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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

This page contains answers to common questions handled by our staff:

What does an Inspection include?

Our inspection report covers all the major systems and structural elements of the house. This includes the condition, at the time of the inspection, of the home's heating and air conditioning systems, plumbing and electrical systems, roof, foundation, attic and visible insulation, walls, doors, windows and all visible structures. We also include additional “For Your Information” advice giving you additional helpful information you may need to “tweak” the house to make it operate the way it should.

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Do I need to be there during the Inspection?

No, you aren't required to be there for the inspection. We recommend that you be present during the inspection so that we may go over our findings with you. It's a valuable learning experience for most people and will help you get the most benefit from the inspection. However, our reports are so well defined and documented with digital photos  that if you cannot be present you will easily understand the issues at hand. (A picture is worth a thousand words!)

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How long will the Inspection take?

The time will vary depending on both the size and condition of the home. For most homes, 2-3 hours is average. But for larger and/or older homes, it may take longer.

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Is a Home Inspection a warranty or a guarantee of system condition?

No. A home inspection is limited to what is visibly accessible at the time of the inspection. Rugs, pictures, furnishings, wall coverings, and vegetation can all hide, block, or prevent access to parts of the home. An inspection is a written professional opinion of the condition of the home at the time of the inspection. We cannot predict or forecast when a working system may break down

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What if the Inspection uncovers issues?

Our report will tell you the condition of the house, including needed repairs. No house is going to be perfect. It is up to you to decide how any issues the inspection uncovers might affect your decision to purchase. If major issues are discovered, you may want to try negotiating with the seller to have them repaired before closing the deal. Or perhaps the seller will lower the price, or offer more favorable contract terms. Part of your Realtor's job is to help you decide the best course of action for your transaction. In the end, the decision is yours, but knowing about potential issues, before you buy, gives you the power to negotiate and make the best decisions.

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Will you fix the issues you find during the Inspection?

No. The code of ethics of the state of Florida prohibits home inspectors from doing repair work on properties they inspect. This assures that there will never be any conflict of interest by the inspector. Our purpose is to provide an unbiased, objective third party report on the condition of the home at the time of the inspection.

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Will I get an inspection report on site?

No. The time we book with you is spent on the inspection of the property. It takes an additional 2 to 3 hours to write the comprehensive and detailed report. Your report will be uploaded to a host site and you will be e-mailed a link which will take you instantly to the report usually the same day as the inspection.

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What type of report do you give?

Our report is a computer generated report in a narrative format. Our reports are detailed but very easy to understand. Our use of digital photos make the reports in many cases self explanatory. We don't use hand written forms or check boxes. If you would like to view a sample report; click on the link “view a sample report.”

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Will FBIC inspectors get onto the roof?  Into the Crawl space?   Into the Attic?

YES. As long as it can be done safely.
Roof: 90% of the roof inspections we do are done by walking the roof, which is the only true way to inspect a roof.   We do not walk tile roofs due to the potential for breakage.
Crawlspace: We get into over 90% of the crawlspaces we inspect.
Building Codes and FHA rules require a minimum crawlspace clearance of 18 inches, so most homes have only 18 inches of crawlspace clearance and 12" of clearance under center bearing beams.
Attic: We get into over 90% of the attics we inspect. 

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Are Septic Tanks included in a Standard Home Inspection?

In order to inspect and evaluate a septic system with any degree of adequacy and reliability it is necessary to excavate the access cover on the tank and extract the sewage contained therein. This requires the use of a septic disposal truck and pump equipment. The tank is pumped out, flushed and then inspected. For a truly reliable evaluation of your septic system, a qualified, licensed septic contractor needs to be called in. This type of thorough inspection typically costs $ 350 to $ 550

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Can I contact you with questions after the inspection?

Yes, FBIC inspectors will be happy to return your call and answer your questions regarding our comprehensive inspection report.

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Where does FBIC offer inspections services?

We provide inspections covering the Central Florida area

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Does FBIC offer WDO (termite) inspections at the same time as the building inspection?

Yes, We are certified WDO inspectors and can provide both services at the same time.

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Florida Building Inspectors & Contractors, Inc.
PO Box 4353 | Enterprise, FL 32725
407-302-4100 (phone) | 407-302-4070 (fax) | fbic@cfl.rr.com


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