FULL SERVICE
CERTIFIED
INSPECTIONS:
STRUCTURAL
HEATING
ELECTRICAL
PLUMBING
DOORS
WINDOWS
POOLS, SPAS HURRICANE
MITIGATION
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ARCO Home Inspection Services
Serving the entire Tampa Bay Florida
Area
Real Estate Inspection
Facts
How long does a home
inspection take? A typical inspection should take 2 to 3 hours to complete. This
can vary, given the current condition and size of the home, the accessibility of
mechanical systems, and so on. As a courtesy to sellers, we recommend that they be
informed of the timeframe in a pre-purchase home inspection situation.
What do you look at? We inspect the major systems of the house. These
include the Roof, Exterior, Structure, Electrical, Cooling, Heating, Plumbing, Insulation,
Interior, Fixtures and Appliances. Our goal is to identify any existing major problems
that would affect a typical buyer's decision to purchase.
How much does an inspection cost? Our fee for an inspection varies, for a
house or condo according to size, stories, age, does it have a crawl space or slab, does
it have a pool, seawall or boat dock, does the appliances go with the house, do you want a
termite inspection?
Some factors will affect the fee, it's better to call for a price. If you are comparing
home inspection firms, the fee charged should not be the deciding factor unless the level
of service offered is identical. Remember, you are considering a major purchase and your
choice of home inspector should be based on getting the best value, not just the best
price.
What is included in the fee? Complete home inspection conducted by an
experienced professional. Comprehensive written home inspection report with photographs.
Technical support for as long as you own your home.
Can I follow along? Definitely. We encourage you to attend. The
inspection is a valuable learning experience for most homebuyers.
Do I have to take notes? You don't have to take notes during the
inspection. We will document everything in a written report. It's much better to follow
the inspector through, listening to the comments to make sure you understand. It's also a
great opportunity to ask questions and to clarify anything that confuses you.
Can I ask questions? Absolutely! You may want to bring some questions
that you have regarding the home. You should also feel free to stop the inspector and ask
questions as you go. If our comments or explanations are not clear, please ask us for
further explanation.
What should I wear? You should dress comfortably and be prepared to spend
roughly 2 1/2 to 3 hours walking through the home with the me. You won't have to climb on
the roof or go into the attic, so your clothes won't get dirty.
Can I bring my family? We recommend that you not bring your family; this
is a technical evaluation, and you should focus on the inspectors comments, the fewer
distractions, the better.
Do I get a written report? When? You do receive a written report. It
would be unfair to ask you to remember all of the things we cover during a home
inspection. The report includes a summary of the condition of the home and details on all
the major systems of the home plus photos of any defects encountered. If time permits, it
may prepared and delivered on site at the end of the inspection or within 24 hours as a
PDF, CD and or booklet if preferred.
If it's really bad, will you tell us not to buy the house? No. Our goal
is to report on the condition of the house, indicating potential repairs and expenses.
Ultimately, it is your decision as to whether or not you buy the house. The home
inspection is very important but it is only one piece of the puzzle. Only you know all of
the factors at play.
Do you offer a warranty on the house?
A home inspection is a professional opinion based on less-than-complete information. It's
a little like getting a check-up from your doctor: It improves your odds of good health
but there is no guarantee or warranty.
Some problems can only be discovered by living in a house - they cannot be discovered
during a home inspection. For example, some shower stalls leak when people use the shower
but don't leak when you simply turn on the shower. Some roofs and basements only leak when
specific weather conditions exist. Some problems will only be discovered when carpets are
lifted, furniture is moved or finishes are removed. As such, we cannot and do not offer a
warranty on the house.
Home warranty programs are available from others. We would be happy to help you contact a
warranty company.
How many inspectors do you have?
We currently have one full-time professional available to perform inspections, myself. I
have an extensive background and experience in construction and inspection, and my wife
Kay sets appointments and handles the marketing and office.
What are your inspector qualifications?
I am a graduate of ITA, INSPECTOR TRAINING ASSOCIATES and almost 14 years as a contractor
for FEMA, the Federal Emergency Managment Agency. My knowledge and experience is
reinforced by the more than 18,000 documented inspections in the last 13 years as a
contract DISASTER HOUSING INSPECTOR through Parsons Brinckerhoff, now PB Inspections, the
nations oldest engineering co.
I am also a State of Florida CERTIFIED WIND and HURRICANE MITIGATION INSPECTOR, for the My
Safe Florida Home program, and have completed over 400 of those inspections. I also do the
same inspection privately for homeowners interested in reducing their Insurance Premiums.
We have good communication as well as hands-on skills. I have also undergone an extensive
FBI / HOMELAND SECURITY and FDLE background investigations.
I keep my skills current with continuing education programs both through the company and
as an Associate #247509 with the AMERICAN SOCIETY of HOME INSPECTORS . We also adhere to
or excede the strict ASHI Standards and Code of Ethics.
How many days notice do I need to give you?
We should be able to serve you quickly. However, when the sale of a home is conditional on
the results of a home inspection, we recommend that you allow at least 2-3 days to arrange
for a home inspection, but we will always try to accomodate any urgent situations.
For more information or to book an inspection Click Here
Or call our office at 813-334-5249 or 1-888-474-9017
Kay will be happy to set an appointment that fits your schedule.
Our office is open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., 7 Days a week. If you're calling after hours,
please leave a message and we'll get back to you promptly the next day, you may also fax
813-907-8053
Experienced Wind and Hurricane Mitigation Inspections.
Our inspection may reduce your homeowner insurance premiums utilizing a State of Florida
mandated universally accepted insurance form. Free consultation CLICK HERE
Ask about our Pre-listing
inspections and One year builders warranty inspections
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