FAQs

Florida is hard on roofs. Depending on the type, age, and condition of your roof, we’ll use all that information to determine an estimated life expectancy. This is an estimate and should be understood as such. However, we have a lot of experience with evaluating Florida roofs and will generally be quite accurate in predicting how long your roof will last.

Yes, all our inspectors have been trained to educate, respond, and make recommendations based on their expertise. If you have a question, don’t hesitate to ask the AcuSystem home and building inspector anything that pertains to the structure. We’ll be happy to let you know the situation, what your options are, and help you in any way we can to understand the property you’re purchasing or selling.

AcuSystem will deliver an inspection report within 24 hours of the inspection, more often, the same day as the inspection. Recommendations and all other relevant matters will always be included in this report.

Systems, components, conditions and/or situations which are NOT within the scope of the building inspection include, but are not limited to:

• Radon gas, formaldehyde gas, lead-based paint, asbestos, and toxic or flammable materials
• Mold, mildew and other environmental hazards as well as termites and pests
• Security alarm and/or fire detection systems
• Household appliances (including humidifiers)
• Paint wallpaper and other decorative treatments to windows
• Recreational equipment or facilities
• Underground or hidden home components (such as underground storage tanks or water wells)
• Energy efficiency measurements
• Concealed, private or security, or fire protection systems
• Heating system accessories such as solar heating systems
• Sprinkling and/or irrigation systems
• Water softener
• Telephone, intercom or cable TV systems, antennae
• Lightning arrestors
• Load controllers
• Trees and plants
• Governing codes, ordinances, statutes, and covenants
• Architectural analysis
• Soil analysis or ground settlement investigation

AcuSystem Home Inspections LLC can add the following services to your home inspection:

• WDO Inspection
• Well Pump Pressure and Yield Test
• Water Quality Testing (Nitrates, Nitrites, Lead, and bacteria)
• Radon Testing
• Lead Paint Testing
• Asbestos Testing
• Mold Testing (State Licensed)
• Energy Audit
• Septic inspection (by Independent Septic company)

The process usually takes between one and three hours depending on the size and condition of the home. Age of the structure is also a consideration. You should also factor in if any additional services, should they need to be provided. As a matter of customer service, the realtor should go through the inspection process with the buyer so that areas of concern can be discussed, helping the buyer feel educated about specific areas to watch for as the home ages.

Settlement cracks are a normal part of Florida homes. Small cracks will occur on the exterior stucco and concrete slab due to normal settling. If the cracks continue to grow and get larger than 1/8th of an inch, then our home inspectors will report it as a concern and look for reasons behind the growth of the defect.

Every AcuSystem inspector is certified and trained to meet the highest industry standards.

As standards change, we have a system in place to bring these changes to their attention. We also ensure the inspector’s continuing education. There are technical aspects involved with maintaining an inspector’s credentials and we make sure our inspectors stay up to date with that knowledge too.

Believe us, the client will genuinely appreciate it if you can be there on the date of the home inspection. By walking through the process with an inspector, you and your client will be given the chance to do all this:

• Observe each component in the house and note its condition.
• Save time and avoid frustration by learning about the operation of the new home. This is a great time to explain how the a/c system works. You can show your client how the heater turns on. What the correct temperature of the hot water tank should stay within. You might ask your client to prepare a list of concerns or questions he/she has about the property, then communicate those issues to you in advance so you can address them. Of course, have your client bring that list to the inspection.
• Educate the client on areas that require more attention and differentiate those of less concern. For instance, an exposed beam above a wall may only need a coat of paint to help the appearance of the room. Or an area where a pipe enters the laundry facility may need occasional attention in case moisture gathers at the point of entry or behind the appliance.

Most inspections will include nearly 400 items, at least. Some of the major components of the inspection will be the foundation, structural components, roof, and possible points of moisture entry. Of course, all plumbing, mechanical and electrical systems will be closely examined. Every relevant part of the home that deserves inspection will be addressed.

For one, you will receive a written report detailing all the ‘bases’ that were covered by the inspection team. Hence, you will be able to itemize and go through all the components of the house. Based on experience and training, our inspectors will examine nearly 400 items in the home. We begin with the major, structural-related components and look at every appliance, the home’s electrical system, plumbing work, and all mechanical functions. Heating and air conditioning systems will be examined, and much, much more. Again, the report will be your record that all the necessary areas were inspected.

Generally, depending on the size and age of the home, our inspectors need two to three hours to complete a full inspection.

There are millions of mold spores in the air all the time. They are dormant. What they need to germinate, grow, and spread is moisture and a food supply. During home inspections we will look for any of these indicators. We typically do not recommend a mold inspection unless we see causes for concern during an inspection.

Usually, we respond to an inspection request within 24 hours. If greater urgency is needed, we will attempt to accommodate the homeowner, even coming on a Saturday if necessary.

Every AcuSystem inspector is certified and trained to meet the highest industry standards. Ongoing training keeps our team abreast of emerging technologies and other technical matters of relevance.