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New Year, New Home

 

New years often result in new promises, but here at Kelting, we want to re-state our old promise to you that when you work with us you get more than just an inspection. One of the ways that we keep this promise to you is to offer a free Buildfax Report with every inspection that is ordered. Buildfax is the nation’s number one source regarding home history data. It is a resource that professionals have used for years to help them provide thorough services on homes where they are working.

This report will give you the history of the home you are considering for purchase, including: the number of permits opened on the house, the dates of permits, and the total cost of any improvements made on the home. You will also learn why improvements were made, such as improvements made because of natural disaster, fire, or simply because the previous owners were trying to improve their living space.  Our hope is that the knowledge of this information will give you peace of mind as well as an awareness of any potential issues that could arise in the future so that you can make an informed decision on your purchase. While our residential inspection shows you the current condition of a home, a Buildfax report provides the history of the home. These two reports combined can provide ideas as to potential areas of improvement or areas of concern that may arise in the future as well.

At Kelting, we firmly believe in giving our clients as much information as possible when they are working to purchase a home. This thorough information has been, and will continue to be, our staple and promise to you as the years go by. As the saying goes “An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.” – Benjamin Franklin

written by M. Hotchkin, Manager

Kelting Home Inspections & Services, LLC
PO Box 510058
Punta Gorda, FL 33951
(941) 655-8888

Wesley Bulifant, Owner & Inspector
Florida Licensed Home Inspector & Mold Assessor
License HI7956 & MRSA2484

www.KeltingHomeInspections.com

CLICK HERE to REQUEST AN INSPECTION

 Copyright. 2018 Wesley Bulifant- Kelting Home Inspections & Services LLC. All Rights Reserved. “It is important to remember that no two inspections are the same. A home inspection is a snapshot in time and reports of the current conditions of the home. Our inspections are all performed in accordance with the InterNACHI Standards of Practice and without any personal interests of any party. An updated inspection should be considered”

 

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What is a 4-Point Inspection?

 

When it comes to technology, we all know that as time passes devices become obsolete. For example, when you go to your local cell phone company for a new phone, you ask for one of the latest versions, correct? You would never consider asking for a phone from 1999 because what it offers would not function properly in today’s culture. This same rule applies to many of the core components of your home. While older hardware may have been fine 10 or 20 years ago, as time passes it to becomes obsolete.

For this reason, insurance companies will often require home owners to have a 4-point inspection on any older home that they are wanting to insure. Usually, this requirement is for homes 30 years or older but, depending on the insurance company and other factors the home may have experienced (such as storms), the insurance company may require these on younger homes also.

This inspection differs from a full residential inspection (which is often ordered when a new home is purchased) because it focuses on the plumbing, HVAC, electric, and roof of a home and determines the age and condition of each. It does not look at other areas of the home, such as windows, doors, and walls. An inspector uses significant training, skill, and time to focus on these four things in detail and report their condition to yourself and your insurance company (pictures are included).

When ordering home inspections, it is important to keep in mind that a 4-point inspection is usually for insurance purposes. It communicates to your insurance company either that, while the home and appliances may be dated, they are still in good working condition or proves that there have been significant updates on your home. As a result of updates and care a 4-point inspection can result in saving you significant money on your insurance premium.

Beyond insurance purposes we also have had clients request 4-point inspections specifically for added peace of mind. They understand the detail and work that goes into this extra inspection and report and have found value in the extra knowledge.

We hope that as you prepare to purchase your home and dive into the exciting (and often confusing) world of home inspections this information brings more clarity for what you will need to order. Remember, everything has its expiration date and you want to make sure that the key components of your dream home are not past theirs.

written by M. Hotchkin, Manager

Kelting Home Inspections & Services, LLC
PO Box 510058
Punta Gorda, FL 33951
(941) 655-8888

Wesley Bulifant, Owner & Inspector
Florida Licensed Home Inspector & Mold Assessor
License HI7956 & MRSA2484

www.KeltingHomeInspections.com

CLICK HERE to REQUEST AN INSPECTION

 Copyright. 2018 Wesley Bulifant- Kelting Home Inspections & Services LLC. All Rights Reserved. “It is important to remember that no two inspections are the same. A home inspection is a snapshot in time and reports of the current conditions of the home. Our inspections are all performed in accordance with the InterNACHI Standards of Practice and without any personal interests of any party. An updated inspection should be considered”

 

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Roof Maintenance

One thing that can make or break the sale of a home is whether or not a roof is in good condition. The condition of your roof can affect insurance rates, protect or cause issues with mold, and determine whether or not a home is safe should a hurricane arise. At Kelting Home Inspections, one of the main requests that come from our clients is that we pay special attention to the quality and health of the roof on the home that they are considering to purchase.

