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Jacksonville & St. Augustine Home Inspections
At Gray Home Inspections we understand the critical role that a certified home or commercial property inspection plays in the real estate marketplace. We believe most homeowners have good intentions when it comes to revealing the current condition of their property, the clearly visible issues, but unknown problems will complicate most negotiation and ultimately sales. Potential buyers have no clear idea as to the structural and mechanical condition of a property. This is where Gray Inspection becomes an integral player in assessing the true condition of a home or commercial property.Â
FLORIDA FOUR-POINT INSPECTIONS
Four Point Inspections are the most common form of home inspections performed in America and for good reason. Four Point Inspections were created in Florida after the devasting storm, Hurricane Andrew hit the southern United States coast back in 1972. Generally, a Certified 4 Point Inspection is a visual inspection covering the main systems in a property, including the Roof, Electrical System, HVAC (heating, ventilation, & air conditioning system), and Plumbing. Most insurance underwriters want to know the current condition of these systems, the make, model and serial numbers, age, any updates made (permits required), if they are up-to code and the expected serviced life of these four components.
Our General Home Inspections include the following components:
HVAC System Inspections
Electrical System Inspections
Plumbing System Inspections
Roofing Inspections
How A Four Point Inspection Relates to Your Home Insurance
Insurance companies in Florida are increasingly very reluctant to issue homeowner insurance policies on older homes and condominiums (usually 30 years old or more). Their common concern is that there may exist, conditions in an older home that could become a liability if one of more of these major systems fail, causing damages that could result in an insurance claim. Old electrical wiring, non-grounded outlets, compromised air ducts or air handing equipment, improperly installed water heaters, roofing materials that are outdated or even older roofs that are nearing the end of their life cycle can all be considered a liability. The failure of any of these systems could result in a leak, fire or injury, causing damage to occupants, home or contents. A 4 Point Inspection is designed to reveal if the age or condition of any of these elements are in poor condition and in need of being updated, repaired or replaced. At Gray Home Inspections our 4 Point Inspections are recognized and accepted by all insurance companies licensed to do business in Florida. All of our 4-Point Inspections for single-family or multi-family homes are performed by a Certified Professional Inspector (CPI)® with years of experience.
Why Do I Need A Four Point Inspection?
Since insurance companies usually do not have detailed information on a particular structure or property, the underwriters try and mitigate their assumed risk by sometimes charging their highest insurance rates possible. These charges are usually based on their assumption of a worst-case scenario in the event of storm or unit failure that could result in a claim. Additionally, many insurance underwriters are looking for any excuse to drop policy holders as many of these types of older homes exist in Florida. As homeowner insurance rates increase, many homeowners are considering changing insurance carriers. If you happen to live in an older home, we suggest you check with your insurance agent before having a 4 Point Inspection Service. If any of your major systems do not meet the minimum property standards of your underwriter, you might not qualify for coverage.
Our 4 Point Inspections are very straight forward documents that provide a comprehensive examination of your 4 major systems. Once completed they can be forwarded to your insurance company with the detailed results that pertain to the 4-Points which will be used to determine your eligibility and insurance rate structure.
Give us a call at 904-500-4729 for any question regarding this or any other home inspection service or to schedule your 4 Point Inspection. Gray Home Inspections also provides Wind, Mold, Pre-Listing, Re-Inspections, New Construction/ Phase and 11-Month Warranty Inspections, and Commercial Property Inspections.
We’re open online 24 hours per day and 7 days per week. Our office is open Monday-Friday 8am to 7pm and Saturdays 9am to 2pm
Call us today and schedule your inspection.
WIND MITIGATION INSPECTIONS
One of the most damaging properties of a storm; hurricane, thunderhead or even from tropical tornados is damage caused by wind. Even though most coastal properties experience extensive storm damage caused by surging water, wind damage still remains a major destructive force. Florida home and commercial property insurance costs have gone up exponentially over the past year due to significant increases in insurance claims involving wind damage to structures. At Gray Home Inspections we understand that home and commercial property owners are looking for ways to reduce insurance premiums by any means possible and that usually includes a Wind Mitigation Inspection Report.
What Is a Wind Mitigation Inspection?
A residential or commercial residential wind mitigation inspection, sometimes referred to as a windstorm mitigation inspection, is an inspection that checks your home or condominium building’s wind-resistant features. There are numerous features that can be considered, such as window and door coverings, how your roof is sealed to prevent water damage, and the way your roof is actually attached to your home or building. For many underwriters, commercial building wind mitigation inspections are mandatory to purchase any windstorm coverage. Though a certified wind mitigation inspection is not required to get Florida homeowners insurance coverage, it can result in substantial savings on premiums paid.
