Archive for category: Home Inspection

Florida insurance companies often request a 4-point inspection when a Sarasota home reaches a certain age or when a policy is being written or renewed. The report focuses on four major systems: roof, electrical, plumbing and HVAC. It is limited in scope and should not be confused with a full home inspection.

Florida Property Group serves Bradenton, Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch and surrounding Southwest Florida communities. Our inspections are designed to give buyers and homeowners clear, unbiased information—not a rushed checklist or an alarmist list of defects. We provide detailed same-day reports and remain available for questions after the inspection.

Why This Matters in Southwest Florida

Sarasota’s housing stock ranges from newer planned communities to older coastal and inland neighborhoods. Insurance requirements can change based on the carrier, building age and system updates. A clean-looking home may still need documentation of roof age, panel equipment, plumbing materials and permanent heating before a policy can be written.

Local climate and construction practices influence what an inspector may observe, but location alone never proves that a defect exists. Conclusions should be based on visible evidence at the individual property, relevant documentation and the operating conditions present during the appointment.

Roof

The form documents the roof covering, approximate age, visible condition, remaining useful life and signs of active leakage. Permit records and invoices can help establish replacement dates.

Useful documentation identifies the exact location, the observable evidence and the appropriate next step. Photographs provide context, but the written explanation is what helps the client understand why the condition matters.

Electrical

The inspector records panel information, wiring types and observable hazards such as damaged components, improper overcurrent protection or certain outdated equipment. Accessible branch wiring is evaluated visually.

Conditions are not always consistent throughout a property. The inspector evaluates representative and accessible areas, notes limitations and avoids assuming that one visible location proves the condition of every concealed area.

Plumbing

Visible supply and drain materials, the water heater and evidence of leakage are documented. The inspection cannot determine the condition of concealed pipes or underground drainage.

Normal operating controls and non-invasive methods are used whenever conditions allow. If a definitive answer requires dismantling, engineering calculations or specialized instruments outside the inspection scope, the report should recommend the appropriate professional.

HVAC

The heating and cooling equipment, approximate age and operating condition are recorded. The system generally must provide a permanent source of heating to satisfy insurer requirements.

The goal is proportionate guidance. Significant safety or active-damage concerns should be clear, while ordinary maintenance should not be presented as a crisis. That distinction helps clients direct their time and contractor estimates effectively.

Full Inspection Versus 4-Point

A 4-point report is designed for insurance underwriting, not a buyer’s complete understanding of the property. Buyers should choose a full inspection and add the insurance reports when needed.

A report is most valuable when it supports action. Clients should preserve documentation, ask questions they do not understand and obtain specialist opinions before contractual or warranty deadlines when the finding could affect the decision.

How to Prepare

Good preparation improves access and reduces avoidable limitations. Before the appointment, confirm the requested scope, gather available records and make normally accessible equipment available without creating an unsafe condition. The following steps are especially useful for this service:

• Confirm the exact form and deadline with the agent
• Collect roof permits, invoices and HVAC records
• Clear access to panels, water heater and air handler
• Repair known active leaks before the appointment
• Keep licensed-contractor documentation for completed corrections

Do not make last-minute adjustments solely to produce a preferred inspection result. Representative conditions, honest repair history and complete documentation are more valuable than a temporary appearance that cannot be verified.

How to Use the Findings

If the carrier identifies an underwriting concern, request the requirement in writing. That makes it easier to determine whether a repair, specialist letter, permit record or reinspection is needed. After corrections, photographs and invoices should identify exactly what changed rather than relying on a verbal statement.

The inspector explains observed conditions and recommends appropriate next steps, but contractors establish repair methods and prices. When a finding could materially affect the transaction, insurance, warranty coverage or occupant safety, obtain the specialist’s written opinion within the applicable deadline.

Important Limitations

A 4-point inspection is a limited insurance report, not a substitute for a full buyer inspection. It does not provide exhaustive testing of every component or determine whether an insurer must issue coverage. Concealed plumbing, wiring and roof conditions cannot be evaluated visually.

No inspection can eliminate every risk. The service provides a professional snapshot of accessible conditions on the inspection date. Future performance, concealed defects and intermittent problems remain possible, which is why disclosures, maintenance records and qualified specialist evaluations can be important additions to the inspection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who decides whether I need one?