As a home owner it is important to remember that roof maintenance will be required from time to time. Roofs are water resistant not water proof after all! Here are some basic and simple steps that you can take to monitor your roof situation and make sure that your roof is up to date with care throughout your time in your home:

  1. Watch the Roof Covering
    Every few months go around your home and check the exterior walls and trim for any deterioration that could be developing, especially in areas where there are no gutters or overhang. If your roof is sloped and unsafe to walk on or inaccessible for any reason you can do this using binoculars.
  2. Inspect After Storms
    Storms have the potential to cause significant damage from wind and hail. For this reason we recommend hiring a roofing contractor or home inspector to look over your roof after a significant storm hits your area. Kelting Home Inspections offers roof certification inspections that include a report which our home inspector will gladly review with you should any questions or concerns arise. Not only will this give you peace of mind but it will make you aware of any damage that could cause greater issues in the future if not taken care of immediately.
  3. Thermography
    Kelting Home Inspections has inspectors trained in infrared technology and building science. For this reason we have the ability to check roofing structures with an infrared camera and check for any moisture issues that may be starting in your roof. Moisture issues can lead to mold problems that have the ability to affect your family’s health if not properly cared for in a timely manner. Due to Florida’s high humidity, roofs in the state have a tendency to collect black mold. Should black mold be found on the surface of your roof please note that cleaning off the mold is extremely easy with a conventional sprayer and 50/50 mixture of bleach and water. In the case that mold is detected under the surface by our infrared camera our inspectors will work with you on determining the best next step your family can take to fix the issue.

 

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What Inspections Do I Actually Need?

 

Did you know that Kelting Home Inspections offers 9 different types of inspections that can be combined in numerous ways? Our hope in offering so many options is that our clients will be provided with the most thorough service and peace of mind possible when moving into their new home. With that said, we understand that all of these options leave most people asking “So which inspections do I actually need?”  When ordering a home inspection here is a simple outline of our 3 most popular inspections to help you sort through what you will need to order:

  1. Residential Inspection: This inspection is recommended whenever you buy a new home. It is our most thorough inspection and will look over the entire property and any foundation that is attached to the main living area (including the garage, patios, etc.). With this inspection, you receive a number of free warranties and a detailed report, complete with pictures. The goal of a residential inspection is to give you a clear understanding of what you are purchasing in your new home.
  1. Wind Mitigation: Most insurance companies will require a wind mitigation for any home that is not brand new. This inspection checks the roof, windows, and doors in order to make sure your home is ready to handle a hurricane. With a “wind mit” you get a filled out report (including pictures) to give to your insurance company for discounts on your insurance. Depending on your situation these discounts could be quite significant!
  1. 4-Point Inspection: Most insurance companies require a 4-point inspection for homes that are 30 years or over. A 4-point checks the 4 main points of a home (roof, plumbing, AC, and electric). With this inspection, you will receive a one-page report (including pictures) to give your insurance company so they can approve your coverage.

The Kelting Team is more than happy to answer any further questions you have regarding these inspections. Please feel free to call our office at 941-655-8888 so that we can assist you in your scheduling needs!

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Veterans Discount For Hometown Heroes

 

At Kelting Home Inspections we work daily with the realization that the freedom we have to run this business was not given to us without cost. We are thankful for those in our community who have sacrificed their time with family, their health, and even their lives to give us the freedoms we walk in daily. For this reason, we are excited to honor them through our partnership with Hometown Heroes.

Hometown Heroes is an organization that takes the time to honor those who sacrifice on a regular basis to serve our communities and our country. They describe their mission like this:

“With a servant’s heart, Hometown Heroes and those who partner with us, are committed to giving back to the men and women who serve our country and our communities. We understand that saying, ‘Thank you’, is just the beginning and that actions speak louder than words. Through our words and our actions, we will recognize and honor our Heroes individually and as a community.”

Kelting Inspections is proud to let our client’s know that as part of our partnership with Hometown Heroes we offer veterans and first responders discounts on their home inspections. We hope that in this small way we can show those who have sacrificed for our freedoms how very appreciative we are of their services. To all who have served and continue to serve we say “Thank you!”

Romans 13:7-

Give to everyone what you owe them … if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.

If you would like to learn more about Hometown Heroes check out their website at www.hometownheroes.com.

 

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Why You Need a Pre-Listing Inspection

A Pre-Listing Inspection is also referred to as a Seller’s Inspection. These inspections hold a tremendous amount of value for the seller, the real estate agent, and the buyer. This is simply because a Pre-Listing Inspection can virtually eliminate the many obstacles that could occur during a real estate transaction. Let’s look at some of these advantages and how this process will work.

Pre-Listing Inspection for the Seller:

Congratulations. You have decided to list your home and your anticipating that you will get the full asking price or close to it. A Seller’s or Pre-Listing Inspection will help you reach that goal.

You should arrange for the Pre-Listing Inspection before the home goes on the market. Hiring a Certified Home Inspector with experience is the first step. You should be able to schedule the inspection at your convenience and you should be present during this inspection. It is important that you work alongside the inspector during the inspection. You can discuss the history of the home, repairs, and improvements that you have made, and discuss any concerns that you may have.

