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Award-winning Florida real estate Broker PROUDLY SELLING IN PINELLAS, HILLSBOROUGH, PASCO, MANATEE & SARASOTA COUNTIES since 2004.

5 Things Not Included in the Home Inspection

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There’s so much more to buying a house than touring property after property until you find “The One”. Once you find the house that’s meant to be your home, you’ll need to make an offer, sign an agreement of sale, and go through the mortgage process. While some lenders and certain types of loans require a home inspection and others don’t, we always recommend Buyers to obtain a home inspection prior to closing. Most agreements of sale contain a home inspection contingency clause that allow for the contract to be voided if the inspection reports a serious defect in the property that Seller and Buyer can’t come to an agreement on repairing.

5 Things Not Included In the Home Inspection

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The home inspection is fairly comprehensive. We urge our Buyers to attend the home inspection to learn more about the inner-workings of the property and its systems. For all the thoroughness the inspector puts into each individual property, there are things not included in the home inspection. That doesn’t make these items less important nor should the exclusion of these items mean you should inspect them yourself (or by a trained professional). Below are five things not included in the home inspection that you should inspect yourself.

  1. Appliances. After-market appliances are not included in home inspections but should be tested for their working order by the Buyers. You don’t want to find out that your dryer’s timer no longer works or the refrigerator doesn’t cool as it should. Simple tests such as running the appliances during the home inspection, which can take a few hours, can be the easiest way to check the status of the items in question. Talk with your Realtor before the home inspection and coordinate with the Seller, don’t just show up with a bag of dirty laundry!
  2. Swimming pools and hot tubs. These are two popular items in Florida homes but they’re not included in a standard home inspection. Some home inspectors will offer an add-on inspection for an additional while others will recommend you contact a licensed pool contractor. Which ever avenue you decide to take, be sure that the systems are functioning properly, the concrete in and around the pool or the pool liner and other structures are in good condition. Again, an inspection is a good time to learn home to use the pool or hot tub systems.
  3. Sprinkler systems. Your soon-to-be new home may have beautiful landscaping thanks in part to a sprinkler system. Even if this was installed by the home’s builder, the home inspector still won’t include it in his or her report. Your Realtor can talk with the Seller’s agent about existing servicing agreements for the system that may include a transfer inspection or can help you locate a licensed and experienced landscaper who can inspect the system.
  4. Environmental hazards. The term “environmental hazards” can seem terrifying but the likelihood of Buyers having to combat these issues are low; however that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t investigate a property you intend to live in. The most common concerns are radon, lead, asbestos, and mold. All of the tests for these issues are easy to perform. The inspectors can vary from your home inspector performing them in conjunction with the traditional home inspection to hiring a specialized inspector. If the results don’t meet the threshold of safety as designated by the EPA or local laws, the issue can be mitigated usually at the Seller’s expense.
  5. Electronic systems. Did that full-home stereo system seal the deal for you? Or does the house have a state-of-the-art security system? That’s awesome but your home inspector isn’t going to checking these things. It’s best to hire an electrician, experienced professional, or the servicing company to inspect the system in question.

It may seem like your home inspector is overlooking a large portion of your potential new home, the truth is he or she is concerned with the guts of the house. All of these items are considered the “bells and whistles” and while you don’t need them to make a house, it certainly makes for a more comfortable home. It’s also best to spend a small amount of money for an inspection ahead of time to avoid spending a large amount of money in repairs shortly after buying. You may not need all of these items inspected either, if the Seller has a current servicing contract or warranty, you and your Realtor should investigate if it can be transferred to you as the new home owner.

Practice Water Safety

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As temperatures heat up and summer quickly approaches, many people in the Tampa Bay area will be jumping into pools or taking a dip in the ocean. We’ve previously discussed how homeowners can develop good practices to keep their personal swimming pools safe but we’re going to expand on that topic and talk about staying safe in any body of water. May is National Water Safety Month. It should be everyone’s responsibility to practice water safety no matter their age or their location to the water.

