Author: precisioncms

  • Home
  • Author: precisioncms
13Mar
A Guide to Choosing the Right Home Inspector

A Guide to Choosing the Right Home Inspector

Buying a home or property is a big decision, and you want to make sure that all aspects of the purchase are as safe and sound as possible. Even more critical, is choosing the right home inspector. It is important to hire an experienced, certified home inspector who can provide you with an accurate assessment of the condition of the property. When choosing a home inspector, there are several things you should consider. Let’s explore what these considerations are. 

Certification & Experience 

The first thing to look for when choosing a home inspector is certification and experience. Make sure the inspector has undergone extensive training from an accredited institute and has adequate knowledge in building science and structural integrity. The more experience they have, the better equipped they will be to accurately assess your potential new home or property. Ask for references and look at their portfolio of past projects so you can get a good idea of their quality of work before hiring them. 

Inspection Process & Reports 

Next, ask about their inspection process and reports. How extensive is their inspection? What type of report do they provide? Many inspectors offer digital copies for easy reference later on down the line. Make sure you understand how long it takes for them to turn around the report after completing the inspection, as well as what type of follow-up support they offer if any questions arise in the future about items mentioned in their report. 

Communication Style & Availability 

Finally, take some time to get to know your potential home inspector’s communication style and availability before making your decision. Do they communicate clearly and efficiently? Are they available to answer questions during or after the inspection process? These are all important factors that should be taken into consideration when selecting a home inspector for your project.       

Conclusion

When it comes time to choose a home inspector, consider these factors—certification, experience, process, communication, and  availability. This ensures that your property is being inspected by an experienced professional who can provide accurate assessments. At Sound Structure Home Inspections, our team of certified professionals has years of experience performing thorough inspections for clients throughout Florida’s Gulf Coast region. Contact us today for more information about how we can help make your home purchase safe and sound!

Read more
02Mar
What to Look Out For When Building a New Construction Home

What to Look Out For When Building a New Construction Home

What should you look for when building a new construction home? There are many factors to consider when navigating the process. Factors from budgeting and timelines to design choices and permits. One of the most important elements of any new construction project is sound structure. Here’s what you need to know about sound structure when building a new home. 

Common Sound Structure Issues in Home Construction 

When building a new home, there are several issues that can affect the sound structure of your residence. Foundations can settle over time, causing cracks in walls or floors. Poor workmanship can cause warping or cracking in wooden structures. Faulty plumbing or poor drainage can lead to mold and water damage down the line. Additionally, improper ventilation can create musty odors and encourage unhealthy air circulation throughout the house. 

How To Ensure Sound Structure During Construction 

The best way to ensure sound structure during construction is to hire experienced professionals who have a proven track record for quality workmanship. Make sure all contractors you’re considering are fully licensed and insured; this will protect you from any legal or financial liabilities down the road if something goes wrong with their work. Ask for references from previous clients and check online reviews as well; this will give you an idea of how reliable each contractor is before you hire them for your project. Also, inspect every aspect of their work during construction. Air out rooms with fans after painting or staining them. Check for proper insulation in attics and basements, and look for poorly sealed windows and doors; etc. Taking these steps will help ensure that every item related to sound structure has been completed correctly. This is a must before signing off on your new construction project.  

Conclusion

Building a new home is an exciting venture, but it comes with its own unique set of challenges as well. Especially when it comes to ensuring sound structure throughout the entire process. Be sure to do your research beforehand by hiring qualified professionals who have a proven track record of quality workmanship, as well as inspecting every aspect of their work during construction itself. This will help ensure that everything necessary for sound structure has been completed properly before signing off on anything related to your new home build! For new construction inspection questions, visit our website today at Sound Structure!

Read more
16Feb
Testing for Radon During a Home Inspection

Testing for Radon During a Home Inspection

When you are buying or selling a home, an important part of the inspection process is testing for radon. Radon is a colorless, odorless gas that can be found in homes. It is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking. Knowing whether or not your home has elevated levels of radon is essential to ensuring the safety of your family. Let’s take a closer look at why radon testing during a home inspection is so important.

