Closer Look Inspections, Inc.

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

When it comes to insuring homes, realtors and homeowners alike may wonder how the structure and materials of a home can affect insurance premiums. Today, we're diving into an important distinction: the difference in insurance costs between a single-story block home and a two-story home with block on the first story and wood frame on the second story. Single Story Block Homes: A Fortress of Security Single-story homes built entirely with block (concrete masonry units) are often lauded for their strength and durability. Block construction is highly resistant to fire, termites, and extreme weather conditions, such as hurricanes or tornadoes. These characteristics make block homes less risky to insure. Insurers may offer lower premiums for these homes due to the reduced likelihood of structural damage and the subsequent claims that may arise from such damage. Additionally, single-story homes generally have a simpler design, which can further reduce the risk of issues like roof damage o

In Florida, the requirement for wind mitigation inspections for townhomes and not for condos generally comes from the differences in ownership and responsibility structures between these two types of properties. Here are some key points to understanding these differences: Ownership Structure: In a condominium, individuals own their specific units but the building's exterior, roof, and common areas are typically owned and maintained by the condo association. In townhomes, the owner usually is responsible for both the interior and exterior of the unit, including the roof. Insurance Policies: Due to this ownership structure, the insurance policies differ. Condo owners typically have a Condominium Unit Owners Insurance Policy that covers the interior of the unit and personal property inside. The condo association generally holds a separate policy for the exterior and common areas of the building. Townhome owners, on the other hand, often have a standard homeowners insurance policy th

This week we are looking at a few real world stories of how the style of your roof can significantly impact your home’s resilience in severe weather. Gable roofs, while popular and cost-effective, can be more vulnerable to damage in high wind situations compared to hip roofs. Below are some example of stories illustrating this potential problem: Enhanced Wind Damage During a Hurricane: A homeowner in Florida had a gable-style roof. During a Category 3 hurricane, the high winds exerted immense pressure on the gable ends, leading to the roof structure becoming compromised. This resulted in significant roof damage and subsequent water intrusion. This ended up leading to mold remediation as much of the water intrusion ended up within the walls of the home. Costly Retrofitting Measures: After experiencing minor damage from a mild storm, a homeowner with a gable roof decided to take preventive measures against future incidents. They found that retrofitting their gable roof for better wind

Building a new home is full of many decisions, one of them being the type of roof your home will have. Today, let’s look into the differences between a Gable Roof and a Hip Roof and how choosing one over the other could be a game-changer for your wind mitigation insurance premiums. The Gable Roo f:  Imagine a child’s drawing of a house; that simple roof drawing is likely a gable roof. It has two slopes that meet at the top to form a triangle, with two sides covered in roofing material and the other two sides being the home’s walls. The Hip Roof: In contrast, a Hip Roof has all its four sides sloping downwards to the walls, forming a sturdy and symmetrical structure. It’s like giving your house a snug, well-fitted cap. Why Consider a Gable Roof? It’s simple and cost-effective to build and great for water runoff. However, its shape can be less stable in high winds, which will raise your wind mitigation insurance premiums. Why Consider a Hip Roof? Stability: Due to its uniform slope on a