Your insurance agent or carrier determines the required documentation.

Can repairs be made after the inspection?

Yes. Corrected items can often be reinspected and updated documentation provided.

Does it guarantee insurance approval?

No. The insurer makes all underwriting decisions.

Schedule Your Inspection

Every home has a story. Florida Property Group helps you understand it so you can move forward with confidence. Learn more about 4-point inspection Sarasota, review what our home inspections include, or schedule your inspection online. Questions? Call (941) 900-3342 or email hello@flpg.net.

Wind mitigation inspections are common in Bradenton because insurers use the documented construction features to evaluate how a home may perform during high-wind conditions. The inspection does not pass or fail the house, and savings are not guaranteed, but qualifying features may help reduce the wind portion of an insurance premium.

Florida Property Group serves Bradenton, Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch and surrounding Southwest Florida communities. Our inspections are designed to give buyers and homeowners clear, unbiased information—not a rushed checklist or an alarmist list of defects. We provide detailed same-day reports and remain available for questions after the inspection.

Why This Matters in Southwest Florida

Bradenton homes include many roof shapes, construction ages and retrofit histories. Two houses on the same street can receive different wind-mitigation classifications because credits are based on the weakest documented feature, not the overall appearance of the home. Permit records and product documentation often matter as much as what can be seen during the appointment.

Local climate and construction practices influence what an inspector may observe, but location alone never proves that a defect exists. Conclusions should be based on visible evidence at the individual property, relevant documentation and the operating conditions present during the appointment.

Roof Covering Documentation

The inspector records the roof-covering type and available evidence of installation or permit dates. Documentation can be important because visual appearance alone may not establish eligibility for a credit.

Useful documentation identifies the exact location, the observable evidence and the appropriate next step. Photographs provide context, but the written explanation is what helps the client understand why the condition matters.

Roof Deck Attachment

Accessible attic areas may allow the inspector to identify the fastener type and spacing used to secure the roof decking. This feature influences how the roof deck is classified on the state form.

Conditions are not always consistent throughout a property. The inspector evaluates representative and accessible areas, notes limitations and avoids assuming that one visible location proves the condition of every concealed area.

Roof-to-Wall Connections

Clips, single wraps and double wraps are different connection types. The inspector documents the weakest connection observed where the framing is accessible rather than assuming every connection is identical.

Normal operating controls and non-invasive methods are used whenever conditions allow. If a definitive answer requires dismantling, engineering calculations or specialized instruments outside the inspection scope, the report should recommend the appropriate professional.

Roof Geometry

A hip roof may qualify when it meets the definition used on the current form. Small non-hip sections can affect classification, so measurements and the overall roof configuration matter.

The goal is proportionate guidance. Significant safety or active-damage concerns should be clear, while ordinary maintenance should not be presented as a crisis. That distinction helps clients direct their time and contractor estimates effectively.

Opening Protection

Windows, exterior doors and garage doors require acceptable product documentation or markings to receive opening-protection credit. Shutters alone do not automatically prove that every opening qualifies.

A report is most valuable when it supports action. Clients should preserve documentation, ask questions they do not understand and obtain specialist opinions before contractual or warranty deadlines when the finding could affect the decision.

How to Prepare

Good preparation improves access and reduces avoidable limitations. Before the appointment, confirm the requested scope, gather available records and make normally accessible equipment available without creating an unsafe condition. The following steps are especially useful for this service:

• Ask the insurance agent which form is required
• Gather roof permits and paid replacement invoices
• Locate shutter labels and product-approval documents
• Make the attic opening accessible before arrival
• Confirm all exterior doors and garage doors are accessible

Do not make last-minute adjustments solely to produce a preferred inspection result. Representative conditions, honest repair history and complete documentation are more valuable than a temporary appearance that cannot be verified.

How to Use the Findings

Review the completed form with the photographs before sending it to the carrier. Verify the property information and provide the form exactly as completed; the inspector should not alter observations to obtain a preferred credit. If documents are missing, ask the carrier what evidence would be acceptable before purchasing products or arranging work.

The inspector explains observed conditions and recommends appropriate next steps, but contractors establish repair methods and prices. When a finding could materially affect the transaction, insurance, warranty coverage or occupant safety, obtain the specialist’s written opinion within the applicable deadline.