WHY CHOOSE
Gray Home Inspections Inc.
At Gray Home Inspections, we have the licensing, training, experience and expertise to handle any home, condominium or small to mid-size commercial building inspection. We know what is riding on the line for anyone who is interested in a property to buy, sell or invest. Our purpose-driven mission is to provide useful information which offers all parties, a clear understanding of the current and possible future state of components. Making the right decision about buying a home depends on many factors but most importantly the condition of the home, its mechanical systems, structure and general overall condition. Identifying any damage or other problems that might be present, will help determine not only the true condition of a home, but its value as well. Before you close on your next property acquisition, get an independent property inspection from one of Florida’s most successful and respected home and commercial property inspection services. We are proud of the valuable service we provide to our customers and to the Florida real estate market.
How Does a Wind Mitigation Inspection Save You Money on Homeowners Insurance?
A wind mitigation inspection is the only inspection that can significantly reduce the cost of your insurance premiums. Wind mitigation savings are very substantial in Florida because the state actually requires insurance companies to offer these discounts. The inspection verifies the construction details of a structure that can withstand wind damage. The better constructed a dwelling, the more offered insurance discounts a homeowner may qualify for. Once the inspection is completed and submitted to your insurance provider, it can result in discounts to help save you significant monies owed. Many homes and commercial residential properties have one or more construction features that would qualify the structure for windstorm insurance premium discounts. Certain construction features can drastically reduce the damage tropical force winds can cause. The stronger a dwelling is constructed, the less damage incurred and the lower the premiums may be. Wind mitigation inspections are therefore used to determine if the structure contains these features that can reduce severe damage caused by storms producing high winds. By verifying that the construction details are present, the report is used to qualify for insurance discounts. Florida insurance premium discounts, for certain favorable wind mitigation features, have been mandated by State law and produce significant savings of up to 45% off the original policy's premium.
What to Expect from a Gray Wind Mitigation Inspection?
At Gray Home Inspections, our wind mitigation inspections are completed by a certified inspector. We arrive promptly at the appointed time and investigate the key construction components of your home which will sustain less damaged or harm caused by strong wind storms or even hurricanes. The time needed to complete our inspections is usually about an hour, but that can also depend on the size of the property. After completing the inspection, the homeowner receives a certificate stating that the home is efficiently equipped to survive a windstorm event due to the construction characteristics present. Residential buildings and commercial residential dwellings are classified according to their degree of wind vulnerability. That classification recognizes the fact that buildings that are equipped to withstand high wind will result in less damage occurring. The results of our inspections, will be reimbursed within a month of premiums paid. The average cost for the inspection is $100.00. Our clients tell us that their rates have dramatically dropped due to our wind mitigation inspection. Our inspectors focus only on those characteristics in the home and on the property, which qualify for windstorm discounts as outlined by each individual’s insurance carrier. Nothing else shall be reported to the insurance company. Right now, is the best time to schedule a Wind Mitigation Inspection and start enjoying the insurance premiums discounts available to every Floridian homeowner whose house qualifies.
Our Certified Wind Mitigation Inspections consist of the following 8 key categories:
Identifying when the roof was permitted and installed and does it meet current building codes.
Is the roof gabled, hip, flat or some other design? Here our inspectors are looking for how the roof is shaped. A hip roof for example resembles a pyramid, and definitely qualifies for an insurance discount.
If the roof is a gable style, then the inspector will review if the actual gable ends are braced to the Florida Building Code standards. All gable ends that measure more than 48 inches tall, should be braced for reinforcement to qualify for an insurance discount.
Our inspectors will determine what type of roof decking was used in the construction and how it is attached to the underlying structure. I the attachment is completed by nailing or staples. If nails are employed, the nail length and spacing between each nail will be documented.
The way a roof attaches to the structure is of major concern. Is the actual roof attached to the trusses with nails or hurricane clips? Are the wraps used single or double? The more secure a roof is attached to the structure, the greater the savings.
Our inspectors will review the construction materials used for framing, for reinforcement, and outer fascia used, and at what percentages. Steel reinforced, concrete block homes or condominiums may yield a better insurance discount than a building constructed with a plywood-only frame and plastic siding.
Roofs installed or upgraded before 2008, are unlikely to have this sort of secondary water barrier. Photo documentation is required will be required to receive a discount in this area.
Our inspectors are looking for wind shutters and installed-protection devices from wind-born debris generated by high winds. These items are also rated, as in hurricane-ratings. Are 100% of all openings need to be covered with Hurricane Rated Protection to qualify for this insurance discount.