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I am a Degree Qualified, FEMA, ASHI & Certified Insurance Inspector with over 30 years of global experience in construction & building Inspection |
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Orlando is one of the most popular cities in Florida for investment properties taking into account the amount of worldwide tourism and people moving to the state to escape colder climates.
The real estate market as many other states suffered from the bank foreclosures and a weakening economy during the down times and now picking up with many bargains properties available for sale.
As a buyer your purchase could be one of the biggest & best investments you make or the worst most costly mistake. Extreme care should be taken with any purchase to ensure that the property does not include latent defects or even willful damage by the previous owners or renters who may have been evicted by the banks. Recent inspections on similar bank owned properties revealed intentionally cut structural timbers in the attic and also drains blocked with cement.
Many properties are now sold using the FAR/BAR “As Is” contracts as the sellers do not want to pay for any repairs. This can also mean what you see is what you get with no repairs or replacements allowed for anything damaged or missing. Therefore if the buyer fails to get it professionally inspected they will not know what future repair cost they will encounter after the sale has concluded. In many cases subject to the sales contract the buyer can walk away if they feel the repair costs or risk is too high after the inspection has been completed.
Simple defects if not found early can cause thousands of dollars worth of damage and repairs. In the photo examples below, the kitchen on the left had a minor leak on the sink which went unnoticed for 4 weeks causing Mold growth behind the appliances. The roof on the right had some minor repairs carried to the shingle but was incorrectly completed resulting in wood rot of the roof timbers.
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1. Mold in kitchen |
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2. Bad roof repair causing wood rot in roof |
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3. Wood rot in attic under roof timber |
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4. Broken roof tiles |
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Investors buying rental properties need to ensure that the property will be suitable for the many guests who could be using the property throughout the rental period or it could cost them to re house them while defect repairs are carried out.
All inspections are personally carried out by John McLoughlin who is licensed insured and qualified in both the UK and Florida. Full qualifications can be seen on this web site.
Inspection costs are based on the size of the property together with the type of inspection required and are comparable to local inspectors. If you’re just looking for a cheap home inspection, consider this, the best price is not always the best option.
When purchasing any real estate in Orlando or Central Florida, it pays to use an expert in the industry.
“John has carried out several inspections for my agency, assisting my clients and staff to gain insurance & sales through a professional inspection. I have recommended John to other State Farm agencies that are also now using his service.”
Tony Lopez. State Farm Insurance Orlando |
www.homeinspectionforyou.com
Member of The British American Chamber of commerce |