Important Limitations

A wind mitigation inspection is not a structural evaluation or a promise that a home will resist hurricane damage. It also cannot guarantee an insurance discount. The inspector documents visible features and acceptable supporting evidence; the insurance company applies its own underwriting rules and determines the premium.

No inspection can eliminate every risk. The service provides a professional snapshot of accessible conditions on the inspection date. Future performance, concealed defects and intermittent problems remain possible, which is why disclosures, maintenance records and qualified specialist evaluations can be important additions to the inspection.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take?

Most wind mitigation inspections are relatively brief, although attic access and home configuration affect timing.

Does the form expire?

Insurers commonly request updated documentation after a period of time or after major changes, so confirm requirements with your carrier.

Will I receive a discount?

Only the insurance company can determine eligibility and premium savings.

Schedule Your Inspection

Every home has a story. Florida Property Group helps you understand it so you can move forward with confidence. Learn more about wind mitigation inspection Bradenton, review what our home inspections include, or schedule your inspection online. Questions? Call (941) 900-3342 or email hello@flpg.net.

Many homeowners choose to renovate their homes for various reasons. Be it to give it a new look, increase property value, address safety concerns, or just simply fulfill their specific needs. 

Renovation is always great for your home, but you have to approach it carefully. If not, things can go really wrong really fast and put you in jeopardy.

While it can provide the desired space and aesthetics you want, if not properly planned, it can result in safety hazards, too.

Imagine you are adding a pantry to your kitchen. Without proper planning and safety measures, it can impact the structural integrity of your beloved home and put you and your family at risk.

That is why you should always get a home renovation inspection before you remodel your house.

Although it is a major one, safety is not the only reason you should get a home inspection before renovation.

There are many other reasons and benefits, and that is what we will discuss in this blog.

But first, let me explain what a pre-renovation inspection exactly is.

What is a Home Renovation Inspection?

Like any other kind of inspection, a home renovation inspection is an examination of your home. 

Herein, a certified home inspector, like myself, inspects or evaluates your home’s overall condition. We check the structural integrity of your home and other components and systems installed in the home, like your HVAC system.

Also, we look for any issues that need to be addressed, like water leaks or safety hazards (such as mold), before you start your renovation project.

Should I Get a Home Renovation Inspection?

Absolutely yes. You should always get one done.

We all like to think that we know everything about our home. But there are some things only an expert can see.

Let’s say there is a dripping faucet in your bathroom. Nothing major, right?

But it can create the perfect environment for mold to grow, which can become a safety hazard.

The thing is, most homeowners see these small issues as they are, but an expert sees what they can potentially become.

So, even if you think everything is perfect, from my experience, there is always something, small or major, that needs to be fixed.

You might also like to read: New Construction Home Inspection: Why Is It Necessary?

5 Benefits of Home Inspection Before Renovation

1. Helps Identify Hidden Problems

Did you know that old/damaged plumbing and faulty electrical systems are among the major causes of home insurance claims nationwide? 

Worse, the latter is even responsible for tens of thousands of electrical fires. In fact, according to the US Fire Administration, there are an average of 28,600 electrical fires every year in the country. 

Thankfully, an inspection before a home upgrade provides an excellent opportunity to address these issues once and for all. 

By getting a home inspection before renovation, you can identify hidden issues like these and address them in time.

If not, they can affect your renovation plan or become a huge problem down the road.

For instance, one time, I inspected this beautiful home just before the remodeling began. When it was time to check the bathroom, I noticed that there was mold hiding behind the walls.

From the outside, the bathroom was in pristine condition, but on the inside, it was a safety hazard about to happen. But remember, it is pretty common to find mold in such places.

However, If it was left unchecked, it would have become a major, expensive problem. This is something that you don’t want to deal with after you have just spent your money on remodeling.

2. Builds Scope of Work and Helps Plan Your Renovation Effortlessly 

The second benefit you get from a home inspection before renovation is that it helps you plan your renovation.

For instance, the inspection provides you with a complete checklist of all the essential areas that need an assessment. Also, you get a detailed report that highlights all the identified problem areas. 

Now, you can use this information to address all the issues efficiently and execute your renovation plans accordingly.

