A standard real estate contract in Florida includes allowance for a period of due diligence. This typically lasts fifteen days, allowing for the arrangement of a home inspection before closing.
It is important to understand the role of a home inspector, their qualifications and how they function.
An inspector’s duties
The American Society of Home Inspectors talks about home inspectors and their licenses. To keep the license, all inspectors need to continue their education and participate in ongoing training.
An inspector has several duties, including checking numerous components of the house. This includes structural components, the roof, exterior and interior components, HVAC, electrical and plumbing systems, and site conditions like drainage.
They must provide you with a copy of their license under state law so you can check their credentials and ensure they are up to date with their education. They also must provide written explanations of what their inspection will or will not cover.
What to expect from an inspection report
After completing an inspection, they must provide a full report. They should explain any potential omissions in the report itself as well, if they could not reach certain parts for some reason.
However, you should not expect the inspector to provide you with an estimate of the costs for repairs. They cannot perform these repairs themselves, as it would constitute a violation of state law. It also violates the code of ethics for the American Society of Home Inspectors.
Instead, you can take the information they gave and use it to determine if closing on the property is something that you still want to do.
