Hire a good home inspector. Do not purchase the services of the cheapest inspector and review their qualifications. Ask questions. Check if they are certified by a national organization and if they are insured.

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Buying a home? The process can be stressful.  A home inspection is supposed to give you peace of mind, but often has the opposite effect.  You will be asked to absorb a lot of information in a short time.  This often includes a written report, checklist, photographs, environmental reports and what the inspector himself says during the inspection.  All this combined with the seller's disclosure and what you notice yourself makes the experience even more overwhelming.  What should you do?

Relax.  Most of your inspection will be maintenance recommendations, life expectancies and minor imperfections. These are nice to know about.  However, the issues that really matter will fall into four categories:

1. Major defects.  An example of this would be a structural failure.
2. Things that lead to major defects.  A small roof-flashing leak, for example.
3. Things that may hinder your ability to finance, legally occupy or insure the home. An example of this would be an illegal addition to the home or structure or a lien. Professional Home Evaluation will research the home's permitting history at no charge to you to uncover any potential legal issues.
4. Safety hazards, such as an exposed, live buss bar at the electric panel.

Anything in these categories should be addressed.  Often a serious problem can be corrected inexpensively to protect both life and property (especially in categories 2 and 4).

Most sellers are honest and are often surprised to learn of defects uncovered during an inspection.  Realize that sellers are under no obligation to repair everything mentioned in the report.  No home is perfect.  Keep things in perspective.  Do not kill your deal over things that do not matter.  It is inappropriate to demand that a seller address deferred maintenance, conditions already listed on the seller's disclosure or nit-picky items.

 In Florida, the home inspection business will not be regulated until 2010. We have professional engineers in staff to handle all your concerns when buying or selling your home.

 Professional Home Evaluation - 407-592-2854

I have a recurring problem with moss between pavers in my home. My home patio has a northern exposure and remains humid in relationship to other sides of the home. In addition, the house is two stories and the houses adjacent to it are also two story homes, therefore, the patio is in shade most of the day. Moss is growing on the porous surface of the pavers and between them.

 The experts recommend that the moss should be removed mechanically at first with a brush, or broom. It could also be removed by pressure washing, however, this could cause damage to the pavers. A solution of 10-20 percent bleach and water could also help, however, a small area should be tested to see if the bleach damages the color of the pavers.

 Professional Home Evaluation