Closer Look Inspections, Inc.

As hurricane season approaches, it is critical to ensure that not only your home but also its surroundings, including vehicles, are prepared for potential severe weather. We have compiled a detailed checklist based on industry best practices to help you secure your property and maintain safety during a hurricane. Vehicles Keep Gas Tanks Full : In anticipation of evacuation orders, keep your car's gas tank full. This ensures you can leave quickly without needing to queue at gas stations, which might experience shortages or be inoperable during power outages. Secure Your Vehicle In The Garage : If you have a garage, park your car inside to protect it from flying debris. If you do not have a garage, look for a secure location away from trees and other potential hazards. Protect Windows and Glass Doors Install Storm Shutters : The best way to protect windows and sliding doors is by installing storm shutters. If shutters are not available, board up windows with 5/8-inch marine plywood,

As Florida residents, we are no strangers to the power and unpredictability of hurricanes. These natural disasters can strike with little warning, leaving a path of destruction in their wake. We’ve seen firsthand the devastation that hurricanes can cause to homes and properties. Today we put together a guide to help take you through safeguarding your assets against the next big storm. Now is the time to begin documenting, if you haven’t already. The Importance Of Documentation And Insurance Before A Hurricane Quick Recovery Process: Documenting your possessions and having the right insurance coverage can significantly speed up the recovery and claims process after a hurricane. With a detailed inventory, you can quickly identify what’s been lost or damaged and provide your insurance company with the necessary documentation to process your claim. Accurate Insurance Coverage : Hurricanes often bring unexpected surprises, which can include discovering that you’re underinsured for the valu

Today, we're focusing on an increasingly crucial feature of home safety in the Sunshine State: safe rooms. With Florida's unique vulnerability to hurricanes, tornadoes, and severe storms, the value of having a safe room built into your home cannot be overstated. Let's delve into what safe rooms are, their importance, and how they can offer protection for you and your loved ones during extreme weather events. Understanding Safe Rooms A safe room, essentially, is a fortified space designed to provide refuge during severe weather events, such as hurricanes and tornadoes. These rooms are engineered to meet specific criteria set by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to withstand extreme winds and flying debris, two of the most dangerous aspects of severe weather. Safe rooms can be built into new homes or retrofitted into existing structures, located either inside the home itself or externally. The Importance of Safe Rooms Florida's geographic location makes it pr

As an inspection company, we have encountered numerous situations where unawareness of an Underground Storage Tank (UST) on a property led to various complications. We have included a few stories below from our experience to illustrate the potential risks: Surprise Discovery During Renovation One of our clients, a family, purchased an older home with plans to renovate. During the excavation for an extension, they discovered an old, rusted UST. It turned out that the tank had been leaking for years, causing significant soil contamination. The family faced unexpected costs for environmental cleanup and tank removal, delaying their renovation project by several months and greatly exceeding their budget. Real Estate Deal Gone Awry In another instance, a couple was in the process of selling their home when our routine inspection requested by the buyers revealed an abandoned UST buried in the yard. The buyers became concerned about potential contamination and demanded a reduction in the sal

  Let’s face it. Older homes have a great deal of charm to them. They just do. They are comfortable, warm, and just feel cozy. As a purchaser of an older home or potential purchaser of an older home you know going into it that you are going to need to pay attention to maintenance. We wanted to touch on a topic this week that isn’t talked about much but can be very important  and could pose significant risks both financially and for your health. This feature is an underground fuel tank. What is an Underground Fuel Tank? Underground heating oil tanks were particularly popular among home builders during the mid-20th century. The peak period for their installation was from about the 1930s through the 1980s. This trend was primarily due to the widespread availability and cost-effectiveness of heating oil during those times. Heating oil was a common choice for residential heating before the widespread adoption of natural gas and electric heat systems, which have since become more popular due

Home inspectors in Florida often encounter specific issues in homes just after Christmas Day. These problems can range from wear and tear due to the holiday season to issues exacerbated by Florida's unique climate. Here are some common problems found just after Christmas. Keep An Eye Out For These Things: Electrical system: Problems such as outdated wiring, overloaded circuits, or faulty outlets due to increased usage. Roof Damage & Clogged Gutters: Outside Christmas decorations, combined with potential winter storms, can lead to these problems.. Plumbing: Increased activity and usage during holiday gatherings can exacerbate existing plumbing issues, like slow drains, leaking pipes, or issues with the water heater. Structural and Exterior Wear: High traffic and activities during the holidays can reveal or worsen structural issues like cracks in the foundation, damaged siding, or issues with decks and patios. Mold and Mildew Growth: Florida's humid climate can encourage