Asper Inspections Services | Florida Home Inspector

Asper Inspections is a Florida home inspector performing Home Inspections, Four-Point Inspections, Wind Mitigation Inspections and Roof Condition Inspections in the Tampa Bay area including Pinellas, Pasco, and Hillsborough counties.  Asper Inspections offers property inspection services for homes, townhomes, condos, multi-residential and commercial properties on the West Coast of Florida.

Here we’ll tell you a bit more about what Florida home inspector Asper Inspections provides with each of the different types of inspections we perform.

 

Home Inspections

 

What is a Home Inspection?

During a home inspection, the inspector can determine what type of plumbing is present in the home, the safety of the electrical system, and the age and material used for the roof. This inspection can also tell you the age and the size of your HVAC system and determine whether it is sufficient for the size of the home.

A properly completed home inspection by a licensed inspector can reveal numerous safety hazards throughout the home, such things that a buyer might miss on their own. A home inspection is a very detailed investigation which many of our customers have found to be the best investment they have ever made.

A residential or commercial building inspection is often not required, but you should always require it yourself. Using a licensed Inspector/Contractor to perform a home inspection can greatly reduce the risk of buying a money pit.  When choosing a company to perform your inspection, please make sure you choose an inspector that is not in a rush to finish. These types of inspectors are often priced very cheap, do less-than-quality work, and try to schedule numerous inspections a day. Remember for such an important purchase, QUALITY IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN PRICE!!

Steps Involved in an Asper Inspections Home Inspection:

1. Examining the grading of the property:
Asper Inspections checks to make sure there is at least a 1 inch for every 1 foot sloping away from the exterior walls for the first 6 feet. If the finish grade slopes toward the property, this could cause foundation damage.

2. The foundation and exterior walls:
In this part of the inspection, Asper Inspections is looking for excessive cracking in the walls, ceilings, and floors. Cracks that are larger at the bottom than at the top can pose serious foundation and structural issues. The framework of the roof is also looked at to determine if leaks have occurred. These leaks can cause damage to the plywood or the trusses.

3. Windows and doors:
Asper Inspections operates accessible windows and checks for moisture infiltration, cracks, and deteriorating glazing. All doors are operated and checked for wood rot and functionality.

4. Electrical:
The main electrical panel is checked by Asper Inspections for proper grounding and the size of the breakers accompanied with the wire size. All accessible outlets are checked and the main service entrance cable, mast, and meter box are examined.

5. Appliances:
The appliances’ current condition and functionality are checked by Asper Inspections.

6. Heating and air conditioning system (HVAC):
Asper Inspections checks the location, age, and expected life remaining of the condensing unit and the air handler. The duct work is examined for noticeable leaks and the unit is checked for efficiency for the size of the home.

7. Roof
Asper Inspections determines the age and life expectancy of the roof covering. The condition of the roof can be determined by walking on it, unless the conditions are deemed unsafe or if stepping on the covering may cause damage. The roof is additionally inspected from the attic during the structural check. The soffit and fascia are inspected and are examined for any water stains or damage.

8. Plumbing
The type of supply lines and waste lines are provided, as well as the estimated age, condition, and life expectancy. All toilets, faucets, sinks, showers, and tubs are inspected by Asper Inspections as well. All cabinetry, housing water supply and drainage lines are inspected for leaks. We also check the make, age and size of the hot water heater, allowing us to determine the life expectancy of that unit. We do not inspect septic tanks or underground plumbing lines.

9. The sprinkler system
The sprinkler system is turned on manually by Asper Inspections and checked to make sure the sprinkler heads function and sufficient ground cover is viewed. Extensive checks of the timers is not performed.

 

Four-Point Inspections

 

What is a Four-Point Inspection?

A four-point inspection is an inspection that your insurance company will require you to get if you home is over a certain age. The insurance company wants a professional home inspector to investigate four specific areas to determine age, description, and life expectation. The areas inspected are:

  1. Roofing Main System
  2. Heating and Cooling Systems
  3. Water Heater and Plumbing
  4. The Overall Electrical System

Four-Point Inspection

 

Why Do I Need a Four-Point Inspection?

Your insurance company determines whether or not you need an inspection depending on the age of your home. Some of the reasons include:

  • Aluminum Branch circuit wiring installed in the late 60′s early 70′s
  • Knob and tube wiring
  • Dangerous or exposed wiring
  • Different plumbing material prone to failure
  • Roofing components that are nearing the end of their life span
  • Poor structural components used
  • Un-reinforced masonry and aging utilities likely to fail according to their age.

These are just a few of the reasons for requiring a four-point inspection. If you would like to know more about the reasons please consult your insurance agent.

Wind Mitigation Inspections

 

What is a Wind Mitigation Inspection?

A wind mitigation inspection is a close inspection of your home that may reduce your insurance premium by up to 45%.

Why Do I Need a Wind Mitigation Inspection?

When times get tough and budgets tighten, every dollar is important.  A wind mitigation inspection can determine if you have the following building features on your home, which can greatly reduce wind damage and offer deep discounts through your insurance company. Also, look up Florida Statute 626.0629 for literature on the Florida State Laws that guarantee home owners discounts for wind mitigation construction features.

1. Roof coverings:
Shingles that meet FBC requirements

2. Roof Decks:
Installed with large nails and proper spacing

3. Hurricane clips and straps:
Straps and clips attach the roof structure to the walls.

4. Protection of openings:
Impact resistant windows, shutters, and other protection systems.

5. Secondary water resistance:
Application of water resistance features directly to the plywood seams in case the roof coverings are blown off.

6. Roof Design:
Hip roofs divert strong winds the best. A larger credit is given for these designs.

7. Exterior and garage doors:
Reinforced exterior and garage doors.

All openings must have protection. If one opening is left without protection, the entire structure is only as strong as the weakest link. Due to the fact that most homes have at least enough hurricane protection credits to cover the cost of inspection, it is more than worth it for every homeowner with a home built before March 1, 2002 to have a wind mitigation inspection. You are only required to have the inspection once, but you will receive the discounts as long as you have insurance on that property with the same insurance company. If you are buying a home that had a wind mitigation inspection more than 5 years ago you will be required to get a new inspection.

 

Roof Condition Inspections

 

What is a Roof Condition Inspection?

The roof condition inspection is an inspection insurance companies require once your roof has reach 14+ years.  The insurance company wants to know how many useful years the roof has left and also what condition it is in.