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Showing posts from 2024

Weekly Maintenance (Third Week of June)

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Your comfort! Your home working at its best! Your money in your pocket! Your Ounce Of Prevention: Check outdoor lighting systems to ensure they are functioning properly Review insurance policies to ensure adequate coverage for hurricanes, floods, and other potential damages Ensure that generators and other emergency equipment are operational and that you have enough fuel Check to make sure major appliances like refrigerators, ovens, and washers are working properly Repair any cracks or damage in driveways and walkways to prevent accidents Have a fantastic and safe rest of your week everyone! Your Closer Look Inspections Team

New Build Homes in Old Orange Groves: Not Often Talked About Challenges with Termites

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Today, we're addressing a specific concern for many new homeowners in Florida: the unique challenges of constructing new homes on land previously used as orange groves. The Appeal of Orange Grove Lands Florida's iconic orange groves not only contribute to the state's identity but also to its evolving landscape. As residential developers seek attractive, available land, these groves are increasingly being transformed into residential communities. While the idea of living on these historic lands is appealing, there are several important considerations for potential homeowners, especially when it comes to termites. Soil and Environmental Conditions Soil Composition: The sandy soil that is ideal for citrus cultivation presents unique challenges for building foundations. This type of soil can shift and settle unevenly, potentially creating entry points for termites. The loose nature of the soil also facilitates easier movement for termites, allowing them to colonize new homes m

Why WDO Termite Inspections Are Essential In Florida And Water-Adjacent Areas

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In Florida and regions close to water, homeowners face unique challenges due to the high humidity and frequent damp conditions, which can significantly affect the longevity and safety of wooden structures. One of the most crucial preventative measures you can take is a Wood-Destroying Organism (WDO) inspection, commonly known as a termite inspection. This post will explain what a WDO inspection is and why it's particularly important if you live in these areas. What is a WDO Termite Inspection? A WDO termite inspection involves a thorough check of a property for signs of termites and other wood-destroying organisms, including carpenter ants, wood-boring beetles, and fungi that cause wood decay. This specialized inspection assesses the risk and extent of damage to a property that may compromise its structural integrity. The Importance of WDO Inspections in Florida and Water-Adjacent Areas High Humidity and Moisture : Florida's climate and proximity to water create ideal condition

Weekly Maintenance (Second Week of June)

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  Your comfort! Your home working at its best! Your money in your pocket! Your Ounce Of Prevention: Inspect for mold and mildew in areas with high humidity such as bathrooms and kitchens. Check your fencing, decking, and other outdoor structures for stability and repair as needed. Inspect your garage door and its safety features. Secure heavy items to prevent them from falling or shifting during a storm. Check your water heater for corrosion and leaks Inspect your septic systems for signs of blockage or failure. Have a fantastic and safe rest of your week everyone! Your Closer Look Inspections Team

The Pitfalls of Owning a Townhouse Without an HOA: An Inspection Company’s Perspective

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Owning a townhome can be an attractive option for many homebuyers, offering a blend of single-family home ownership with some of the conveniences of apartment living. However, townhomes that are not part of a homeowners association (HOA) come with their own set of challenges and potential pitfalls. We have seen the various issues that can arise when townhomes lack the oversight and collective management provided by an HOA. Here, we list and describe the key pitfalls of owning a townhome that is not part of an HOA. 1. Maintenance and Upkeep Responsibilities One of the primary benefits of an HOA is the collective management of exterior maintenance and common areas. Without an HOA, individual owners bear the full responsibility for maintaining their properties. This includes: Exterior Repairs: Owners must handle all exterior repairs themselves, which can be costly and time-consuming. Roof repairs, siding, painting, and other exterior maintenance tasks can quickly add up in both effort an

The Impact of Townhouse to Condo Reclassification on FHA Qualified Buyers: An Inspection Company's Perspective

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In recent years, a significant number of townhome homeowners associations (HOAs) have undertaken the process of reclassifying their properties from townhomes to condominiums. While this shift might seem like a minor administrative change, it can have profound effects on buyers, particularly those who are only qualified for Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loans. We have witnessed the unfortunate scenarios where buyers go through the entire home-buying process only to discover at closing that they cannot purchase the property due to its reclassification. Understanding the Reclassification The distinction between townhomes and condominiums lies in their ownership and management structures. Townhomes typically include ownership of the individual unit and the land it sits on, while condominiums involve ownership of the interior space of the unit, with common areas and land collectively owned and managed by the HOA. The reclassification process involves changing the legal definition and