Radon Basics

Radon is a natural element that can occur in any type of soil or rock. It enters homes through small openings in walls and foundations. High levels of radon can be found anywhere, regardless of the age, size, or construction type of the building. In fact, according to the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency), nearly one out of every 15 homes in the United States has an elevated level of radon.

Why Test for Radon?

Testing for radon during a home inspection should be done to ensure that your family isn’t exposed to potentially dangerous levels of this radioactive gas. If high levels are found, techniques such as sealing cracks and installing ventilation systems can be used to reduce them. The cost for these services varies depending on where you live and the extent of work required. But the pricing could range anywhere from $800-$2000 dollars. It’s best to test for radon before making final purchase decisions rather than after you’ve moved into the home and have been living with elevated levels without knowing it!

The Testing Process

The testing process involves placing two small devices called charcoal canisters inside your home. One is placed upstairs and one downstairs, for 48 hours while they absorb air samples from both areas. The readings collected are then sent off to an independent laboratory for analysis. The results are typically available within 5 business days and some labs offer express service. If elevated levels have been detected, further testing may be necessary in order to properly diagnose the issue.

Conclusion

Having your home tested for radon during an inspection is essential if you want peace-of-mind when it comes to protecting your family’s health and safety. Especially since there is no way to tell if elevated levels are present without taking measurements directly from within your walls. Fortunately, this process is relatively simple (and affordable) compared with other tests included in most inspections such as those related to electrical systems or asbestos exposure. This makes it an easy decision that should always be considered when buying or selling a property! Contact us today to learn more.

Read more
02Feb
How to Safely Remove Lead-Based Paint from Your Home

How to Safely Remove Lead-Based Paint from Your Home

If your home was built before 1978, there is a good chance it is painted with lead-based paint. Exposure to this type of paint causes serious health problems and can be extremely hazardous if not handled properly. Sound Structure Home Inspection is here to help you understand how to recognize and safely remove lead-based paint from your home.

What is Lead-Based Paint?

Lead-based paint is an oil or water-based paint that contains lead as an ingredient. It was used on both the interior and exterior of homes prior to 1978. This type of paint has been known to cause neurological damage, behavioral problems, learning disabilities, and other serious health issues due to the inhalation or ingestion of the particles.

How do I know if my home has lead-based paint?

If you are unsure whether or not your home contains lead-based paint, we recommend having a professional inspection performed. It is best to use a licensed inspector such as Sound Structure Home Inspection to ensure the inspection is done properly. Our team will be able to identify any potential hazards in your home. Sound Structure Home Inspection performs a  detailed visual assessment that includes testing for the presence of lead in paints and finishes.

How do I safely remove lead based paints?

Removing lead based paints is a difficult job. That is why it’s always best practice to hire a professional who has experience dealing with hazardous materials like lead. Professionals will use specialized techniques. These may include sanding, scraping, wet wiping, chemical stripping, and even heat guns that are specifically designed for removal of hazardous materials. They will also take additional precautions such as using respirators while working on surfaces containing lead-based paints. In addition, they will dispose of all hazardous waste in accordance with state regulations.

Conclusion 

In summary, identifying and removing any potential dangers associated with lead based paints is important for maintaining the safety of your family’s health. If you think that your home may contain potentially hazardous materials like these, then it’s best practice to contact Sound Structure Home Inspection for a professional evaluation. Our team will provide you with an accurate assessment of the situation. This way you can make an informed decision about what steps need to be taken next in order to keep your family safe.

Read more
19Jan
Understanding What’s in a Home Inspection Report

Understanding What’s in a Home Inspection Report

Sound Structure Home Inspection is here to help you get the most out of your home inspection. We want to make sure you understand what goes into an inspection report and how to read one. This is so that you can make an informed decision about the house you’re looking at purchasing. Let’s review the basics.

Home Inspections Are Comprehensive 

A home inspection covers a wide range of areas within your house. This includes structural components like walls and beams, electrical systems, heating/cooling systems, plumbing, and more. The inspector will also look for any signs of water damage or pests such as termites and other wood-destroying insects. Once the inspection is complete, the inspector will compile their findings into a written report for you to review. 

