wood-Destroying Organism Report (WDO Report) is required for anyone who obtains a mortgage to buy a home. Many property insurance companies also require a WDO Report. The average cost of a WDO Report is $150.
Lenders also require an appraisal report before approving a mortgage. If the appraisal or a WDO inspection reveals a potential problem with the home, the lender may request a more thorough inspection.
What Do Home Inspections in Florida Include?
There are two general types of home inspections in Florida. A four-point inspection is required by mortgage lenders, but you may also request a full home inspection, along with any additional inspections based on the age and condition of the home.
What’s a Four-Point Inspection in Florida?
Mortgage lenders typically require a four-point inspection in Florida. In a state that’s known for severe weather from hurricanes, tropical storms, high heat, and humidity, lenders want to know that a home will be able to stand up to the elements.
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- HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning): To make sure it’s working properly and to look for signs of leakage.
- Electrical: To see if there are any damaged wires or potential fire hazards.
- Plumbing: Examines the types of pipes within a home and if they’re in good condition.
- Roofing: To determine how old the roof is, what it’s made of, if any shingles are missing, and its remaining life expectancy.
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What’s a Full Home Inspection in Florida?
A full home inspection, also known as “a buyer’s inspection,” is a more in-depth look at a property. While four-point inspections focus on a building’s highest risks and issues that are most likely to cause a problem, a full inspection is a more detailed look at a home.
A full home inspection includes:
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- A building’s structural integrity, foundation, basement, and crawl space.
- Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
- Appliances and fixtures, to make sure they’re properly installed.
- Insulation levels, to make sure they’re adequate and evenly applied.
- The roof, chimney, and fireplace.
- Mold and mildew.
- Exterior grading.
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What’s Excluded from a Home Inspection in Florida?
A home inspection is intended to address the key components of a home and its basic infrastructure, but even a full inspection might not uncover every issue, and a wind mitigation inspection could save you money on property insurance. A Florida home inspection checklist typically does not include:
Asbestos
If a home was built before the 1980s, there’s a chance it could contain asbestos, a fire-resistant but hazardous material that was once commonly used in construction. You would hire a specially trained inspector to look for and deal with asbestos. Asbestos might be found in old heating systems, tile floors, popcorn ceilings, insulation, textured paint, and old asphalt shingles on the roof. You can find more information about asbestos at the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s website.
Lead
The Environmental Protection Agency recommends lead testing for homes built before 1978, if children will be living there. You can search for certified lead inspection and abatement firms through the EPA’s website.
Radon
Checking radon gas levels typically isn’t included in a standard inspection, but it is an add-on feature for many inspection services and would include an additional cost.
Exterior Structures
An inspection may or may not include a detached garage, and it likely won’t include exterior sheds, septic tanks, and wells. A property inspector might be willing to include these items, for a fee.
Pools and Hot Tubs
Pools and hot tubs are popular in Florida, but they’re not typically included in a standard inspection. You may need to hire a certified pool builder who could look for signs of leaks and make sure the equipment is working properly.
Home Security Systems
While a home inspector will check out your windows, exterior doors, and locks, if a home has a built-in security system, you may need to have it checked out by a home security provider or ask the home security provider to confirm that it’s working properly.
How a Wind Mitigation Inspection Could Pay for Itself in Florida
A home inspection will look at a property’s roof for missing shingles or signs of leaks, but it will not include wind mitigation. This is an important part of buying a home in Florida, and the state requires property insurance companies to offer a discount for homes that pass a wind resistance inspection.
Windstorm mitigation inspections in Florida consider how resistant a home is to wind and wind-related risks. A wind inspection includes the roof, the roof deck (and how it attaches to the house), exterior doors, and windows to see how resistant they are to wind damage from storms and hurricanes. An inspector can also determine if a property complies with state and local building codes and whether any changes are needed to bring a property up to code.
If any changes were made to improve a home’s wind resistance, either by yourself or the seller, you could use the building permits and other documents to prove to your insurance company that the work was done. While a wind mitigation inspection in Florida may cost from $75 to $150, you could save much more than that through lower property insurance premiums.
Do You Need a Home Inspection for Homeowners’ Insurance in Florida?
You might need a four-point inspection for property insurance in Florida, although this depends on your provider, the age of the home, and how long it’s been since the property was last inspected. Homeowners insurance companies in Florida are more likely to require an inspection if a building is more than 25 years old, is in a high-risk area for severe weather events, and hasn’t had an inspection in 10 years.
What Happens If a Home Inspection Fails in Florida?
Any real estate purchase agreement or purchase contract to buy a home is going to include contingencies that could prevent a sale from happening. Whatever contingencies you require are up to you, but they usually include the home passing inspection, the buyer’s ability to obtain financing, an appraisal, and title issues.
If a home fails a property inspection, it’s up to the buyer and seller to see if they can work out a deal. If your purchase agreement includes a home inspection requirement, you could back out of the deal, and you’d only lose the cost of the inspection. Of course, a seller might be willing to reduce the price or to address the issue before the sale is completed. That’s why working with a quality realtor is so important. We’ve dealt with these issues before and can help you figure out a solution.
How to Find a Certified Home Inspector in Florida
As realtors in North Central Florida, we’ve worked with many home inspectors and can help you find one that fits your needs. You can also search for home inspectors via the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors and the American Society of Home Inspectors.
We’re Here to Help You Every Step of the Way
We’ve provided real estate services in North Central Florida for over two decades, including Alachua County and Marion County. If you’re looking to buy a home, please check out our featured listings or contact us to learn how we can help. You might also check out our guide for first-time homebuyers in central Florida and check out our blog for more real estate news and information.