So you spend a little bit of money on a pre-renovation inspection, but at the very least, you know what you’re getting.

You’re aware of any defects in the home, you’re aware of any repairs you’re going to have to make. You now know about the money you’re going to have to spend before you renovate the home and make this massive financial commitment.

3. It Saves You Money

Another really good reason to get a home inspection before renovation is that it prevents unnecessary repairs down the road. 

Let’s say you spend between $300 and $600, which is the average cost of home inspection in Florida, on your home inspection.

Yes, that seems like a lot.

But the renovation itself is one of the biggest investments you’ll make, and to avoid unnecessary repairs down the road, an inspection is totally worth it.

After all, You identify issues in their early stage and address them before they have the chance to become something big in the future.

For instance, Let’s say you find mold in your home. 

Right now, it’s just giving your home an ugly look. But if left untreated, it can eat away at your house and lower its structural integrity.

Not to mention, it is also a health hazard. And if you are allergic, it can become a matter of life and death.

4. Makes Your Home Energy Efficient

A big part of home inspection is to identify any issues with your home’s energy usage.

Now, many people think that if their electrical appliances are in great condition, their home is energy efficient. But that is not the case.

For example, a major portion of your home’s energy is used by your HVAC systems. Now, if there is any kind of issue, big or small, with the insulation of your home, the HVAC system would use that much energy to keep your home warm and cozy in the winter.

That isn’t very energy efficient, is it?

Inspectors check your home for small details like this. They make sure that your home is properly insulated and ventilated, which helps you save big-time on energy bills.

5. Meet All Your Legal Obligations

When you are remodeling your home, you need to make sure that you comply with all building codes and safety regulations.

If you don’t, there are two things that can happen.

First, you might get a visit from local authorities, and if everything isn’t up to code, you may have to pay a hefty fine and in the worst case, revert the changes you made.

For instance, If you put a wall in two and add another room, you might have to get rid of the wall altogether. And you know how tedious that is going to be.

Second, and more importantly, you don’t want your family to live in a house that has had structural changes and isn’t up to code. That’s because doing so will make disasters like the roof falling possible on a rainy or windy day.

Furthermore, Not only is shoddy work a danger to your family, but it is also a danger to the entire neighborhood. It can also put the safety of your neighbors at risk. 

For instance, If gas lines are not built to code, dangerous gas leaks can take out several houses.

As a home inspector, I make sure that you comply with every standard and that you can avoid all these problems altogether.

4 Essential Checks In Home Inspection Before Renovation

1. Home’s Structure

In most cases, remodeling is going to change the structure of your house.

For instance, Changing the layout of your home, like by adding or removing an interior wall, is going to affect its structural integrity.

And you don’t want to live in a house with compromised structural integrity. That is a disaster waiting to happen.

In a home inspection before renovation, inspectors check your foundation and load-bearing walls. We tell you the steps you can take to boost your home’s structural integrity and help you plan your renovation in a way that doesn’t compromise your home’s structural integrity.

2. Roof

Roof is another major component of your home. And If you are planning to add something to your roof in a model, like a skylight, you should make sure that your current roof is up to the task.

A home inspector will let you know if it is safe to alter your roof and, if not, recommend the changes required to get the job done.

3. Basement

I have seen many of my clients wanting to change their basement into something more useful other than the storage that it is.

But the thing with basements is that they get damp, and with dampness comes mold.

A home inspector will check you for any signs of mold, and if they find any, they will recommend ways to get rid of it.

And if they don’t find any, they can help you remodel your basement to minimize the risk of mold, water pooling, and water damage down the road.

4. Mechanical Systems

In remodeling, we mostly add new things to our house, and it can possibly cause a strain on the mechanical systems.

For instance, if you add a bathroom, it will affect your plumbing system. Similarly, if you expand your living room, it will affect your HVAC and electrical system if you expand your living room.

So, it is important that you get these systems inspected and check their condition and load-bearing capacity before you begin with your renovation project.

A home inspector will evaluate these systems and recommend changes they need to work flawlessly in the new environment.

Home Renovation Inspection Checklist

1. Structural Integrity

• Check the foundation for cracks or signs of settlement.
• Inspect load-bearing walls for any alterations or compromises.
• Assess the impact of proposed changes on the overall structure.

