Home Inspection FAQs, Orlando, FL
Home Inspection Questions Answered
Everything you need to know before booking a home inspection in Central Florida — from what's covered to how long it takes to what your report looks like.
How long does a home inspection take?
Most single-family home inspections take 2.5–4 hours depending on size, age, and condition. Larger homes or those with multiple systems may take longer. Condos typically take 1.5–2.5 hours. We encourage all buyers to attend, you'll understand your home far better by walking through it with the inspector.
Should I be present during the inspection?
Yes, strongly recommended. Walking through the property with your inspector gives you hands-on context for every finding and the chance to ask questions in real time. You'll leave understanding what's urgent, what can wait, and how to maintain your home, not just with a report to interpret alone.
Are you licensed and insured?
Yes. Square Inspections holds Florida State Home Inspector License HI11630 and InterNACHI Certified Professional Inspector (CPI) designation, the gold standard in the industry. We carry $1M Errors & Omissions (E&O) and $1M general liability insurance on every inspection.
What areas do you serve?
We serve all of Orange, Seminole, Osceola, Volusia, Lake, and Polk counties, 54 cities across Central Florida. Service areas include Orlando, Winter Park, Kissimmee, Sanford, Lake Mary, Oviedo, Clermont, Lakeland, and dozens more.
Do you inspect new construction homes?
Yes — and it's one of the most important inspections you can get. Builders are not infallible. Our new construction inspections routinely find 10–20 items the builder missed. Your 1-year warranty covers defects found before closing, but only if you find them first.
How quickly can I get an inspection scheduled?
Most inspections are scheduled within 24–48 hours. We inspect Monday through Saturday, 8am–8pm. You can book online in 60 seconds at squareinspections.com/schedule or call 407-205-7222 for immediate availability.
When will I receive my inspection report?
Your digital report is delivered the same day, typically within 2–3 hours of the inspection completing. Reports include color photos, severity ratings, a maintenance priority summary, and are accessible from any device. No waiting until the next day.
What format is the inspection report in?
Reports are delivered digitally via email and are viewable on any device — phone, tablet, or desktop. Each report includes color photos for every finding, a severity rating (safety hazard / major defect / minor defect / maintenance item), and a maintenance priority summary so you know exactly where to focus.
Can I share my report with my real estate agent or attorney?
Absolutely. Your report can be forwarded to anyone involved in your transaction. Many clients share it directly with their agent for negotiation purposes or with their lender if required.
What is a 4-Point Inspection?
A four-point inspection evaluates the four systems Florida insurers care most about: roof, HVAC, electrical, and plumbing. It's required by most insurers for homes 20+ years old in Central Florida and typically takes 45–90 minutes. We frequently bundle it with wind mitigation to save you a visit fee.
What is a Wind Mitigation Inspection?
A wind mitigation inspection documents the features of your home that reduce hurricane damage, roof shape, deck attachment, roof-to-wall connections, and window/door protection. Florida law requires insurers to give discounts for these features. Most homeowners save $300–$600/year on their premium after submitting a wind mitigation report.
Do I need both a 4-Point and Wind Mitigation inspection?
If your home is 20+ years old and you're insuring or refinancing in Florida, you'll likely need both. We offer a combo for $175 (vs. $198 booked separately) that covers both in a single visit. It's our most popular insurance inspection package.
What is a Roof Certification inspection?
A roof certification documents the current condition and estimated remaining life of your roof. Some lenders and insurers require it for older roofs or when the previous certification has expired. It typically takes 30–60 minutes and is completed by our licensed inspectors.
How long are insurance inspection reports valid?
Wind mitigation reports are typically accepted for 5 years by most Florida insurers. Four-point reports are generally valid for 1–3 years depending on the insurer. Check with your insurance agent for their specific requirements.
How much does a home inspection cost in Orlando?
Pre-purchase home inspections start at $395 for homes under 2,000 sq ft. Condo inspections start at $295. Insurance inspections (4-Point and Wind Mitigation) start at $99 each, or $175 bundled. All prices include same-day digital reports with no hidden fees.
Is thermal imaging included or does it cost extra?
Thermal imaging is included at no extra charge with all pre-purchase home inspections. Most competitors charge $75–$150 for this separately. With Square Inspections it's always part of the inspection.
When is payment due?
Payment is collected at booking. We accept all major credit cards, debit cards, and digital wallets. No payment is collected at the door on inspection day.
Do you offer any discounts?
Yes, the 4-Point + Wind Mitigation combo saves you $23 vs booking separately. For multiple inspections on the same property or back-to-back scheduling, call us at 407-205-7222 and we'll build a bundle price.
What does a pre-purchase home inspection cover?
A pre-purchase home inspection covers all major accessible systems and components: foundation, structure, roof, attic, insulation, exterior, windows, doors, HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and interior. Thermal imaging is included to detect hidden moisture and heat anomalies. You receive a same-day digital report with color photos and severity ratings.
What is an 11-Month Warranty Inspection?
If you bought a new construction home, your builder typically provides a 1-year warranty. An 11-month inspection is conducted in the 11th month to document any defects before your warranty expires, while the builder is still legally responsible for repairs. It's one of the most valuable inspections available to new homeowners.
Do you offer termite (WDO) inspections?
Yes, as a referral service. Florida law requires WDO inspections to be performed by a licensed pest control operator, not a home inspector. Square Inspections can refer you to a trusted independent WDO inspector who can attend on the same day as your home inspection. Keep in mind that the WDO inspector is an independent professional who handles their own scheduling, agreements, and payments separately from your home inspection.
What languages do you conduct inspections in?
Inspections and report walk-throughs are available in English, Spanish, Portuguese, and Chinese. This is one of the most unique features we offer — no other local inspector serves Central Florida's diverse buyer community in multiple languages.
Still have a question? Call us directly, we answer every call personally.
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