Wood-destroying organism (WDO) inspections — often called termite inspections — are a standard part of the Florida home purchase process. Here’s what they cover and why they matter. What WDO Covers A WDO inspection checks for termites (subterranean and drywood), wood-boring beetles, and wood-decaying fungi — all organisms that can structurally damage wood framing. The […]
Author Archives: mishomeinspections
Brand-new construction in Florida still needs an independent inspection. Here’s why the builder warranty and building department CO don’t tell the full story. What the CO Confirms vs. What It Doesn’t A certificate of occupancy confirms that a home was built to minimum code standards at the time of final inspection. It doesn’t confirm that […]
Florida homes with pools are the norm, not the exception. Understanding what a pool inspection covers — and when you need a dedicated pool specialist — protects buyers from expensive surprises. What a Home Inspector Looks at for Pools During a standard home inspection, the inspector evaluates the pool’s visible equipment: pump, filter, heater (if […]
Miami-Dade County’s real estate market is one of the most competitive in Florida — and one of the most complex. Here’s what buyers need to know about home inspections in the Miami area. Miami-Dade’s Specific Market Conditions Miami-Dade has a high concentration of older construction — significant inventory from the 1950s through 1980s that presents […]
Buying your first home in Florida is exciting — and the inspection phase can feel overwhelming if you don’t know what to expect. Here’s a straightforward guide to understanding the inspection process and using it effectively. Your Inspection Contingency Is Your Protection Most Florida purchase contracts include an inspection contingency — a window of time […]
Florida’s climate, water quality, and housing stock create specific plumbing issues that appear consistently in inspection reports. Here’s what to watch for. Polybutylene Pipe Polybutylene pipe — a gray plastic pipe used widely in Florida construction from the 1970s through mid-1990s — is known to fail and is not covered by most homeowners insurance policies. […]
After the Champlain Towers South collapse in 2021, Florida enacted legislation requiring structural inspections for older condominium buildings. Here’s what the milestone inspection law requires and what it means for buyers. What the Law Requires Florida’s SB 4-D requires condominium buildings three stories or taller to undergo a structural milestone inspection at 30 years of […]
Condo purchases in Broward, Miami-Dade, and Palm Beach counties require a different inspection approach than single-family homes. Here’s what changes and what stays the same. What You Own vs. What the Association Owns In a condo purchase, the inspection focuses on your unit’s interior — the walls, ceiling, floors, electrical panel, plumbing fixtures, HVAC unit […]
Relocating to South Florida from another state? The inspection process here has some important differences from what you may be used to. Insurance Is Everything Here In most states, homeowners insurance is straightforward. In Florida, it’s a significant part of the purchase decision. Your inspection results — particularly roof age and condition — directly affect […]
Fort Lauderdale’s real estate market moves fast. Knowing what to expect from your home inspection — and how to use it — can make the difference between a smart purchase and a costly mistake. Fort Lauderdale’s Specific Risks Many Fort Lauderdale homes sit in flood zones. Your inspector documents visible moisture issues and drainage conditions […]