2. Mechanical Systems

• Evaluate plumbing systems for compatibility with new additions.
• Look for signs of leaking pipes or faulty plumbing.
• Assess the capacity and condition of HVAC systems in relation to expanded living spaces.
• Examine electrical systems for any necessary upgrades or changes.

3. Roof

• Inspect the current roof condition.
• Check if the existing roof can support additions.
• Make sure there are no broken or damaged tiles or shingles.

4. Basement

• Check for signs of dampness and water damage in the basement.
• Make sure there are no signs of moisture.
• Assess the risk of mold.

5. Safety Hazards

• Check for any exposed wiring or unstable structures.
• Make sure smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are properly installed and working.
• Look for signs of pest or termite infestation.

7. Legal Compliance

• Confirm adherence to local building codes and regulations.
• Make sure that the proposed renovations meet legal standards.

Should I Get A Home Inspection During Renovation?

If we go by the book, you definitely should.

Home inspection during renovation helps you make sure everyone is doing their jobs correctly, as they should, and everything is up to code.

But after the renovations are done, city inspectors are going to ask you to get an inspection done anyway to make sure that everything is done correctly.

So, if you think about it, it is kind of a moot point.

That being said, if you get an inspection done during the renovation, the final inspection will go much smoother. Home inspectors will make sure that there is nothing to find in the final inspection.

Plus, it would put your mind at rest, knowing that your home is in safe hands, and you cannot put a price on that.

Should I Get a Home Inspection After Renovation?

Yes, you absolutely should.

You may be wondering exactly why since you already got one done before the remodeling.

Well, the home inspection before renovation helps you understand the current condition of your home before you make any changes to it. 

If not, there may be some issues lurking around that you are unaware of, and it will cost you later.

Likewise, a home inspection after renovation helps you understand the current condition of your home after you have made the changes you wanted.

The inspector will confirm the contractor has done everything exactly the way you wanted, everything is up to code, and everything falls under the specifications of your permit.

If that is not good enough, the city inspectors are going to ask you to get a home renovation final inspection anyway.

What If You Don’t Get a Home Inspection After Renovation? 

If you do not do the final inspection, a couple of things will happen:

First, your paperwork won’t be closed out, and the tax info on your property won’t be updated. 

The value of your home won’t increase for tax purposes. Meaning you can’t loan against the value added by your renovation. You’ll also not be able to have that value reflected on a sale as far as it pertains to a mortgage appraisal.

Secondly, your permit will expire, and you will need to restart the process when you finally do go to settle everything out. The current permit will just show as incomplete.

You can get it done later as well. Typically, permits require a progress inspection every six months, which can be as little as saying, “Hey, here’s where we’re at with it,” and they’ll extend it another six months.

My advice is to get it done as soon as you can. 

Sure, it will cost you an extra couple hundred dollars, but believe me, it is worth every single penny.

You might also want to read: 11 Month Home Inspection: Why Is It So Important? 

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In The End

In my professional opinion, a home renovation inspection is something you should get done whenever you are planning to make major renovations in your home. Although it is an extra step, it’s an important one.

Like I said before, you don’t want to find mold hiding behind your bathroom walls after you have renovated it.

Not only would you have to get it removed, but it also means that you would have to work on your bathroom all over again. Not to mention the added cost.

We both know that isn’t going to be cheap and you sure want to avoid it. And that’s just one of many examples. It could be anything.

So, what you want to do is identify and address these issues as soon as you can. 

Not only would it save you your dollar bills, but it would also save you from the extra work and stress.

Welcome to Florida Property Group

At Florida Property Group, our team of expert home inspectors is here to help. 

Our team of expert home inspectors with decades of experience can help you make sure your renovation project is done just right, and make sure your house is a safe home.

But enough about us, we want to hear about you.

You can call us at (941) 900-3342 or fill out the form here, and we will get you started.

Buying a newly constructed home can be the most reassuring real estate investment. After all, there’s no worry about structural, electrical, or any other potential problems. 

You move into a brand new home in what is likely a new neighborhood and enjoy your sweet abode carefree. At least, this is what real estate companies promise you at the time of purchase. 

But is your home really so perfect and spotless? 

Industry figures suggest that you might spot certain issues during the first year of construction itself. 

