 |
Florida Home Inspections: Common Issues
Author: Calum MacKenzie  | Posted: 20-05-2008 | Comments: 0 | Views: 23 | Rating: (50)  (?) 
What’s the most important consideration when buying a home? Price, location, size? Most people won’t ordinarily think a home inspection is particularly crucial—it’s something that most of us do, but we don’t necessarily stop to consider just how important it is. The home inspection gives you a complete idea of what problems are present in the home, and what’s needed to fix them, so it is a vital part of buying a home.
There are certain problems that are commonly found in home inspections that, if left undetected, could mean thousands of dollars worth of repairs for an unwary home-buyer. In addition there are issues that are unique to states such as Florida, due to our distinctive climate. These are definitely worth paying attention to, particularly if you’re relocating from out of state and haven’t considered the problems that a warm, moist climate can present.
Water Damage
The Florida climate is absolutely brutal in terms of the damage it can do to wood and wood-based products. Regular maintenance of paint and caulking will eliminate 90% of the potential problems, but for many homeowners that maintenance just doesn’t get done.
Wooden doors without rain protection, siding in contact with grade, and poorly protected trim or siding are all vulnerable to water damage. Even stucco homes are vulnerable if stucco begins to crack and allow water access to the frame beneath. The damage done to wood framing on stucco homes can be huge, because the stucco hides what’s going on in the wood.
Application and regular maintenance of caulk and paint will prevent these issues (or help prevent them worsening if the home you buy is affected by water damage). Alternatively, consider whether you’d be better off with a masonry-built home with aluminum, stucco, and other materials in place of wood siding, framing, and trim.
Electrical Issues
Electrical problems are often caused simply by aging, damaged wiring, but that’s not the biggest problem your home inspection might uncover. More problematic than an older wiring system is the damage that a homeowner can do if they hire a non-licensed electrician, or even worse, do the work themselves without prior experience or knowledge.
Common issues found in these situations include exposed wiring without the necessary conduit protection, outlets with reversed polarity, junction boxes left open in attics or behind walls, double-tapped circuits, unsafe exterior wiring, and badly-constructed GFI outlets. Often, such issues arise when a homeowner decides to remodel their kitchen or bathroom, but fail to check out current code requirements. The result is that the modifications may not be up to code (this is more likely for older homes, as electrical codes have changed significantly in the past couple of decades).
Plumbing Problems
Plumbing issues such as leaky faucets, water heaters, shower stalls, or toilets are common, but usually fixed fairly easily. A more significant problem occurs in the long term when water intrudes behind tiles, and shower or tub surrounds. These can be more costly to fix.
All these problems are easily avoided by sealing grout lines with grout or caulk, and repeating the application as needed. These simple measures can save thousands in unnecessary repairs and prevent the mold problems that often result, too.
Aging, Damaged, or Leaky Roofs
Florida’s climate and weather isn’t particularly friendly to roofing materials. Materials such as metal panels and concrete tiles will tolerate the weather as long as they’re installed properly and conform to manufacturer’s requirements. Shingles, however, are almost guaranteed to start taking damage soon after installation.
Harsh winds are part of the problem, but the main culprit is actually the hot Florida sun. In general, a shingle roof will last around fifteen years (even if it has a 20, 30, or even 40 year rating).
Roof failures are usually on the perimeters of the roof, or anywhere where the roof is penetrated, such as around chimneys, plumbing vents, or attic vents.
Air Conditioning Problems
Air conditioning issues might not be a big deal in all states, but people in Florida use their AC systems ten months out of the year—more than anywhere else in the country. Despite the fact that so many people rely on their AC so heavily, they don’t often get regular maintenance. In fact, the number one reason that AC systems experience problems is simply poor maintenance, rather than a mechanical failure.
Home inspections usually find leaking ductwork, dirty air handling coils or filters, and low refrigerant levels, any of which can lead to an inefficient, badly-running AC system. Changing filters regularly, plus annual servicing will keep your AC running well for a long time to come.
Problems in Low-traffic Areas
Those are the top five, but those aren’t the only issues a home inspector is likely to come across. Home inspectors don’t just take a tour of the most frequently-used areas of your home—they’ll want to look at attics, crawlspaces, and other hard-to-reach places that often get overlooked when it comes to maintenance. These unused places are all prime locations for termite and pest damage, water damage, plumbing, insulation, or electrical defects, structural damage, and HVAC problems.
Rate this Article:
Current: 0 / 5 stars - 0 vote(s).
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/real-estate-articles/florida-home-inspections-common-issues-420763.html
|
Submitting articles has become one of the most popular means of generating quality backlinks and targeted traffic to your website. Join us today - It's Free! |
|
Got a Question? Ask.
Ask the community a question about this article:
Frequently Asked Questions
How to remove sticky masking tape from walls and wood trim.
By: Byron | 16-09-2008
Is there some easy, fast, inexpensive method to remove very sticky masking tape from walls and wood trim without removing old paint.
Vinyl window repair
By: Ridders | 16-09-2008
How do you open double hung vinyl windows that are stuck?
MUD In Garden TUB
By: klgwolfe | 15-09-2008
My mother turned on her garden tub, which is also a jet tub. All sorts of junk came out. Looks like dirt! What is this? How do you fix it? I remember watching this on an HGTV episode. I told her I thought you could use vinegar turn it on a few times and it would clean it out.
Construction bids on bank owned homes
By: will | 15-09-2008
How do you bid on construction projects for bank owned homes
Dog poop stain
By: tnkhme | 13-09-2008
how to get dog stain out of carpet. have tried most brands on the market tnkhme@aol.com
I have a wall air conditioner in my bedoroom. The ...
