A home inspection is a visual examination of the physical structure and systems of a home. If you are thinking of buying a house, co-op or condominium, you should have it properly inspected before the final purchase by an experienced and impartial professional home inspector.    

The purchase of a home is probably the largest single investment you will ever make. You should know exactly what to expect--both indoors and out--in terms of repair and maintenance and their costs. A fresh coat of paint could be hiding serious structural problems. Water marks in the basement may indicate a chronic seepage problem or may be simply the result of a single incident. The home inspector interprets these and other clues, then presents his professional opinion as to the condition of the property before you buy, so you can avoid unpleasant surprises afterwards. Of course, a home inspection will also point out the positive aspects of a home, as well as the type of maintenance that will be necessary to keep it in good shape. After the inspection, you will have a much clearer understanding of what it is you are about to purchase, and you will be able to make your decision confidently. If you have owned your home for a period of time, a home inspection can identify problems in the making and recommend preventive measures which might avoid future repairs.

Even the most experienced homeowner lacks the knowledge and expertise of a professional home inspector who has inspected hundreds, perhaps thousands of homes in his career. An inspector is equally familiar with all the elements of home construction and with the proper installation, maintenance and interrelationship of those elements. Above all, most buyers find it very difficult to remain completely objective and unemotional about the house they really want, and this may lead to a poor assessment.

The inspection fee for a typical one-family house varies geographically, as does the cost of housing. Similarly, within a geographic area, the inspection fee may vary depending upon the size of the house, particular features of the house, age, special structures, etc. However, cost should not be a factor in the decision whether or not to have a home inspection. You might save many times the cost of the inspection if you are able to renegotiate the purchase price based on significant problems revealed by the inspector. Consult your lawyer for guidance.

 No. A professional home inspection is simply an examination into the current condition of your prospective home. It is not in appraisal or a Municipal Code inspection. A home inspector, therefore, will not pass or fail a house, but will simply describe its condition and indicate which items will be in need of immediate or near future major repair or replacement.

To find a FABI inspector in your area: type the name of the county, where the inspection will be, in the text box on the left side of this page. Then select one of the inspectors from the list which will be generated of inspectors serving that county. All the inspectors are qualified and recognized home inspectors. Professionals who are impartial and have the necessary experience and background to belong to the Florida Association of Building Inspectors (FABI).

The Florida Association of Building Inspectors, Inc., (FABI), formed as a non-profit voluntary professional society, has adopted formal inspection guidelines, a professional code of ethics, and gives consumers an assurance of professionalism. Members of FABI are independent professionals who operate their own inspection services.

 

Today FABI, whose membership extends across the state of Florida, is recognized throughout the state as the leading authority in the home inspection field among inspectors and homeowners alike.

FABI has adopted internationally recognized standards of practice for the home inspection profession, so that anywhere in the state a buyer who uses an FABI member can be assured of a complete and detailed inspection. FABI requires that its members subscribe to the Association's strict Code of Ethics: no FABI inspector may have a commission agreement with a real estate broker, or offer to do any of the repairs he recommends. As part of its' continuing education program, FABI keeps its home inspectors up-to-date with the latest in building technology, materials and professional skills. FABI also serves as a public interest group by providing accurate and helpful consumer information to home buyers on home purchasing and home maintenance.

Only home inspectors who have met FABI's rigorous professional and educational requirements may qualify for professional membership in the organization. Many FABI members have engineering, architectural or technical degrees; others have had experience in various construction fields, or have been building contractors

In addition to performing pre-purchase home inspections, many FABI inspectors help homeowners with analysis and solutions of specific problems, maintenance inspections, energy conservation, cracked foundations. FABI inspectors are also frequently called in to review new construction work in progress, restoration and home improvement plans as well as maintenance specifications and contracts. They can also inspect work upon completion to ensure that a contract has been properly fulfilled. If you find that you are involved in litigation regarding contractual work performed on your house, an FABI member can provide expert witness testimony. Of course, most FABI members also inspect commercial properties, multiple dwellings, condominiums, townhouses and cooperative apartments.

The best time to call in the home inspector is after you've made an offer on the house, and before you sign the contract. Or you can ask your lawyer to include an inspection clause in the contract, making your purchase obligation contingent upon the findings of a professional home inspection

It's not necessary for you to be present for the inspection, but it is a good idea. By following the home inspector around the house, by observing and asking questions, you will learn about your new home and get some tips on maintenance in general-information that will be of great help to you after you've moved in.

If the inspector finds fault in a home it doesn't necessarily mean you shouldn't buy it, only that you will know in advance what type of repairs to anticipate. A seller may be willing to renegotiate the purchase price because of significant problems discovered in an inspection. If your budget is very tight, or if you don't wish to become involved in future repair work, you may decide that this is not the house for you. The choice is yours.