And this is exactly where an 11 month home inspection comes in handy. Also called a home warranty inspection, it provides critical insights into your property’s condition before the builder’s warranty coverage is over. 

So what’s more to an 11 month inspection, and more importantly, why is it so essential for new homeowners? 

Well, read on, as I’ve compiled everything that you need to know about builder warranties and home inspections. 

What is an 11 month home inspection? 

An 11 month home inspection is a complete home inspection conducted by a licensed inspector, who also delivers an inspection report at the end of the assessment. 

This is not different from a typical home inspection that you get before closing a real estate purchase deal or during regular intervals. Meaning you can expect the exact same inspection procedure where an inspector visually assesses the condition of your home and brings potential problems to your notice. 

However, as the name suggests, the only difference here is the inspection timeline. That’s because an 11 month inspection is usually conducted after your new home enters its eleventh month. 

What is the purpose of an 11 month inspection? 

Before we talk about the importance of an 11 month property inspection, it’s essential that you understand what purpose it serves exactly. 

You see, a newly constructed home can take up to a year to settle. And it is only after a year of seasonal changes, including the wet months, winters, etc., that you can know well the home stands these events. 

Also, it is possible for the property to develop some problems during this time. For instance, water seepage into the basement, soil erosion around the foundation, etc., are some common rain-induced problems that new homes face. 

Now, most builders cover these initial damages by offering a 12 month home builder’s warranty. This includes everything from foundation to roofing to electrical systems and more. 

But the only way you can avail this warranty is by knowing precisely where the problems are. And that’s when an 11 month or end of warranty home inspection becomes crucial, providing you with a clear understanding of problems that might have emerged. 

In fact, this is why this inspection is also called an 11 month warranty inspection. 

Pro tip

Why is a home warranty inspection so important? 

Now that we’ve seen what 11 month inspections are and what purpose they serve, let’s turn to the million-dollar question, i.e., the importance of these inspections. 

To put it straight, a warranty inspection safeguards your big-ticket investment in a new home and ensures you don’t end up footing the bills for expensive repairs. 

Wondering how? 

Well, as we discussed earlier, a newly constructed home can develop problems more likely than not. And they most commonly show up in the form of leaky basements, gaps and cracks in the decking, minor leaks around windows, etc. 

However, you may not be able to spot these issues until they’ve become huge enough, which isn’t usually the case during the first year. For instance, you’ll likely notice a small leakage around windows only when the surrounding area starts to rot or develop mold. 

Also, by the time you detect the problems, the builder’s liability in the form of warranty coverage might already be over. Meaning you’re going to pay for the repairs entirely at your own expense. 

How does an end of warranty home inspection make a difference? 

An 11 month home inspection detects the emerging problems right at the start and well in time. That’s because while it’s hard to naturally spot minor or hidden problems, home inspectors are trained to detect them. 

Also, the fact that one such inspection is conducted in the eleventh month of home construction/possession means two things: 

• First, the newly built property has been through multiple weather conditions, and the problems have become visually detectable. 
• Second, your home is still under warranty coverage by the builder, who shall pay for all the repairs. 

The result: You need not pay for the necessary maintenance out of your pocket. 

What does an 11 month warranty inspection checklist cover?

Like we saw earlier, 11 month warranty inspections aren’t different from a typical home inspection. 

So, the areas covered during one such inspection are different either and include thorough assessment of your home’s crucial systems from the inside out. 

In all, an 11 month inspection covers the following areas of a home as per InterNACHI’s standards: 

• Interior and exterior walls 
• Doors and windows 
• Roofing and attic 
• Basement and crawlspace 
• HVACs 
• Electrical systems 
• Plumbing 
• Chimney and fireplace 

Curious about the ins and outs of a home inspection? 

You can go through our blog – Third Party Inspection For New Home: A Complete Guide. 

What are the common issues found during a home warranty inspection? 

It is commonplace for home inspectors to spot problems during an end of warranty home inspection. For instance, while inspecting new homes, I usually come across structural, foundational, roofing, and plumbing issues, to name a few. 

And although these problems are mostly minor, there’s a good chance they’ll become a huge concern if not spotted and fixed on time. 

Here are some common problems that I encounter during 11 month warranty inspections: 

#1. Structural and foundational

Among the issues flagged frequently during 11 month inspections are structural and foundational damages. From cracks in the walls or ceilings to uneven or squeaky flooring to drywall nail pops, these are all signs of structural problems. 

