Closer Look Inspections, Inc.

As Halloween approaches, it’s not just the ghosts, goblins, and spooky costumes that come out to play. We’ve noticed a few frightful misconceptions about home inspections that seem to creep out of the shadows as well! Let's see if we can tame a few of those myths. Here are some of the most common home inspection myths, debunked with a little Halloween twist… :) Myth 1: "The Home Inspector is a Witch!" 🧙‍ Okay, so no one actually thinks we fly around on brooms, but many believe we have magical powers to see through walls and predict the future. While we'd love to pull out a crystal ball and give you an exact timeline of future repairs, home inspections are about assessing the current state of the house—not predicting unseen curses. 🔍 Truth: We don’t need any magic to do a thorough job! Using technology like moisture meters, thermal imaging, and good ol’ experience, we can spot potential problems. But remember, we aren’t clairvoyants. While we give you a clear pict...

In Florida, fall and winter don’t bring snowstorms or frigid temperatures, but that doesn’t mean you won’t feel the need to adjust for cooler weather! Even in milder climates, fall is an excellent time to focus on energy-saving improvements that will keep your home comfortable and your utility bills low all season. A home inspection can help you identify areas where your Florida home may be losing energy—and money. With a few strategic upgrades and adjustments, you’ll be ready to handle the cooler months without a spike in costs. Here are some fall-friendly, energy-saving home inspection tips tailored for Florida homeowners: 1. Seal Gaps Around Windows and Doors One of the biggest sources of energy loss in homes comes from air leaks around windows and doors. During an inspection, we often find small gaps or worn weatherstripping that allows cooler air to seep in, making your heating system work overtime. What We Check : We’ll look for gaps, worn seals, and drafty spots around windows a...

  Your comfort! Your home working at its best! Your money in your pocket! Your Ounce Of Prevention:  Review insurance policies to ensure adequate coverage for the home and its contents Update your home inventory to reflect any new acquisitions or changes Inspect the home for signs of mold and mildew and address any issues promptly Use dehumidifiers in high-humidity areas such as bathrooms and basements Clean and store outdoor furniture and cushions to protect them from the elements Secure or sture other outdoor items that could be damaged by weather Check decks and fences for any needed repairs or refinishing Consider applying a protective sealant before the winter months Review and replenish emergency supplies including non-perishable food, water, batteries, and first aid items Ensure that all family members are familiar with emergency procedures and the location of supplies If you have a septic system, schedule a professional inspection of the system and pump out the tank if...

It’s that time of year when things go bump in the night and eerie sounds seem to come from nowhere. But before you start calling ghostbusters, take a breath—your home’s spooky issues might not be supernatural, just structural! We often see homeowners spooked by problems that, while unsettling at first, they are usually easy to fix with the right approach. Here are some “haunted house” problems, we’ve uncovered, that may seem like the stuff of nightmares but are actually very manageable—and far from requiring an exorcism! 1. The Creaky Floors  Creeeeak. Every time you step on that one spot in the hallway, it sounds like a spirit is announcing your presence. While creaky floors may make your home sound like a haunted mansion, the cause is much more mundane. 🔧 The Fix: Creaky floors usually occur because of loose floorboards or joists rubbing against each other. It’s a simple matter of tightening the boards or using shims to secure the joists. In many cases, you won’t even need to re...

As the cooler weather rolls in and the holidays approach, your focus may be shifting toward family gatherings, festive decorations, and cozy nights by the fire. But before you deck the halls or plan that perfect holiday dinner, there’s one important item you should check off your list: getting a home inspection. Whether you're buying a new house, preparing to sell, or simply maintaining your current home, fall is one of the best times to schedule a home inspection. Here’s why a pre-holiday home inspection during the cooler months is a decision you'll be thankful for: 1. Cool Weather Shows Problems that Might Be Hidden in Warmer Months  Fall’s crisp temperatures bring out issues that often go unnoticed during summer’s heat. Problems like drafty windows, poor insulation, and inefficient heating systems are far more apparent when the weather cools down. A home inspection in the fall can reveal issues like: Drafts around windows and doors: If you’ve got leaks or drafts, you’ll feel...