Educate Yourself and Your Family

The American Red Cross recommends that all family members take the age appropriate swim lessons. Your family should have set rules and every family member should abide by them at all times. Swimmers should be aware of the location of safety devices and how to use them. Swimmers should also be aware of the general mechanics of the pool (drains, filters, water intake valves, electricity, etc.) and avoid swimming too close to anything that may entrap or otherwise injury them. If swimming in a natural body of water, swimmers need to be aware of water currents and the effect temperatures may have on a person.

Practice Water Safety | Hounchellrealestate.com

Stay Together

Swimming should never be a solitary activity, no matter the swimmer’s experience. Using the buddy system will provide a measure of safety should the swimmer experience an emergency. Children should never be expected to monitor another child’s swimming. To prevent unauthorized access to water, barriers, safety covers, alarms, and locks should be used at all times when pools and hot tubs are not in use. Children should not be allowed to explore areas with water without adult supervision.

Vehicles In the Water

Boaters and people operating other watercraft need to be just as mindful of rules and regulations as they would be driving a car. Operators should know how to safely pilot their vehicle and learn the best conditions under which to operate. It is important to have a way to contact the authorities should you need help and also be able to direct them to your location. Operators should also refrain from drinking alcohol before and while operating a watercraft. All occupants should wear a Coast Guard approved life jacket at all times.

Prepare For Emergencies

Whether you plan on enjoying your summer in your private swimming pool or head to one of the many beaches in the area, familiarize yourself with property emergency procedures. Know your exact location (address and easy to identify landmarks). The American Red Cross also recommends every person learns CPR/AED and proper first aid techniques.

We feel following these simple and easy to implement water safety practices will allow for you and your family to enjoy the water all summer long.

 

Pool Popping Out of Ground

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A pool popping out of the ground is one of the most horrendous events that can befall a homeowner or contractor.Pool-Popping-Out-of-Ground

Several years ago a St. Petersburg client called to say that their pool had popped out of the ground while they were in the process of having it drained and cleaned. We had heard stories of this happening before but until you’ve seen it for yourself, you can’t imagine the extent of the damage a popped pool can cause.

The fiberglass pool shell lifted close to two feet out of the ground. As it rose, the surrounding dirt and sand caved in, partly filling the resulting hole and making resettling the pool impossible. Heavy rains soon followed and pushed even more dirt into the whole. PVC piping carrying water to and from the filter was damaged. Most of the coping cracked off and fell to the bottom. Hundreds of paver blocks that once created a delightful outdoor seating area were ripped up; many ended up in the hole. The backyard and the pool were a disaster.

Luckily, the contractor with whom they were working was fully insured.

This is not a DIY project. Hire a professional.

There was essentially no way our clients, or any unskilled person, would have been able to repair the pool themselves. Insurance companies, equipment acquisitions and an exceptionally rainy summer all conspired to delay repairs for our clients; but once work started it moved quickly.

First, a crane came through the backyard to lift the shell out of the hole and place it on the lawn. Then a backhoe came through the front yard to re-excavate the hole and pile the spare dirt and sand on the patio, the lawn, in the flowerbeds, basically everywhere they could store huge piles of dirt in an already tight backyard. Once all the pipes had been reset, and the hole was prepped, the crane returned to lift the shell back into the hole. The job of backfilling all the dirt is still going on.

In the process of removing, re-digging, repairing and replacing the pool, irrigation lines were crushed, bushes and trees were uprooted, fences had to be moved and replaced. The lawns were smothered by dirt and filled with deep ruts from the heavy machinery. The contractor had assured the homeowners that all will be repaired satisfactorily.

On top of that, the pool they had so looked forward to enjoying all summer was out of commission. It’s safe to say it was a complete nightmare for our clients and would have been an even larger one if they had attempted the repairs themselves.

So how did this happen and how can you avoid having this happening to your pool?

