Understand the home before your next move.

What a home inspection covers

Investment Inspection provides home inspections in Hollywood and the surrounding South Florida service area. The inspection focuses on accessible components and their observable condition at the time of the visit. The property’s age, layout, utilities, and access all affect what can be evaluated.

We discuss the agreed scope before the appointment. The following systems form the core of a typical residential inspection; the report records important access limits and components that could not be operated safely.

Roof, attic, and visible structure

Accessible roof coverings, flashing, penetrations, drainage details, and visible leak evidence are evaluated using a safe available method. In accessible attic areas, the inspection considers visible framing, sheathing, insulation, ventilation, and moisture staining. The inspection also considers visible foundation and structural components for conditions that warrant further evaluation.

Exterior, interiors, and garage

We look at accessible wall coverings, doors, windows, visible trim, grading, and drainage near the building. Inside, we examine accessible floors, walls, ceilings, stairs, railings, and installed appliances included in the agreement. Garage observations may include the overhead door, accessible safety features, and visible separation from living areas.

Electrical, plumbing, and heating and cooling

These systems are evaluated through accessible observations and normal operating controls, where safe. The work can include visible electrical equipment, representative outlets, accessible supply and drain piping, fixtures, the water heater, and heating and cooling equipment. We note accessible equipment information and visible concerns, including leaks, condensate handling, and unsafe conditions.

Questions that matter in South Florida

Water management deserves attention from roof to ground. A damaged flashing detail, a condensate problem, and drainage toward a wall can create different moisture pathways. Visible staining is useful evidence, but identifying a concealed source may require additional investigation.

Insurance questions should run alongside the inspection. Ask your insurance agent which documents are required for the specific property and policy. A full buyer inspection, a four-point inspection, and a wind mitigation inspection serve different purposes. Ordering one does not automatically supply the others.

For older or substantially renovated homes, obtain available permit records and invoices. The appearance of completed work does not establish that a permit was required, issued, or closed. Record research and a visual inspection complement each other.

What you receive

• A report organized around the inspected systems and the conditions observed.
• Photographs that help locate and explain significant findings.
• A clear distinction between safety concerns, repair recommendations, and routine maintenance.
• Recommendations for further evaluation where appropriate.
• Descriptions of material access limitations and equipment that could not be evaluated.

Confirm the report-delivery time when booking so it fits your contractual deadline. Read the whole report, not just the summary. An inspection identifies conditions; a contractor’s estimate is a separate step when you need a repair price or a defined work scope.

Preparing for the visit

Provide the address, property type, approximate square footage, construction year if known, and your deadline. Tell us about additions, detached structures, pools, or unusual equipment so we can confirm what is included.

Arrange permission to enter and ask the seller or property manager to provide access to panels, equipment, attic openings, and other agreed areas. Utilities should be available for normal operation. We will not move heavy belongings, force access, or operate a system that appears unsafe.

You are welcome to discuss attending a walkthrough. Ask questions about shutoffs, equipment, and the findings, while allowing room for the inspector to work safely.

Know the scope and its limits

A home inspection is not an invasive investigation, code-compliance certification, environmental clearance, appraisal, or guarantee of future performance. Concealed piping, buried systems, closed wall cavities, and inaccessible areas can contain conditions a visual inspection cannot establish.

Ask separately about sewer cameras, pools, WDO/termite inspections, mold assessment, radon testing, septic systems, wells, seawalls, or engineering evaluation. These may require another scope and appropriately qualified providers. A condo purchase should start with the condo inspection page.

Frequently asked questions