Inspection Types & Services

Inspections

No different than your car; a primary home, second home, commercial building, or investment properties, must be maintained to protect not only their future value, but also to perform as its intended use. A planned relaxing weekend at the coast can quickly turn into a stressful and financial burden when you discover the a/c is not working due to a stopped up drain pan. It is discovered that the electrician while replacing a recess ceiling light, moves insulation out of his way and conveniently places it in the a/c overflow pan, thus stopping up the drain. While there are numerous reliable subcontractors in their field of expertise, one of the common discoveries is one contractor causing issues with another. I see this time and time again.

A maintenance inspection is a thorough visual examination of a structure and its vital components. Items such as foundations, roof and attic, exterior sealants, electrical, plumbing, heating, and cooling, are all part of this intensive examination. The goal of the maintenance inspection is not limited to finding existing problems, but to also identify potentially damaging deficiencies that may lead to large repairs and expense. Water leaks from several sources can create damage for long periods of time before ever being discovered. Water is very similar to an internal cancer; it eats away at working parts for years, and too often is uncovered when it is too late. Safety precautions and hazards are also of high priority.

Whether you are planning to build, buy, sell, or just want to protect your current investment, getting an inspection is essential.

Home Inspection

When you hire a home inspector, experienced in the building industry, they not only evaluate the condition of the house's major systems and structural integrity, but also evaluate how these systems are working together and identifies areas that need to be watched, repaired or replaced.

Jeff West's inspection services is a visual inspection of the structural elements and systems which are accessible. This includes the following and more:

Foundation
Plumbing Systems
Roofing
Exterior Walls, Siding, Etc.
Interior
Doors and Windows
Porches and Decks
Heating & Air Conditioning Systems
Attics
Ventilation
Electrical Systems
Fireplaces
EIFS / Synthetic Stucco
Moisture Intrusion

Four-Point Insurance Inspection

A four-point Inspection is now required when obtaining a new homeowners insurance policy or renewing an existing policy if the home is 20 years old or older. This 4-point insurance inspection includes a limited scope evaluation of the following four systems.

Roofing: Checks are made on the age, installation, general condition, type of materials used and life expectancy left.
Electrical: Checks are made on the age, installation, general condition, safety issues and life expectancy left.
Heating-air conditioning: Checked for age, installation, general condition, type and life expectancy left.
Plumbing: Checked for age, installation, leaks, type, hot water heater, type and life expectancy left.

The focus of the inspection is to determine the approximate age and condition of the components as well as assess the remaining life expectancy of the materials/components and systems. Note: this type of insurance inspection should not be confused with a "standard home inspection" which is more comprehensive in regards to both detail and scope. This is a specific report/form for insurance companies. The Insurance company will require that the inspections be performed by a qualified person. Jeff West is a Florida State ASHI Certified Inspector and uses the standardized ASHI form.

Wind Mitigation Inspection

A wind mitigation inspection may save you money! There is possibility that Jeff West Inspections can help you reduce the price of your current homeowners insurance policy.

Florida Law (FL § 627.0629) requires insurers to give “discounts, credits, or other rate differentials” if you provide certification that your home has one or more construction features proven to reduce damage and loss in windstorms. These discounts are to be applied for 5 years. We welcome you to read through this website and then call us, or ask your insurance agent to verify what we’re saying.

What gets inspection? The inspector will survey the exterior of the dwelling, and inside of the attic space.

Roof Shape
Roof Covering
Roof Deck Attachment
Roof to Wall Connections (in attic)
Exterior Walls
Opening Protections (I.R.W., doors, and/or shutters)

Radon Testing

Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers. It is present in many of our homes; however, mitigation is readily available for elevated radon levels. At Jeff West Home Services, we provide testing with our 48 hour constant monitoring equipment. In the event of elevated levels of radon we can refer you to several licensed mitigation companies. I recently tested my own home and the level was 3.2 pCi/L. The EPA recommends mitigation at 4.0 pCi/L and higher.