#2. Roofing 

The roofing should be in perfect condition after 11 months of installation. After all, modern-day roof shingles are designed to last for an average of 50 years. 

However, I’ve often noticed roofing issues in new homes in the form of damaged or missing shingles, flashing damage, water leakages, etc. 

Now, these are all signs of poor workmanship and the builder is responsible for fixing them, at least during the warranty period. 

#3. Doors and windows 

Your doors and windows should be properly sealed when closed to prevent moisture intrusion, energy loss, and gradual damage. But that’s not the case with a lot of new homes where I’ve detected problems such as gaps, alignment issues, leaks, wear and tear, among others. 

#4. Plumbing and electrical systems

Common plumbing issues detected during an 11 month inspection mostly include leaky pipes and clogged drainage systems. Similarly, exposed wirings, faulty outlets, etc., are some of the electrical systems I often spot. 

These are all covered by the builder warranty, which means you don’t need to bear the maintenance expenses. 

How much does an 11 month warranty inspection cost? 

When it comes to the overall cost of an 11 month home inspection, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all formula. That’s because the actual cost is determined by a lot of factors, including your home’s size and location, the inspection firm or inspector you hire, etc. 

However, as per HomeGuide, you can expect to pay between $250 and $350, on average, for an 11 month inspection. 

Wondering how much exactly you’ll pay for an inspection in Florida? 

You can go through our blog – How Much Is A Home Inspection In Florida? 

11 month home inspection: Pro tips 

An 11 month inspection is indeed the best way to avail builder warranty and safeguard your interests as a new home buyer. Moreover, this is the only way you can hold the builder liable for all things construction quality. 

But how exactly can you do so? 

Well, here are some of my pro tips to get a complete 1 year home inspection and avail the warranty converge: 

#1. Know that the warranty covers 

Before you even start with the home inspection and warranty claims process, it is essential to know the exact extent of builder warranty coverage. 

You see, while the builder warranty covers everything that has to do with construction, some areas are out of their liability. 

In all, you can expect your builder to cover the following areas: 

• Foundation
• Basement seepage and leakage
• Drywall 
• Electrical systems 
• HVAC systems
• Roofing
• Plumbing 
• Doors
• Windows
• Carpentry wood 
• Sidings 
• Waterproofing and insulation 
• Exterior and interior paint 

#2. Know what the warranty doesn’t cover 

Even though the builder is liable for maintenance during the warranty cover, they do have the right to deny coverage under certain circumstances, including: 

• Problems that may arise due to homeowners’ neglect 

As a homeowner, it is your responsibility to undertake basic maintenance such as pest removal, trimming plants around the property, clearing gutters, etc. 

So, if defects or issues arise out of neglect on your end, the builders can’t be held responsible. 

• Problems caused by natural events 

Any damage caused by extreme weather events such as hurricanes, flooding, etc., is not covered by the one-year builder warranty. 

• Electrical and other appliances 

While builder warranty doesn’t cover household appliances, they do come with a manufacturer warranty, which lasts anywhere between a year and ten years. 

• Some construction materials

Some building materials are expected to undergo general wear and tear over time. In fact, there are industry standards about the extent of wear that’s normal and you can expect. 

As such, these materials are not covered by the builder warranty. 

#3. Get an inspection before the warranty expires 

It is essential that you keep track of the warranty timeline and get a complete home inspection before its expiry. 

While conducting 11 month warranty inspections, I’ve sometimes noticed that the home has already completed a year of construction. This effectively means that the warranty coverage is over, and all the essential repairs will be paid for by the owner. 

You certainly don’t want to experience that, right? 

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To sum up 

As you can see, an 11 month home inspection is the one-stop solution to avail builder warranty and keep your new home in top shape. Not to mention, it’s the only way you can avoid paying for costly repairs out of your own pocket. 

So, it isn’t surprising why hundreds of thousands of homeowners go for a home warranty inspection every year. 

Looking for an 11 month warranty inspection for your property? 

You can get in touch with us!

At Florida Property Group, we’re a team of licensed and seasoned inspection professionals with special expertise in warranty inspections. And we’ve got all your home inspection requirements covered on a budget.