What Is a Housing Code Inspection?

In Florida, residential homes subject to an upcoming real estate transaction require a housing code inspection to be completed before finalizing the sale. The inspection must occur immediately after the contract has been signed but before the completion of the home’s purchase. Before signing the agreement, ensure it includes an inspection clause stating the final purchase is contingent upon the house passing the inspection. 

If you are buying or selling a home, speak with a home inspection lawyer to learn more about the process and if they can be present during the inspection. The attorneys at Ferrer Law Group in Florida are dedicated to helping their clients during the home purchasing process, including assisting with the housing code inspection. 

Housing Code Inspection

A housing code inspection thoroughly checks the home, typically using a four-point inspection process. A home inspection must be completed by a licensed inspector who has received certification through several trade organizations, such as the American Society of Home Inspectors or the National Association of Home Inspectors. These organizations set educational and experience standards for all of their members. 

In Florida, there is no requirement stating that the homebuyer or seller must be present during the home inspection. However, you are highly recommended to be present, so you can observe the inspector and ask any questions. 

Importance of a Home Inspection

Old homes often have several defects, which can leave the homebuyer with thousands upon thousands of dollars of repairs to ensure their home is livable. Many of these defects are not apparent during a home walk-through. They can only be identified by having an experienced and certified home inspector conduct a thorough inspection of the property. 

It does not matter the type of home, such as single-family residents, duplex, triplex, townhouse, or condominium, or the property’s age; it is always best to have a home inspection before finalizing the home purchase. Most real estate agents or attorneys have a list of competent home inspectors they have worked with and trust to ensure nothing gets overlooked. 

What Gets Inspected?

The inspection checks everything, including the roofing, heating, air conditioning, plumbing, and electrical work. But, the inspection typically does not check the water heater, attic insulation, structural components, or ceilings. 

Common Violation

The most common violation in rentals is missing, outdated, or improper safety devices. Common violations include missing, damaged, or out-of-date smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms. Other offenses may include inappropriate or blocked egress methods in a home, condominium, or building.  

Other common housing code violations may include: 

• Electrical issues
• Plumbing problems
• Mechanical issues
• Window or door functionality
• Missing or damaged safety features, such as handrails, locks, and alarms

Cost

In most situations, the homebuyer is the one who typically pays for the home inspection cost. The home inspection cost can vary, ranging between $400 and $2,500; however, depending upon the size and location of the home, the home inspection can cost as much as $2,500. 

The cost of the home inspection significantly outweighs the possibility of buying a home after discovering it needs tens of thousands of dollars in repairs. 

A Home Inspection Attorney Can Help

A home inspection attorney can help ensure that nothing is overlooked when having a home inspection completed. If needed, the attorney can also help file a lawsuit against the home inspector for not correctly providing safe house inspections, especially if an apparent home defect is overlooked. 

A home inspection attorney can also help talk with the inspector to get a complete list of what is wrong with the home and help develop a house inspection checklist to give to the seller. This list will include items the inspector does not feel are up to code and can be used for negotiating price, especially if the homeowner does not want to correct the issues before selling the home. 

If you are considering buying or selling a home, it is best to speak with a home inspection attorney who is dedicated and experienced in helping their clients get through this part of the home-buying transaction. The attorneys at Ferrer Law Group can help navigate the home buying process, including assisting during and after the home inspection. Call our office today to learn more about how we can help you during their home-buying experience.