Reading an Inspection Report 

An inspection report should include details about every area that was inspected in the house. The report should also include any issues or deficiencies found during the inspection process. The report will include photographs of any significant issues that need attention. It should be easy to read and understand; and if it’s not, don’t hesitate to ask questions! This information can be invaluable when deciding whether or not to purchase a particular property.  

Interpreting an Inspection Report   

Once you have read through your home inspection report, it’s important to take some time to interpret what it all means for your potential purchase. If there are items that need repair or replacement, contact a contractor who can provide estimates on how much those costs might be so that you know what kind of budgeting needs to be done before making an offer on a property. It’s also important to consider whether or not these issues are deal breakers or if they are minor enough where they could be overlooked in favor of buying the property anyway.     

Conclusion   

A home inspection from Sound Structure Home Inspection provides peace of mind when considering buying a new home by giving buyers access to detailed information about all aspects of the property before signing on the dotted line. By understanding what goes into an inspection report and being able to interpret its findings, buyers can make more informed decisions about their potential purchases knowing that they are making sound investments for their future. With our help, we will make sure you have all the information needed before making such an important decision!

Read more
05Jan
How long does a home inspection take?

How long does a home inspection take?

It’s important to understand the entire process when you’re buying a new home. From finding the right mortgage to closing on your dream house, there are a number of steps you need to get through before you can move in. One of the essential steps is getting a home inspection. But when you’re trying to figure out how long it will take, should you plan for an hour or an entire day? Let’s find out! 

The average home inspection takes between 2-3 hours. This depends on the size and age of the house. Home inspections typically focus on the structure of the building and its overall condition. An inspector will check for any signs of damage or wear-and-tear that could affect its value or safety. This means they’ll be looking at things like walls, ceilings, floors, windows and doors, as well as any visible insulation, electrical wiring and plumbing fixtures. 

When scheduling your home inspection with Sound Structure Home Inspection Services, you can expect them to take about two hours for smaller homes and up to four hours for larger ones. Their inspectors also offer additional services such as radon testing and mold/air quality testing. These may add additional time onto your home inspection appointment if requested. During each visit they conduct their industry leading service. This includes not only inspecting the physical attributes of a property but also providing you with helpful information.  The information found during their inspections is so that clients can make informed decisions about their purchase or sale. 

Inspectors take their time because they want to be thorough. However, there are some other factors that can cause delays during your home inspection appointment. For example, if there are pets in the house (or even just outside) they may need to be taken care of while Sound Structure Home Inspection Services conducts their work safely and efficiently. Additionally, if certain areas of the house are blocked off due to furniture or other items being stored, then those areas will not be able to be inspected properly.  It is best if those items are moved away from blocking access points – which could delay results until those items have been removed from storage areas by either someone else in the family or by Sound Structure Home Inspection Services themselves if asked ahead of time by clients in advance (included in select packages). 

Conclusion

Ultimately, it’s hard to predict exactly how long a home inspection will take due to potential delays caused by external factors. These may include pets or blocked access points within homes. However, Sound Structure Home Inspection Services’ experienced inspectors strive for excellence in both performance and customer service satisfaction. You can usually expect anywhere from two to four hours depending on size and age of property being inspected! Contact us today for more information about our services and how we can help make sure your next real estate transaction goes smoothly!

Read more
22Dec
Investing in a Sound Structure Home Inspection

Investing in a Sound Structure Home Inspection

A house is one of the largest investments you’ll make in your lifetime, so it pays to know that your foundation is solid. A Sound Structure Home Inspection will provide you with the peace of mind you need when buying or selling a home. It can help detect any potential issues and even uncover hidden concerns that can be expensive to repair down the road. Let’s take a closer look at why Sound Structure Home Inspections are essential for both buyers and sellers. 

What is Included in a Sound Structure Home Inspection? 

A Sound Structure Home Inspection covers the main components of a house. This includes electrical systems, plumbing, roofing, heating and cooling systems, insulation and ventilation. It also checks for things like water damage, mold growth, pest infestations, structural deficiencies and more. The inspector will conduct an overall assessment of the home’s condition. Afterward, they will provide you with an easy-to-read report outlining any areas of concern that need to be addressed. 

