What Will Fail a Florida Home Inspection?

Once you put an offer in on a home and it is accepted, the real work is about to begin. In Florida, it makes sense to get a home inspection done to ensure that the property is safe and that no major problems are hidden that you need to get fixed as soon as possible. It is normal for a few minor issues to show up in a home inspection, but many home buyers wonder what will cause a home to fail a Florida home inspection?

Foundation problems, sloping ground, major plumbing problems, substantial water damage, rotting wood, harmful mold, termite damage, electrical problems and HVAC problems can all be major concerns in a Florida home inspection. Foundation problems and sloping are common inspection problems due to all of the moisture that is found in different parts of Florida. Gulf Coast Home Inspections, a local home inspector in Sarasota, if these show up in your Florida home inspection, then the home buyer will be able to negotiate the contract with the seller or walk away from the purchase.

Finding out that something failed a home inspection on a property you plan to purchase can be frustrating, but understanding why these are major problems and then working with your real estate agent to get them fixed can help. Let’s take a closer look at some of these problems to see what you can do!

What are Some Major Problems for a Florida Home Inspection?

Getting a home inspection helps you know whether there are some major problems with a home you would like to purchase or not. You can choose to go without this inspection, but that puts the risk on you and anything that happens after you close on the home will be your responsibility. Some of the major problems that can cause a home to fail a Florida home inspection include:

• Foundation problems: You need to purchase a home that has a solid foundation. A home inspector will be able to look for potential cracks in the foundation. Florida is full of expansive soil, which can shift a bit and affect the foundation. This is a major problem that needs to be fixed before you close on the home.
• Sloping ground: When the ground in the yard slopes to the home, there is a risk of water draining to the home and sometimes inside the home. The ground slope should direct water away from the property to avoid water damage and issues with the foundation.
• Plumbing problems: These can vary from a cracked pipe or a leaking faucet, with some being easy to fix and others being more costly. Hidden leaks can be expensive as well, so ask your inspector to look for some of these.
• Water damage: Any leaks that appear around or in the home can potentially lead to water damage. The home inspector is going to help you find some potential signs of water damage such as water spots, cracked pipes, and mildew and mold.
• Harmful mold: This type of mold can grow due to issues like foundation problems, poor plumbing, and water damage. It is dangerous to be around mold for very long and it can make you sick. You need to discover this problem before you move in.
• Rotting wood: Your home inspector will take the time to look for exposed wood in the home and check that it isn’t rotting. Wood rot can happen due to termites, mold, moisture that is in the home (common in Florida) and age.
• Termite damage: Rotting wood and mold can often lead to a big termite infestation, which can damage the structure of the home if you are not careful. It is possible for termites to take over the home without the sellers even knowing, which is why you need to inspect for this before you move in.
• Electrical problems: Your home inspector will do a thorough review of the electrical system to make sure that it is working well. There are a number of electrical problems that will show up and getting them fixed before you move in will keep you safe.
• HVAC problems: You want to make sure that your air conditioner works well in your Florida Home before summer. Your home inspector will take the time to look at the HVAC system to see if it is working well.

Getting Your Florida Home Inspection Done

No matter what type of home you choose to purchase, it is a good idea to have a home inspection done. This can be useful for your own personal knowledge, even if you do not expect the seller to fix things. This helps you find out about some major problems with the home that are hard to see with the naked eye and will give you some negotiating power when it is time to purchase the home. Find a reputable home inspector to help you get this done right.