Our Services

A professional home inspection evaluates the visible and accessible components of a property at the time of the inspection. This typically includes the roof, structure, foundation, electrical systems, plumbing, HVAC, interior finishes, exterior components, and major safety features. House Hounds Home Inspections follows Florida Standards of Practice and focuses on identifying material defects, safety concerns, and conditions that may affect the home’s overall performance.

Home inspections are non-invasive and do not involve destructive testing. Inspectors do not open walls, move heavy furniture, or evaluate concealed or inaccessible areas. Cosmetic issues, code compliance verification, and future performance predictions are also outside the scope. Specialty services such as mold testing, sewer scopes, pool inspections, or termite inspections are considered add-on services and are only included if specifically requested.

A resale inspection focuses on aging, wear, and maintenance-related issues in an existing home. A new construction inspection is designed to identify workmanship issues, incomplete installations, and construction defects before closing or before builder warranties expire. Even brand-new homes can have deficiencies, making inspections equally important for new and existing properties.

Municipal inspections verify minimum building code compliance at specific stages of construction. They are not intended to evaluate overall workmanship, system performance, or finishing quality. An independent home inspection provides a more comprehensive evaluation of the home as a complete system and works solely in the buyer’s best interest.

The builder’s role is to construct the home. An independent inspector’s role is to provide an unbiased evaluation of the property’s condition. Inspectors do not work for builders and have no financial interest in the transaction, ensuring objective findings, clear documentation, and transparency for the client.

Inspection reports are typically delivered electronically within 24 hours of the inspection, and often the same day. Reports include photos, detailed explanations, and clearly written findings so clients can review results promptly and take appropriate next steps.

No. Home inspectors do not make purchase decisions for clients. The inspector’s job is to provide accurate, factual information about the condition of the home so buyers can make informed decisions, negotiate repairs, or plan for future maintenance.

No inspection can predict future failures or uncover conditions that are hidden or inaccessible at the time of the inspection. A home inspection reflects the condition of the property on the day it is inspected. Ongoing maintenance and periodic evaluations are essential for long-term home ownership.

No. An appraisal determines market value for lending purposes, while a home inspection evaluates the physical condition of the property. These services serve different purposes and are performed independently.

Common misconceptions include believing that new homes do not need inspections, inspections are pass-or-fail, inspectors are responsible for finding every possible issue, or city inspections replace the need for an independent evaluation. A home inspection is an educational service designed to inform and protect the client.

Yes. Clients are encouraged to attend the inspection when possible. Attending allows you to ask questions, better understand the home’s systems, and gain helpful maintenance insight directly from the inspector.