What Does a Sound Structure Home Inspection Do? 

The goal of a Sound Structure Home Inspection is to identify any potential problems before they become major issues. Inspectors look for signs of wear and tear that could signal future problems. Examples include cracked foundations or failing roofs. They also check for safety concerns like faulty wiring or inadequate ventilation which could be hazardous to your health if left unchecked. Finally, they provide an actionable plan outlining what needs to be done in order to bring the property up to code and ensure it’s safe. 

Why are Sound Structure Home Inspections Important?

Sound Structure Home Inspections are important because they give homeowners peace of mind.  This is true whether it’s time to buy or sell their home. Buyers want assurance that their new purchase won’t come with costly repairs down the road. Sellers want confidence that their listing meets all standards necessary for sale. Certainly without any surprises popping up during closing escrow negotiations. Either way, having knowledge about the condition of your property can save you from potential headaches down the line when it comes time to buy or sell your home. 

Conclusion  

Investing in a Sound Structure Home Inspection is an important step in ensuring you have a solid foundation when buying or selling a house. It provides valuable insight into any potential issues before they become major problems. And gives both buyers and sellers peace of mind when making such large investments. Whether you’re looking to buy or sell, investing in this type of inspection is well worth it!

Read more
08Dec
What to Do if You Notice Moisture in Your Crawl Space

What to Do if You Notice Moisture in Your Crawl Space

Finding moisture in your crawl space can be a cause for concern. It is important to take action quickly when you notice any signs of water damage or mold. This blog will provide steps for how to address moisture in your crawl space, so that you can restore it and prevent further issues. 

Inspect Your Crawl Space 

Once you have identified the presence of moisture in your crawl space, the first step is to inspect the area thoroughly. Look for any signs of water damage and check if there are any standing pools of water or wet spots. Also, check around windows and doors to see if there are any leaks or gaps that are allowing air and water into the area. Additionally, make sure that all pipes, drains, and vents are not leaking. Be sure to check for any musty smells that might indicate the presence of mold or mildew. 

Repair Any Damage 

If your inspection reveals any damage, it is important to repair it as soon as possible. This will prevent further issues from occurring. Repairs may involve:

  • replacing broken or damaged pipes
  • patching up cracks or holes in walls or floors
  • fixing leaking windows and doors 
  • sealing off air vents

If needed, you can hire a professional Sound Structure Home Inspector. We can help you identify potential sources of moisture intrusion and recommend appropriate repairs.  

Dry Out Your Crawl Space 

Once you have repaired any visible damage, it is time to dry out your crawl space. One way to do this is by using a dehumidifier which will help reduce humidity levels over time and remove excess moisture from the air. Additionally, make sure that all standing pools of water are removed and use fans to circulate air throughout the area which will help speed up the drying process. Lastly, consider investing in a waterproofing system which will help protect your crawl space against future water damage caused by heavy rains or floods.  

Conclusion                                      

Moisture in your crawl space can be concerning but with proper care it doesn’t have to be an issue! By inspecting the area thoroughly for signs of damage, repairing anything necessary (or hiring a Sound Structure Home Inspector), using a dehumidifier correctly and investing in waterproofing – you can restore your crawlspace back to its original state! Taking these steps will also help prevent further issues from arising due to excessive moisture so make sure that these precautions are taken at regular intervals moving forward!

Read more
28Nov
Knowing your roof and when to get it inspected

Knowing your roof and when to get it inspected

How long does a roof last

The average lifespan of a roof depends on a variety of factors, including the materials used, the climate in which it resides, and how well it’s been maintained. Typically, asphalt shingles last between 15 and 30 years, while metal roofs can last up to 50 years or more.

Proper installation and care of a roof

Proper installation is essential for a long-lasting roof. A professional contractor should be hired to ensure that the roof is installed correctly, paying special attention to flashing, eaves, and other areas which are prone to water infiltration.