By: Mireille | 13-09-2008
I have a wall air conditioner in my bedoroom. The wall is discolored and it smells like mold. washed wall with bleach, cleaned air conditioner smell comes back. What do I do?
Q&A Powered by: 
Latest Real Estate Articles
Small is Beautiful
By: Carol Freyer | 06/10/2008
One major bonus of Shafer's homes is the low cost of heating. Heated with propane, his own home—a smaller model—costs him $170 per year to heat, and that's in Iowa, where winters are winters. Plus, a smaller home requires less maintenance. Everything is smaller and therefore the amount of work to be done is less: less to dust, less to vacuum.
Realty Remodeling Rules
By: Carol Freyer | 06/10/2008
If you are living in a lower price area and put in a swimming pool and an outdoor kitchen before you list your house, it will most certainly bring the buyers to your home. It will no doubt bring in offers for your home and all this is good news.
Get Your Heating Bill Down
By: Carol Freyer | 06/10/2008
Some statistics say that as much as 80% of the hot air can be lost up the chimney. If that is added to the amount of cold air that is pulled from the atmosphere, then the old log fireplace could almost be said to be mainly a visual experience.
Astrology, Feng Shui, Magic Spells... and Selling Homes
By: Carol Freyer | 06/10/2008
Astrology has been used to divine the future since before the Common Era. Many people today view it as a harmless amusement. Move.com even has a section for "homestrology" profiles. Realty Times did an article entitled, "Look to the Stars for Decorating Advice", featuring astrologer John Marchesella, who claims that knowing your Sun Sign can help you choose colors for your home.
Americans Want Green Homes!
By: Carol Freyer | 06/10/2008
Heating takes a large chunk of our money during the winter months; have you thought of installing a wood stove with an outside chimney (the easiest to install)? The new stoves that leave almost no residual wood and are almost 'smokeless' are part of a grant scheme offered by some governments.
Real Estate in the Top 4 Louisiana Public School Districts
By: Andrew Stratton | 06/10/2008
Louisiana Public School Districts are great areas to live as they offer excellent school system, security, and lot of enjoyable activities. A realtor can help buyers make a good deal.
The R.E.I. Revolution On The Internet
By: Damian Lanfranchi | 06/10/2008
Understand it and thrive. Ignore it, get left behind. I want to make sure that you truly grasp how the internet is revolutionizing the Real Estate investing world. It's absolutely critical to the success of your business. It's something that a lot of the Real Estate investors and gurus are missing the boat on when it comes to their real estate investing website.
Cyprus Property is Hot! But is it Getting Too Crowded?
By: Steven Clarke | 06/10/2008
The recent interest in Cyprus property has initiated a housing boom on the island. It doesn't matter where you go on the island, you can often hear the sound of construction in the background. Developers are scooping up land at an alarming rate trying to keep pace with the growing...
More from Calum MacKenzie
Practical Tips to Make Moving Easier
By: Calum MacKenzie | 26/07/2008 | Moving and Relocating
If you’re planning to move house in the near future, chances are you’re already groaning at the thought of organizing a move. But don’t worry—moving doesn’t have to be a complete nightmare. Check out these practical tips and make your next move smooth and trouble-free.
Salt and Chlorine Pools: Which is Best?
By: Calum MacKenzie | 22/07/2008 | DIY
For those of us who don’t enjoy swimming in chlorinated water, it’s good to know that there’s an alternative available. Salt water swimming pools are increasingly popular, but how safe are they? Salt or chlorine—which does a better job at keeping your pool clean?
Choosing the Right Pool Heater for the Job
By: Calum MacKenzie | 17/07/2008 | Remodeling
Which heating system is best for your swimming pool? In most cases you’ll be able to choose between electric, gas, and solar heating systems, but the best system for your situation will vary depending on where you live and what your specific needs are. So which is best? The answer to that question depends on a fairly long list of factors, including your budget, location, the size of your pool, and how and when you normally use it: check out the full article to find out more.
Understanding Florida Real Estate Taxes With Florida’s Amendment 1
By: Calum MacKenzie | 30/06/2008 | Real Estate
Trying to determine your Florida real estate taxes is like trying to determine if you qualify for an IRS tax break, near impossible. If you're trying to understand Florida property taxes this article explains everything you want to know, but were afraid to ask, including information on Florida's New Amendment 1 passed by voters on January 9, 2008.
Get Ready for Florida Hurricane Season
By: Calum MacKenzie | 29/05/2008 | DIY
With the Florida hurricane season almost upon us, it’s important to make sure you’re ready. A family disaster plan and a disaster supply kit are two important actions you can take to make sure you’re not caught out if a hurricane cuts off your electricity, isolates you in your home, or forces you to evacuate.
Florida Property Insurance Changes Will Affect Most Homeowners
By: Calum MacKenzie | 16/04/2008 | Insurance
The last week of March saw the Florida Senate approve some changes to property insurance that might end up increasing property insurance rates by around 3%.
The Emergence of Spring Brings Termite Trouble
By: Calum MacKenzie | 03/03/2008 | Real Estate
What does the month of March mean to you? For most people it means Easter, or the promise of nice weather. For anyone who has suffered a termite infestation, they know that between the months of March and May, termites begin to congregate and search for homes to start new colonies.
The Science of Buying Bath Towels
By: Calum MacKenzie | 03/03/2008 | Interior Design
There is nothing more luxurious after a relaxing bath or a hot shower than to wrap yourself in a large, plush bath towel. Not a cheapie version, but a soft, velvety towel with some weight to it. Buying really nice towels is a bit of science.
|
|
Finance 
