Closer Look Inspections, Inc.

When purchasing a home in Florida, buyers quickly become familiar with the unique needs of a Florida home….especially its roof. Savvy homebuyers have learned that the roof is a vital area which  impacting the rest of the home. In our work, we’ve seen time and again how the condition of a roof can make or break a home purchase, affect insurance premiums, and significantly influence long-term maintenance costs. That’s where roof certifications come into play. A roof certification is more than just a piece of paper—it’s an assurance, a professional assessment that outlines the condition of a roof, its remaining lifespan, and whether it meets certain safety and durability standards. In Florida, with our humid climate, hurricane risks, and insurance requirements, roof certifications are particularly valuable. In this article, we’ll break down what roof certifications are, why they matter so much in Florida, how they can benefit homebuyers, and what you should know about them when consid...

We spend a lot of time helping buyers not only understand the condition of the property they’re purchasing, but also how certain features can save them money in the long run. One of the most misunderstood — yet financially beneficial — inspections we perform is the wind mitigation inspection. If you’re buying a home in Florida, you’ve likely heard about them from your real estate agent, insurance provider, or even a friend.  But what exactly is a wind mitigation inspection? How does it work? And why does it matter to you as a prospective homebuyer? Let’s take a look. What is a Wind Mitigation Inspection? A wind mitigation inspection is a specialized home inspection that evaluates how well a home can withstand strong winds — particularly the kind we get from tropical storms and hurricanes. The purpose of this inspection is not to grade the home’s overall condition, but specifically to identify features and construction methods that reduce the likelihood of wind damage. These feature...