Concrete (or gunite), vinyl-lined and fiberglass pools are subject to popping. High groundwater areas are common throughout the St. Petersburg-Tampa area; especially with the heavy rains the area receives in the summer. Pool popping occurs when the pressure of the groundwater exceeds the pressure of the pool. This is normally not an issue when the pool is full because the pressure from the water in the pool is equal or greater than the groundwater. If you need to repair or clean the pool, you may have to drain the pool partially or completely thus changing the downward pressure. There are steps to take to decrease the chances of the pool popping.

First, you should remove the surrounding groundwater before draining the pool. You can use a dewatering system included in the swimming pool system or use an external one. You can also drill small holes in the pool starting at the shallow end and continuing across the break. These holes can allow pressure from the ground water room to escape and not push against the shell. The holes can always be patched before refilling the pool.

Our best advice: Draining and pool repairs should be left to experienced, licensed, and insured contractors.

Editor’s note: This post was first published in September 2013. It’s been updated with new information and edited for cohesiveness. 

Tips For Closing Your Pool For the Season

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While the temperatures may still be warm, summer is quickly winding down and fall with its cooler temperatures will be here before you know. Don’t let closing your pool become an afterthought. Having a pool is a huge investment in your home and one that needs proper maintenance in order to avoid it becoming a huge problem. Closing your pool isn’t as intimidating a project as many homeowners think either. Follow our tips for a smooth closing and good winter maintenance.

Tips-For-Closing-Your-Pool

  • Treat your water. Five to seven days before closing your pool, test your water and then treat it accordingly to bring the calcium, pH, and alkalinity into the correct range. Shock the pool with chlorine to kill any bacteria. Let the chlorine levels come back down to normal range before proceeding with your closing.
  • Clean and clear your pool. Scrub the walls of the pool and then vacuum the pool. This will help keep algae at bay and make opening easier. Remove all accessories such as ladders, handrails, slides, vacuums, etc. from the pool and store them in a shed or garage away from the winter elements.
  • Lower your water level. Using your filter or a separate pump, reduce the water level to below the skimmer. In the event of freezing, this will provide enough room for the water to expand without damaging your pool.
  • Backwash and drain your filter system. Backwashing the filter will remove all the water in the filter. Drain all of the water lines and blow them out using an air compressor.
  • Cover the pool. Using a solid, opaque cover for your pool keeps debris out of the water and reduces the ability of algae to form in the water. It also helps keep unwanted guests, namely children and animals, out of the water although you should still practice proper pool safety even in the off season.

Closing your pool the correct way will allow for an easier opening once temperatures warm back up in the spring and allow you to enjoy your pool sooner.

Swimming Pool Safety

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Florida is known for it’s moderate climate and the opportunity to enjoy the water almost year round. Many homeowners decide to bring the water to them and install pools in their backyards. To ensure a swimming pool is enjoyable every time, homeowners and swimmers should practice swimming pool safety every time they are near water.

Swimming-Pool-Safety

Maintenance

The pool water should be cleaned regularly by removing debris and using the proper chemicals and the pH balance maintained at the recommended levels to prevent rashes, earaches, chemical burns, and bacteria that can lead to illness.  Make sure filter and drain covers are in good condition and not cracked or missing. All electrical wires and parts should be maintained and repaired by a licensed electrician.

Security

A four foot fence with a self-closing & latching gate should surround the pool area and be locked when not in use. Pool covers also help keep the water clean and secure when not in use. If children live in the home, pool owners should consider a water alarm on the pool and alarms for doors that lead to the pool. If a child ever goes missing, the pool area should be the first place searched.

Buddy Up

No one should ever swim alone. Even the most skilled and experienced swimmers could encounter an emergency situation that lessens their ability to stay above the water or exit the pool quickly. For adult swimmers, another adult should check in intermittently. Children should never be in the water alone and should always be within arms reach of an adult.

Always Be Prepared

Pool owners should become certified in CPR, for both adults and children, and water rescue techniques. The Red Cross offers training and certification. A floatation device and wireless telephone should be in the immediate vicinity of the pool at all times. A first aid kit should also be available.

These simple and easy to practice steps will make for safe and enjoyable use of a swimming pool every time.