Closer Look Inspections, Inc.

  In the world of mobile home ownership and insurance, understanding the necessity of an engineering report is pivotal. We’ve seen first hand how these reports serve as a key component in ensuring the safety, stability, and insurability of mobile homes. Today we look at why engineering reports are essential and why insurance companies often require them for mobile homes. What is an Engineering Report? An engineering report for a mobile home is a comprehensive document prepared by a licensed professional engineer often in conjunction with a licensed home inspector. It evaluates the structural integrity and foundation of the home, ensuring that it meets specific safety standards and regulations. These reports are particularly crucial for mobile homes, given their unique construction and foundation systems. Why Insurance Companies Require Engineering Reports Assessing Structural Integrity : Mobile homes must adhere to different standards than traditional homes, especially regarding their

We often get questions from homeowners and potential buyers about the differences between manufactured homes and mobile homes. The distinctions between these two types of homes are not only technical but also involve regulatory, construction, and classification differences that can affect homeownership in various ways. Today we will help clarify these differences, helping you make informed decisions whether you’re buying, selling, or insuring your home and how an inspection can give you a good idea of where things are with the maintenance and upkeep of these types of homes. Historical Context And Understanding Terminology Mobile Homes : The term “mobile home” refers to factory-built homes that were constructed before June 15, 1976. Before this date, there were no federal building standards in place for mobile homes, and they were primarily designed for temporary or seasonal accommodation, with mobility being a key feature. Manufactured Homes : Post-June 15, 1076, the U.S. Department of

  Your comfort! Your home working at its best! Your money in your pocket! Your Ounce Of Prevention: Confirm that air conditioning units are operating effectively, clean or replace filters, and schedule professional maintenance if needed. Look at your irrigation systems for leaks or malfunctions. Take a look at your lawn and garden areas for signs of pests or diseases and begin regular fertilization and pest control routines. Continue to inspect your roof for damage and repair any that may be found. Clean gutters and downspouts to ensure proper water flow away from the home. Inspect exterior walls, paint, and siding for damage and wear. Fix or replace items as you need to. Check for any foundation issues or cracks. Ensure the seals around your doors and windows are intact in order to maintain energy efficiency as temperatures rise. Have a fantastic and safe rest of your week everyone! Closer Look Inspections Team

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

Your comfort! Your home working at its best! Your money in your pocket! Your Ounce Of Prevention: Look for mold and mildew, especially in prone areas like bathrooms, kitchens, and basements. Check any insurance coverage you have and ensure the home is adequately protected as hurricane season approaches. Trim any branches close to the house or electrical wires and remove dead or dying trees that might pose a risk during storms. Make sure all household appliances are working correctly and efficiently. Take a look at your driveway and any walkways for cracks or uneven surfaces that can be tripping hazards. Have a fantastic and safe rest of your week everyone! Your Closer Look Inspections Team

Today, we're zeroing in on a topic of paramount importance for Florida homeowners: roofing underlayments. Here, in the Sunshine State, where the weather can be as unpredictable as it is beautiful, understanding and choosing the right roofing underlayment is not just advisable; it's essential. Why Roofing Underlayments Matter in Florida Roofing underlayments play a crucial role in safeguarding your home from the elements. Positioned between the roof deck and the outer roofing material, underlayments serve as a critical barrier against water intrusion, wind, and sometimes even solar heat. But why is this especially important in Florida? Let's take a look. Intense Weather Conditions : We are no stranger to harsh weather, from torrential rainstorms and hurricanes to blistering heat and high humidity. These conditions can test the limits of any roofing system. A high-quality underlayment can provide that much-needed extra layer of protection against leaks and water damage. Hurri