Regular maintenance can help extend the life of a roof. Regular inspections should be done to check for any damage or wear and tear. Any repairs needed should be addressed promptly to prevent further damage.

Regular cleaning is also important to help maintain the roof’s life. Leaves and debris should be removed from gutters, vents, and other areas where they could accumulate, as this can cause clogs and leaks. Algae and moss growth should also be removed to avoid rot or deterioration of the roofing material.

In addition, appropriate weather protection should be taken to ensure the longevity of a roof. This includes using protective sealants and coatings, as well as installing skylights or other objects that could interfere with the integrity of the roof. Taking these steps can help extend the lifespan of any roof.

If any of the roofing material has come to the end of its lifecycle and cannot be repaired, it should be replaced. This can help prevent further damage from occurring and extend the life of your roof. Taking these steps will ensure that your roof lasts for years to come.

Signs that you need to replace your roof

This can include missing, cracked, or curling shingles; visible signs of deterioration; granule loss; and leaks. These may be indicative of underlying issues that require immediate attention. If you notice any of these signs, it is essential to contact a professional roofer or home inspector as soon as possible to determine the extent of repair or replacement needed.

Factors that can shorten the lifespan of your roof

Incorrect installation, poor maintenance, and exposure to extreme weather can all contribute to a shorter lifespan for your roof. Poor ventilation or insulation can also lead to premature aging of the roofing material and cause it to deteriorate more quickly. To prevent this from happening, make sure that your home is correctly insulated and ventilated, and inspect the roof.

How to choose a roof inspector

When it comes to choosing someone to inspect your roof, you want someone knowledgeable about roofing systems and materials. This can include a home inspector such as Sound Structure Home Inspection. Make sure that the person you choose has experience inspecting roofs and can answer any questions that you may have. Additionally, be sure to ask for references and ensure that they are properly insured in case of any accidents or damages while they are on your property.

By following these tips, you can ensure that your roof stays in top condition and lasts as long as possible. With the right care and maintenance, you can enjoy a safe and reliable roof for many years to come.

Read more
10Nov
Why You Should Get an Inspection for Your New Construction Home

Why You Should Get an Inspection for Your New Construction Home

Job site conditions are ever-changing. As a homebuyer, you want to know that the quality of your new construction home is up to your standards. A professional home inspection protects your interests by providing an unbiased evaluation of the property. Here’s what you should know about getting an inspection for new construction.

It’s common for buyers to have a home inspection on a resale property. But did you know that you should also get an inspection for your new construction home? Even if your builder offers a warranty, it’s still in your best interest to have a certified professional evaluate the quality of your home. Here’s why:

Job site Conditions are Ever-Changing

The weather, subcontractors, and even the construction workers themselves can affect the quality of your new home. That’s why it’s important to have someone who can evaluate the workmanship on an ongoing basis. A certified inspector will know what to look for and can spot potential problems before they become major issues. 

At Sound Structure we feel that a home inspector should have extensive construction and trade background before moving into inspections. With over twenty years of construction, maintenance management and HVAC, you can rest knowing that Sound Structure has the experience needed to properly inspect the job site. 

Warranties aren’t Always Enough 

Builder warranties cover defects in materials and workmanship, but they don’t cover everything. Most builder warranties only cover problems that arise within the first year or two after move-in. After that, it’s up to the homeowner to pay for any repairs that are needed. An inspection can identify any potential problems so that they can be addressed before they become expensive repairs down the road. 

You Deserve an Unbiased Opinion

A professional home inspection provides you with an unbiased evaluation of the property. The inspector works for you, not the builder, so you can be sure that you’re getting an honest opinion about the quality of your new home.

Sound Structure Reports are completed within 24 hours of the start of inspection. We provide photographs and diagrams of damaged areas to help explain home conditions and make sure that you understand all the information included. 

Conclusion 

Getting a professional home inspection is one of the smartest things you can do when buying a new construction home. An inspection protects your interests by identifying any potential problems with the property before they become major issues. Make sure you hire a certified inspector who has experience with new construction homes so that you can be sure you’re getting an unbiased opinion about the quality of your new home. Contact Sound Structure today to schedule your inspection. 

Read more