Closer Look Inspections, Inc.

As a trusted home inspection company operating in Florida, we often encounter questions from homeowners about how various aspects of their property impact insurance costs. One area that can significantly influence premiums is the type of front door installed. Given Florida's unique climate challenges, including hurricanes, humidity, and high temperatures, insurance companies closely evaluate home security and resilience features, including front doors. In this article, we will discuss how different types of front doors can affect insurance costs for Florida residents. The Role of Front Doors in Home Insurance Insurance companies assess risk when determining premiums. A strong, secure front door can enhance a home’s safety and reduce the likelihood of theft or storm damage, ultimately lowering insurance costs. Here’s how the type of front door you choose can impact your insurance premiums: 1. Hurricane Impact Doors Overview: Hurricane impact doors are specifically designed to withst...

In Florida, homebuyers often encounter a requirement from insurance companies to complete a four-point inspection before they can secure a homeowner's insurance policy. This specific type of inspection focuses on four critical areas of the home: the roof, electrical system, plumbing, and HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning). Understanding why insurance companies mandate this inspection can help you appreciate its importance and prepare accordingly. Today we thought we might give you some information to help you see the other side of that coin. Mitigating Risk 1. Reducing the Likelihood of Claims Insurance companies operate on the principle of risk management. Homes with outdated or poorly maintained systems are more likely to experience failures that could lead to significant damage and, consequently, expensive claims. By requiring a four-point inspection, insurance companies can assess the condition of these key systems and identify potential risks before issuing a po...

  What is a Four-Point Inspection? A four-point inspection is a specialized evaluation that focuses on four primary systems of a home: the roof, electrical system, plumbing, and HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning). This type of inspection is often required by insurance companies, particularly for homes that are 10+ years old or older, before they will issue or renew a homeowner's insurance policy. The goal of a four-point inspection is to assess the current condition and remaining lifespan of these critical systems, rather than providing a comprehensive assessment of the entire home. What Does a Four-Point Inspection Cover? 1. Roof The roof is one of the most critical components of a home, protecting it from the elements and maintaining its structural integrity. During a four-point inspection, the inspector will evaluate the following aspects of the roof: Age and Type : The inspector will determine the age and type of roofing material used, such as shingles, tiles, or...

Among the various materials used over the years, polybutylene pipes have resulted in some of the most stressful, and sometimes heartbreaking stories. In this blog post, we'll share a few real-life stories from homeowners who have navigated the problems of polybutylene plumbing – highlighting the importance of being informed and proactive in dealing with potential issues. A Renovation Nightmare Alex embarked on a kitchen renovation, eager to update his home of 20 years. Midway through the project, the contractor discovered that the house was equipped with polybutylene pipes. Upon further inspection, several pipes showed signs of deterioration and were close to failing. Alex was faced with an unexpected and costly overhaul of his home's plumbing system, significantly extending the renovation timeline and budget. This story underscores the importance of a thorough inspection before any major home improvement project. The Domino Effect Sarah and Tom experienced a minor leak under t...

Over the years we have encountered our fair share of plumbing materials, but few have a story quite as tumultuous as that of polybutylene pipes. In this post, we’ll explore the rise and fall of this controversial material, shedding light on its history and the reasons behind its discontinuation. This information is vital for homeowners, homebuyers, and real estate professionals alike. The Rise of Polybutylene Pipes Polybutylene pipes made their debut in the plumbing scene in the late 1970s. Touted as the next “big thing” in home plumbing, these gray or blue plastic pipes were celebrated for their flexibility, ease of installation, and affordability. Polybutylene was seen as an innovative alternative to more traditional materials like copper, with its use spreading rapidly across the United States and Canada in the 1980s and early 1990s. Millions of homes and buildings were equipped with these pipes and many thought this material was the beginning of a new era in plumbing. The Fall: Why...

In the intricate world of real estate, understanding the nuances that influence home insurance premiums is paramount. Today, we're zoning in on a specific factor that significantly impacts insurance costs: termite risk in different types of home construction. The spotlight is on comparing single-story block homes with two-story homes that feature block on the first story and a wood frame on the second. Single Story Block Homes: A Bastion Against Termites Single-story homes constructed entirely with block (concrete, cinder, or similar materials) are virtually impervious to termites. Termites primarily feed on cellulose material, which is found in abundance in wood but not in block construction. This innate resistance to termites makes single-story block homes less of a risk from an insurance perspective. Insurers often view these homes as lower-risk properties since the likelihood of termite-related damage, and thus termite-related claims, is significantly reduced. Consequently, the...