I have been in the next county for over 30 years watching the development and the Villages is a great place to live.
Is is not unusual for an offer to purchase an existing home to include the buyers right to have an inspection period of 10 to 15 days. During that time be sure to turn on the utilities and have a licensed home inspector and termite inspector visit and produce full reports on the home.
In Florida licensed home inspectors will produce an extensive report. The last one I paid for included 40 photos and every blemish, the soundness of the structure, appliances, electric, plumbing, roof, foundation, and even the life expectancy of the driveway.
In Florida The Inspection Includes:
EXTERIOR: grading, walls, coverings, patio/decks, soffits/facias, doors/window/trim,
gutter/downspouts, retaining walls, fences/gates.
STRUCTURE foundations, crawlspace, footings/columns, floors, walls, chimneys.
ROOFING: structure, coverings, flashing, skylights, vent/stacks.
ELECTRICAL: service entrance, grounding, panel/sub panels, branch circuits, outlets, GFCI's & AFCI's.
HEATING AND A/C (HVAC:
Description, combustion system, a/c components, supply/discharge lines, venting, ductwork/registers, controls/thermostats.
PLUMBING: main supply line, distribution lines, fixtures, vents/traps/drains, functional flow.
INSULATION: attic, walls, crawlspace, floors, lines, ductwork, air/vapor barriers.
INTERIOR: walls, ceilings, windows, floors, stairs, fireplaces, smoke detectors
(test buttons).
ALSO AVAILABLE: on request by Certified Operators and Testers.
Termite (WDO) inspection[, reports to satisfy your mortgage company.
Water Quality: tests for the Home Owner
And lending requirements FHA/VA Requireme
The cost for the home insoector and bug guy should be around $400 and will be worth its weight in gold (even at today's prices) for the peace of mind, or right to withdraw, it will offer. This should be a no-brainier for anyone considering an existing home, manufactured or site built.
In Central Florida I use Choice Home Inspections
Website:
http://www.reporthost.com/choice
Email:
[email protected]
Phone: (352) 216-5451
I like his independence from the local sellers and the thoroughness of his reporting.