Frequently Asked Questions Inspection Services

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Buying a home is likely the largest single investment you will ever make. To minimize unpleasant surprises and unexpected difficulties, you will want to learn as much as you can about the newly constructed or existing home before you buy it. A BELLS Home Inspection may identify the need for repairs or builder oversights, as well as the need for maintenance to keep it in good shape. The inspection will allow you to make decisions with confidence. A seller may wish to have an inspection done prior to listing, to avoid any delays in closing the sale.

Yes. A remodel may be covering up an issue . A home inspection covers the home components beyond fresh paint and new countertops. Condition of the electrical, plumbing, attic roof, and foundation, are components that still need to be inspected.

Your newly built home is likely to have all of the latest energy-saving features and comforts that you could ever want. Despite that, it’s always a good idea to get a home inspection, even on a newly constructed home, as there may be undisclosed issues or shoddy workmanship. You will not know about these problems unless the home is inspected. Even a single careless contractor or a tiny mistake made when building the home can cause serious damage. It is possible the home may only be up to minimum standards. 

Even though you are buying a house As-Is, you should still know what that means. Are you getting a good deal? Or are you buying an inexpensive house with a lot of expensive problems? A home inspection will help you determine how much work lies ahead. 

A home inspection is a visual and non-invasive examination of the structure and components of a house. Our reports will cover the condition of the home’s heating system; central air conditioning system (temperature permitting); interior plumbing and electrical systems; visible insulation; visible issues pertaining to walls, ceilings, floors, windows, and doors; the foundation, basement, and structural components 

Your report will be emailed within 24 hours. 

It is essential that you take action on the recommendations. If your report has a recommendation for further evaluation by a licensed professional, do it BEFORE the end of your contingency period. IF YOU DO NOT ACT BEFORE THE END OF YOUR CONTINGENCY PERIOD AND BUY THE HOUSE, YOU WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE COST TO REPAIR THESE ITEMS WHICH MAY BE SUBSTANTIAL

Depending on the home’s age, size, and location your home inspection may take up to three hours. Adding square footage, outbuildings, and/or ancillary services (such as mold or radon testing) will increase the time required. It may be necessary for us to bring in a helper for a very large property.

A 4-point home inspection is an analysis of the well-being of your home. It's known as a 4-point inspection because it examines four major systems: roof, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC. Many insurance companies require it before you can get or maintain home insurance coverage.

You will receive a written inspection report describing the following:

• HVAC system
• Roof system
• Plumbing system
• Electrical System

A wind mitigation inspection (also called a windstorm mitigation inspection) is when a certified inspector checks your home's wind-resistant features. Though a wind mitigation inspection is not always required to get Florida homeowners insurance, it can result in substantial savings

You will receive an official citizen insurance report outlining the following:

• Building Code Compliance
• Roof Covering
• Roof-Deck Attachment
• Roof-to-wall Attachment
• Roof Geometry
• Secondary Water Resistance
• Opening Protection

A roof certification inspection is an inspection of a home's roofing system for insurance purposes. This certification is completed using the roofing only portion of the citizen 4-point verification form. This inspection is often needed after a new roof is installed on your home.

You will receive an official citizen insurance report outlining the following:

• Roof Installation Permit Information
• Condition of Primary and Secondary Roof Covering Materials
• Estimated Remaining Life Expectancy

Home inspections aren’t just for home buyers. If you are preparing to sell your home, it may be wise to order a pre-sale home inspection. The last minute discovery of problems by a prospective buyer’s inspector can lead to delays, added expenses and can even derail a deal altogether. Your best solution as a home seller is to have a thorough inspection done prior to putting the house on the market. This allows you to resolve any issues or adjust the price of your home accordingly before they become a problem in negotiating a deal.

Here is what our Home Seller Inspection is designed to do for you:

• Give YOU more control over the selling process
• Facilitate a faster sale for more money
• Eliminate last minute contract cancellations or 11th hour re-negotiations
• Protect you from over-inflated buyer procured estimates
• Reduce your liability with full disclosure
• Identify repair issues allowing resolution of those items before placing your home for sale
• Make your home more marketable and attractive to buyers
• Eliminate issues that a “buyers” independent inspection would have ultimately revealed