I’m the inspector behind By Builder Home Inspections, and I’ve been walking roofs, crawling attics, and studying the bones of homes across Florida for years. This isn’t just a job to me—it’s a process that helps people make smart choices about one of the biggest investments they’ll ever make.
I don’t hand out vague reports or leave you guessing. I show you exactly what I see, explain how it affects your home, and help you understand what comes next. Whether you’re buying, selling, or maintaining your property, here’s what you can expect when you book a residential home inspection with me.
How My Residential Inspections Work — Step by Step
1. Exterior Walkthrough
I start outside. Roofing, grading, siding, foundation lines—I take my time because small exterior problems often lead to big interior issues. I check:
- Roof condition and materials
- Drainage patterns
- Cracks or shifts in the foundation
- Window frames and exterior doors
- HVAC condenser units
- Exterior plumbing and hose bibs
2. Interior Systems Evaluation
Once inside, I walk the entire home—from baseboards to ceiling vents. My focus is on structure, safety, and function. Here’s what I cover:
- Walls, ceilings, and flooring
- Windows and doors
- Staircases and railings
- Plumbing fixtures and shut-offs
- Electrical outlets, switches, and panels
- HVAC units, ducts, and thermostats
I open every panel that’s accessible. If I can reach it, I check it.
What Makes My Inspections Different
I don’t rush. I give every home the time it deserves. I don’t use boilerplate templates. Every report is written for that house, not copied from another job.
When I finish, I give you a digital report—usually the same day. It’s written in plain language with annotated images, not technical jargon. And if you need help interpreting something, I take your call. Every time.
Tools I Use (And Why)
My tools don’t replace knowledge, but they do help me work more efficiently and spot things that might be missed with the naked eye. For every inspection, I bring:
- Moisture meters to detect leaks inside walls
- Infrared cameras to identify insulation gaps and overheating breakers
- Gas detectors for stoves and water heaters
- Electrical testers to verify grounded outlets and GFCI protection
- Telescoping ladders and drones to get to hard-to-reach roof areas
Why You Shouldn’t Skip a Home Inspection
Some buyers consider waiving an inspection to win a bidding war. That’s risky. I’ve found everything from open electrical splices in attics to foundations shifting on the slab—things that aren’t visible at first glance. Here’s a look at the kinds of issues I commonly find and how frequently they come up.
Common Issues Found in Residential Home Inspections
| Issue Type | Frequency in Homes (Est.) | Potential Cost to Repair |
|---|---|---|
| Roof damage or wear | 70% | $3,000–$15,000 |
| Electrical deficiencies | 60% | $500–$4,000 |
| HVAC performance issues | 55% | $250–$7,000 |
| Plumbing leaks or clogs | 50% | $200–$3,000 |
| Foundation cracks | 25% | $500–$20,000 |
Each one of these issues could be missed without a thorough inspection.
Local Markets I Serve
I inspect homes across several Florida markets. Here’s how my work adjusts to the differences in climate, construction style, and market expectations in each area:
Tampa Home Inspections
Homes in Tampa often face high humidity, storm exposure, and HVAC stress. I pay close attention to ductwork sealing, attic ventilation, and hurricane strap visibility in these properties.
St. Petersburg Inspections
St. Pete has many mid-century block homes. These often have aging cast iron pipes and aluminum wiring. I dig deep into the plumbing and electrical systems during these inspections.
Clearwater Home Inspections
In Clearwater, beach proximity introduces issues like salt-air corrosion. I thoroughly examine exterior fasteners, exposed metal, and stucco cracking.
Apollo Beach and Trinity, Trinity
Waterfront homes here often have elevated foundations and complex drainage systems. I inspect piers, bulkheads, and crawlspaces where applicable.
Specialized Services I Offer
4-Point Inspections
If you’re getting a new policy or renewing an existing one, many insurance companies require a 4-point inspection. I focus on the four major systems: HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and roof. I provide the exact documentation your carrier needs, without any back-and-forth.
Wind Mitigation Inspections
This is one of the best ways to lower your premiums in Florida. I evaluate:
- Roof-to-wall connections
- Roof shape and materials
- Window and door impact resistance
- Shutter and brace systems
You get a certified form that goes directly to your agent.
My Inspection Report — What You’ll Receive
I send you a digital report within 24 hours. It includes:
- Color-coded condition summaries
- High-resolution images
- Comments with next steps
- An easy-to-read format that doesn’t require a contractor to interpret
Every report is mobile-friendly and printable. Whether you’re negotiating a price drop or planning future repairs, you’ll have clear documentation.
What People Say About My Service
Over the years, I’ve earned the trust of buyers, sellers, and real estate agents who rely on honest feedback.
“No fluff, just facts. We walked the house together and he explained everything in plain English. The report helped us negotiate over $6K in credits.”
— Melissa J., New Port Richey
“As a Realtor, I’ve worked with a lot of inspectors. This one shows up early, gets it done right, and doesn’t alarm my clients with nonsense.”
— Tom D., Brooksville
Pricing and Availability
My rates are competitive, and I always offer quotes up front—no hidden fees. I cover homes of all sizes, and I work with investors on multi-property discounts.
Scheduling is easy. Just go to inspection services and choose a time that fits your timeline. If you’re unsure which service you need, I’ll help you figure it out.
What to Do Next
If you’re buying in Florida and want the full picture before closing, I’ve got you covered. Start by visiting my house inspector page or contact me through the main website.
