Buying a house can be a whirlwind of excitement, and whether it’s your first house or your dream house, one step of the purchasing process cannot be overlooked—the home inspection. Houses can be a substantial financial and time investment, so it is vital to have a home inspector check it out so it doesn’t wind up costing you more of both in the end.

That’s why

Jerry

, the car and

home insurance

super app

, is here to guide you through home inspections in Florida and give you a better idea of the process. We’ll break down what a home inspection is, its cost, and what an inspection covers in the Sunshine State.

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What is a home inspection?

A home inspection is a visual assessment of a property used to analyze and determine the current state of its structure and functionality. Often conducted during the home-buying process, they are performed by professional inspectors who keep an eye out for specific issues on the interior and exterior of a house.

Inspectors will also look at HVAC and electrical systems, plumbing, rain gutters, ceilings, and much more. Additionally, specialized inspections check for hazardous activity such as mold, pests, and asbestos. If anything gets discovered, you can include an inspection report with your offer for any required repairs before buying the home.

After the home inspector has completed their assessment, they will write up a comprehensive report stating any recommended repairs and potential problems that could arise in the future.

How much does a home inspection cost in Florida?

An average home inspection in Florida can cost between $200 and $400, with variance resulting from its size, precise location, and specific home inspection provider.

For small houses, you could pay as little as $124, while the cost could go all the way up to $1,000 for a Floridian mansion. As the size increases, so does the price since there are more aspects and square footage to inspect.

MORE:

Your guide to house hacking (successfully)

How to get a home inspection in Florida

Step number one is finding a licensed inspector. You can refer to the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) and theInternational Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI) when beginning your search. These organizations allow you to search for qualified home inspectors in any state.

To find an inspector for your specific address in Florida, you can search for certified inspectors

here

. In the interest of time, here are some certified home inspection companies in Florida:

Florida Inspection Services: Serving homes across South Florida, from Vero Beach to Fort Lauderdale. Call (561) 953-1212 to receive a free quote.

Dream Home Inspection: Inspecting homes in Central Florida, including Orlando, Port Orange, and many more. You can contact them at (386) 383-3270 or

schedule an appointment

online.

Trueview Inspections: Specializing in the Miami area, including Broward and Palm Beach County. Visit the

Trueview website

to book an inspection appointment for your house, condo, or commercial property.

What is covered in a home inspection?

Different types of inspections require different types of inspectors. If your property needs a specialized assessment, it is good to see what your home inspector will cover before they arrive. According to ASHI, the standard of practice for a certified home inspector will cover the following:

Structural components, crawlspaces, and attics

Exterior doors, wall coverings, stoops, decks, and balconies

Roofing materials, roof drainage systems, and skylights

Plumbing systems and water heating equipment

Interior electrical systems and service panels

Installed heating equipment, vent systems, and chimneys

Central cooling equipment and distribution systems

This is a general idea of what an inspector will look at, so be aware that there may be exceptions depending on the home. If any area of your house is determined unsafe or inaccessible, the inspector will include these exclusions in their report. The homebuyer is not obligated to stay for the inspection, but it could help speed up the process.

Your inspector might recommend additional inspections if your home calls for it. These specialized home inspections can include:

Lead-based paint inspection

Pest, termite, or rodent inspection

Radon inspection

Asbestos inspection

Mold inspection

Septic system inspection

Soil analysis

Pool and spa inspection

MORE: How to make a counteroffer after a home inspection

Who pays for a home inspection?

In most cases, the buyer pays for the home inspection to make sure their potential investment is in good standing. You can negotiate this cost and ask the seller to cover the inspection fees.

In some cases, the seller will pay for the inspection to better understand its worth when determining its listing price. Uncovering and improving any of the house’s issues beforehand can also make the home more attractive to interested buyers.

Key Takeaway A home inspection evaluates a house’s structural and functional systems. The cost of an inspection varies depending on the size and location of the property, as well as the specific home inspector.

Protect yourself with home insurance in Florida

Home inspections help homebuyers get a better understanding of what they are buying by having a certified professional evaluate the property for existing or potential issues. Additionally, don’t forget to cover your new home with

homeowners insurance

for further protection. To simplify this process,

Jerry

and its team of expert agents have you covered.

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Let Jerry find you the best homeowners insurance policy for your needs

* checking your rate won’t affect your credit score

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* checking your rate won’t affect your credit score

Why do homebuyers need an inspection?

Homebuyers should learn as much as they can about a property before buying it. Home inspections identify any repairs that the home will need and any issues that could arise down the road. This inspection gives buyers a better understanding of their prospective home and can help them make an informed decision about whether or not to buy it.

What if the inspection reveals problems with the home?

No home is perfect, so if and when problems are reported, the buying party will better understand any risk they are taking on before purchasing the property. If the found issues are severe, the buyers can use that information to negotiate with the sellers to either make repairs or cover their costs.

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