If deficiencies are found, you will be given the opportunity to make those repairs before listing your home. You will then have time to get quotes from different contractors to ensure that you are getting the best price for the repairs you need. Once repairs are made your home will show better, and you will feel more comfortable knowing you took the extra steps to help you substantiate a higher asking price.

Don’t get overwhelmed if you cannot make the repairs because they are costlier than you can afford. The first thing to do is use the repair quotes to accurately adjust your asking price based on those quotes. You will be prepared and knowledgeable about the current condition of your home and able to select a price that you are comfortable with.

Pre-Listing Inspection for Real Estate Professional:

We know how hard you work for your clients and how diligent you are in helping them get the best price possible. The worst feeling is to have a sale contract in hand and then lose it because an inspection revealed something that either party could not overcome. Let’s try to avoid that if we can.

The Seller’s Inspection report will help you with your negotiations and help you avoid that 11th-hour re-negotiation. Clients will be encouraged to know that a home has already passed inspection and deficiencies have already been addressed. Not only is a clean inspection report a great marketing tool, but it also provides you with full-disclosure protection.

Pre-Listing Inspection for the Home Buyer:

You are looking for the perfect home and you finally found it. You also have just been informed that the seller has already had a complete home inspection and the report is available for you to review. This has several benefits to you. The first benefit is you just saved a few hundred dollars because the seller has already paid for the inspection. You will feel more confident in moving forward with your purchase because the deficiencies have already been revealed and possibly even repaired.

We encourage you to consider a Pre-Listing Inspection in your next real estate transaction. The benefits will be appreciated by everyone involved. Kelting Inspections offers Pre-Listing Inspections, Radon Inspections, Mold Inspections and much more. Schedule your Pre-Listing Inspection today.

Copyright. 2018 Wesley Bulifant. All Rights Reserved.

“It is important to remember that no two inspections are the same. A home inspection is a snapshot in time and reports of the current conditions of the home. Our inspections are all performed in accordance with the InterNACHI Standards of Practice and without any personal interests of any party. An updated inspection should be considered”

 

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An Easier Way to Move

 

Regardless if you’re packing up a home, apartment or condo, there is a way you can make this process easier. These few tips might be all you need.

TAKE PICTURES. Take a quick snapshot of each room before you start boxing it up. You can use them as a blueprint for your new home or just for reminiscing. Decorating in your new home with your favorite belongings will help make you feel settled in.

PACK THE BOXES WISELY. Group the boxes together so they make sense. Pack up each room in a separate group of boxes. Each box should contain like items. For example: Start with your living room and place all your pictures together in a box and books in another box.

PACK A SUITCASE. Pack a suitcase for each family member. Most your belongings will be packed away in boxes for the first few days. Using a suitcase will make things easier. You will quickly be able to get access to your clothes until the boxes are all unpacked. Plus, the kids can pretend they are on a fun vacation.

PLAN FOR THE NEW HOME. Last thing you want to do is have to run out to the store when you are buried under boxes. Buy everything ahead of time. Let’s start your shopping list…

  1. Cleaner
  2. Paper towels
  3. Command Hooks & nails
  4. Trash bags

MAKE A MOVING TO-DO LIST. List your goals to stay on task. Check them off as you go. This will give you a great sense of accomplishment through this process.

Kelting Home Inspections offers inspections to help ensure your new home is safe for your family and helps you protect your investment. Make the move easier by calling us first.

 

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Top Reasons You Should Hire Kelting Inspections

wesley bulifant certified home inspector

 

Top Reasons You Should Hire Kelting Home Inspections

“You will get more than just an inspection”

There are many different reasons why Kelting Home Inspections should be your number one choice when choosing an inspector. We pride ourselves on old fashion customer service and customer satisfaction. We strive to provide the very best product with each inspection.  Purchasing a home is one of the largest investments you will make. Protect your investment by hiring an experienced inspector.


Our reports are detailed, professional and easy to read. The inspection report is emailed directly to the client within 24 hours of the inspection. We clearly explain the home inspection findings and include great pictures that point everything out to you. We are available to go through the report with you to ensure all your questions are answered. You are then prepared to make an informed decision about your investment purchase.


Experienced & Trained. Our inspectors are highly trained, stay abreast of industry changes, continue with training and education, and have years of experience in this field. We are Licensed, Bonded, & Insured. You can have the peace of mind knowing that Kelting Home Inspections is fully insured.

We offer a TONS of extras for FREE. You are not only getting a thorough home inspection and high–quality report but we also include extra coverage and protection that other companies do not including:

 

  • Ability to call and speak to your inspector about questions you have regarding your report.
  • Free termite inspections through Hughes Exterminators when a residential inspection is ordered.
  • • A free Buildfax report.

Kelting Home Inspections & Services LLC

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