Florida

Florida Home Inspector

If you are thinking of buying or selling a home in Florida, it would be a wise financial investment to hire a Florida home inspector, especially considering today’s economic climate.

An investment in a Florida home inspector could save you thousands of dollars in the future, especially if you are thinking of purchasing a home.

Buying or selling a home can be a very stressful time. Before closing on that big purchase, you want to make sure there are no defects that could cost you unwanted repairs after the sale. You want that feeling of confidence in your buying decision. Home inspectors examine the physical condition of the home, inside and out; making any potential home buyer aware of any repairs that may be needed before the sale.

As a seller, with today’s tough market, you want to make sure your home is as attractive as possible to potential home buyers. The advantage of a Florida home inspection is discovering any possible pitfalls in your home, which could help make for a quicker sale if repairs were made ahead of time. You want your home looking its best before putting it out on the market, and a home inspection can help make that happen.

Currently, there are no licensing requirements to become a home inspector in Florida with the exception of Charlotte County. That changes on July 1, 2010, when a state Senate bill goes into effect, requiring that an applicant for home inspection: • Be of good moral character • Have a high school diploma or its equivalent • Complete a course study (approved by the Home Inspection Board) of no less than 120 hours that covers the following components: structure, electrical, HVAC, roof, plumbing, interiors, exteriors and site conditions that affect the structure • Maintain a commercial general liability insurance policy in an amount not less than $300,000 • Apply to the Home Inspection Board to take a license examination.

Prospective candidates for ASHI membership are held to similar exacting standards. For full membership, the home inspector must pass the National Home Inspector Examination and ASHI Ethics Examination, as well as provide proof that at least 250 home inspections have been completed.

However, if current Florida home inspectors already meet the requirements of the July 2010 bill, they can be grandfathered in, meaning they have the option to get certified now before the rush for licenses next year.

Home inspections are a critical part of the home buying and selling process. With the Florida housing market still struggling, it is as important as ever to make sure you know everything about a house so there are no surprises or unexpected problems. Unlike an appraiser, who determines the value of the property, a home inspector determines the condition of a home, giving a visual examination of the exterior and interior of a home and submitting a detailed report.