Category: Home Inspectors

Benefits of Thermal Imaging:

• Thermal Imaging Camera
• Cold air infiltration
• Excessive moisture in materials
• Stud / Joist / Beam / Rafter placement and structure
• Insulation gaps, insufficient and unevenness
• Electrical drops, panels, breakers, switches, and wired connections
• Heating and cooling duct placement, insulation, air leaks
• Pipe location
• Special Inspections
  • Pest infestation
  • Energy audits
  • Insurance claims

Limitations of Thermal Imaging Camera

• Thermal Imaging Camera Inferred, does not “see through walls”, but only displays the very slight differences in surface temperature of the wall.  Images of areas. It is easier to see “hot” objects because they will be radiating heat to the not-in-contact surface.
• Careful adjustment of the range of temperatures displayed is important to proper imaging and interpretation.

While there is no guarantee that nothing will be missed during the visual inspection or any inspection.  Thermal imaging brings us one step closer to not overlooking anything.

So you have to ask yourself:  do you want a home inspector that offers thermal imaging or risk going with one that does not?  It’s that extra bonus that stands us apart.

Flir Cameras

Once you’ve purchased your Florida home there are several very important and new responsibilities you inherit. The maintenance of your Florida home should be a top priority. The correct Preventative maintenance can save you thousands of in-home repairs over the years. Here are several steps you should take on a monthly, bi-annual, and annual basis.

Monthly Checklist

Check the air filter in a/c and clean or replace it as necessary.
Vacuum air supply and air return register to remove dust.
Check fire extinguishers to ensure they are fully charged.
Clean disposal blades by grinding up ice cubes. Freshen with citrus fruit rinds and baking soda.
Check for cracks and separations in caulking around the following: sinks, bathtubs, toilets, faucets, countertops, backsplashes, ceramic tile walls, ceramic floors, window sills, and any other areas.
Clean or replace the dirty filters in the range hood fan.
Adjust sprinkler heads for proper coverage.

6-Month Checklist

• Check exterior windows and doors caulking.
• Inspect exterior paint surfaces, touch-up as needed.
• Check screws on door locksets and hardware, tighten up.
• Test and clean smoke detectors and change the batteries if needed.
• Lubricate bi-fold and by-pass doors if necessary.
• Clean sliding door tracks, apply silicone spray. (not oil)
• oil moving parts of the garage door.
• Check fire extinguishers to ensure they are fully charged.
• Check electrical extension and appliance cords.
• Visually inspect the roof from the ground for broken shingles.
• Check and clean gutters and downspouts.
• Have a contractor perform a seasonal check-up on your a/c.
• Check water supply lines and valves for leaks.
• Inspect windows and screens for their condition.

Annual Checklist

• Repeat your six- month inspection and maintenance.
• Check attic vents for insulation blockage.
• Inspect inside the attic for signs of roof leaks.
• Check cabinet drawers and hinges for proper alignment.
• Have chimney professionally cleaned as necessary.
• Remove water heater residue. Follow instructions in the plumbing section of your home maintenance manual.
• Pressure clean roof tiles, pool deck, driveway, and walks.

Here are some frequently asked question from the EPA! Explains a lot!

On February 10, 2016, the Administrator signed a final rule to make several revisions to the RRP and Lead-based Paint Activities Programs. The revisions will improve the day-to-day function of the programs by reducing burdens to industry and EPA, and clarifying language for training providers.

First, EPA modified the requirement that the renovator refresher training course have a hands-on component under the RRP program. Under the final rule, Renovators can take a refresher course without the hands-on training every other time they get certified. A course without hands-on training can be taken completely online. Renovators who take the online training will be certified for three years; renovators who take the hands-on training will be certified for five years. Modifying the hands-on requirement would give renovators easier access to trainings saving them time and money and possibly resulting in a higher number of renovators taking the refresher course.

 Second, the Agency removed jurisdictions under the abatement program. Eliminating jurisdictions will lower burden and costs for applicants because they will send fewer applications and pay less in fees. Third, EPA added clarifying language to the requirements for training providers under both the RRP and abatement programs. Adding language to clarify what constitutes a violation would make the regulations consistent with other lead-based paint program regulations. This does not change any requirements for training providers.

 You can find information about the rule and a pre-publication copy of the Federal Register notice on EPA’s Lead Program website at www.epa.gov/lead.

Dear Home Inspector;

Last week, the Department partnered with several local agencies and the Department of Financial Services in an undercover operation in the Manatee County area seeking unlicensed individuals who were offering or advertising to perform construction work that they did not have a proper license to perform. As a result of the operation, nine individuals advertising as handymen were issued cease and desist notices from DBPR and the cases were turned over to the local State Attorney for prosecution.

A criminal offense of unlicensed activity can result in misdemeanor or felony charges if an individual is convicted. Floridians should report any suspected unlicensed activity by emailing ULA@myfloridalicense.com or calling the Unlicensed Activity Hotline at 1-866-532-1440. Additionally, before you hire anyone to perform services that require a license, be sure to verify their professional license on our website at www.myfloridalicense.com.