A 4-point and a wind mitigation inspection answer questions for your insurer — a home inspection answers them for you. Here's what each one covers, what changed with the 2026 wind-mitigation form, and why "just get a 4-point to save money" is a costly mistake.

That’s the practical value of an independent assessment: you get a diagnosis and a final sign-off from someone whose only product is an honest answer.

You found the house, your offer was accepted, and suddenly everyone's talking about "the inspection period." Here's exactly where the inspection fits in your purchase, what happens on the day, and — the part too few people explain — what to actually do with the report once it lands in your inbox. Where the inspection fits in the transaction 1. Offer accepted → the clock starts. Florida purchase contracts include an inspection (due diligence) period — commonly somewhere betwee

After thousands of inspections across Northeast Florida, I've noticed most surprises at the inspection table come from one place: a mismatch between what buyers expect an inspection to be and what an inspection actually is. So let's fix that in plain language. What a home inspection IS A home inspection is three things: visual, operational, and safety-focused. Visual. I examine the readily accessible, visible parts of the home — roof, attic, foundation and structure, exterior

I saw a list going around social media recently: "10 daily habits that can make mold worse." Most of it was solid. But at least one tip on that list would actively *cause* mold problems here in Northeast Florida — and that's the problem with national advice. Mold behaves differently in Jacksonville, Clay County, and St. Johns County than it does in Ohio. So here's that list again — reviewed by a Licensed Mold Assessor who inspects homes in this climate every week, with the Fl

Buying new construction feels like the safe choice. Everything's brand new, it's built to current code, and nobody else has ever lived there. So a lot of buyers assume the usual homework — inspections, due diligence, asking hard questions — doesn't really apply. That assumption is exactly what gets people into trouble. New homes have their own set of risks, and they're different from the ones buyers worry about with older homes. Here are seven of the most common myths we hear

There's a common assumption that a brand-new home is a flawless home. After all, everything is new, it was just built to code, and the local building department signed off on it. So why would you need an inspection? The honest answer: a new home is built fast, by many different trades, under deadline pressure — and small things get missed. A municipal code inspection confirms a home meets minimum requirements. It is not the same as someone walking the home on your behalf, met

When you buy an older home in Northeast Florida, you're buying everything that comes with it — including the pipes you can't see. Most of a home's plumbing runs through walls, under floors, and in the crawlspace, out of sight during a casual walkthrough. By the time a plumbing problem makes itself known, it's usually through a stain on the ceiling, a drop in water pressure, or a backup that arrives at the worst possible moment. The photo below was taken by our crawlbot during

After enough inspections, you build a short list of tools that earn their place on your phone's home screen. The ones you reach for over and over because they answer real questions in real moments. For me, two of those tools sit at the top of the list. They're free, they're public, and they take about thirty seconds to use. And while I rely on them every time I'm on-site, they're just as useful for the Realtors I work with — especially on showings, when a client is asking the

At Hanna Home Services, we’re always looking for ways to make the inspection process easier, faster, and more convenient for both homeowners and Realtors. That’s exactly why we built the new Hanna Home Services mobile app — now available on the Apple App Store. Android is coming soon. Whether you’re scheduling inspections regularly or just need quick access to trusted information during a transaction, the app keeps Hanna Home Services right at your fingertips. Why We Built It

When I first became a home inspector, I wanted to provide as much value to my clients as possible. As a Certified Master Inspector , I began offering mold air sampling as an additional service. Many home inspectors do the same. At the time, it seemed like a logical extension of the inspection process. But one inspection changed my perspective. During an inspection, I observed heavy microbial growth under a kitchen sink . The conditions were clear — there had been moisture pre

If you've ever hired a home inspector, you've probably checked their Google reviews. I would too. And if you've looked at Hanna Home Services, you've seen something unusual — 176 five-star reviews and one single 1-star review. Today I want to talk about that one. What Happened In November 2023, I was hired to complete a 4-point inspection on a rental property. A 4-point inspection evaluates four key systems — roof, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC — and is required by insurance

Jacksonville & Northeast Florida Homebuyers Guide Buying a home in Jacksonville or Northeast Florida often comes with an inspection report full of technical language. Some items can sound alarming at first glance, but many findings are common, manageable, and not deal-breakers . At Hanna Home Services , the goal is to provide clear, same-day information so buyers and agents can focus on what truly matters — not get distracted by issues that are typical for the age and style

Warm air, spring rain, and high humidity create the perfect environment for mold growth. Add in tight new construction homes and closed-up houses from winter, and it’s easy to see why indoor air quality problems show up this time of year.

A recent deck collapse in Northeast Florida that injured multiple people is a sobering reminder that exterior structures often fail quietly, long before visible warning signs appear. Decks, balconies, stairs, and railings are exposed to constant moisture, heat, and use—especially in coastal environments and short-term rental properties. Periodic evaluations of these structures can help identify hidden issues early and reduce the risk of sudden, dangerous failures.

Manufactured Home Engineering Certifications focus on the home itself, not exterior additions like decks, steps, carports, or covered porches. This article explains why additions are handled separately, when an additions certification is required, and how ordering it early can help avoid delays and stress during manufactured home transactions across Northeast Florida.

In Florida homes, mold problems often start with HVAC or attic conditions that allow moisture to linger. Issues like poor humidity control, condensation, and inadequate ventilation can create mold-friendly environments without visible leaks. This article explains the most common HVAC and attic problems and when a mold assessment can help identify the cause.

A musty smell in a Florida home isn’t always “just humidity.” Persistent odors often point to trapped moisture or hidden conditions that allow mold to develop. This article explains why musty smells come and go, what causes them in Florida homes, and when a mold assessment can provide clear answers.

Mold that keeps coming back after cleaning is a common frustration for Florida homeowners. In many cases, the issue isn’t the cleanup—it’s lingering moisture or hidden conditions that allow mold to return. This article explains why recurring mold happens, what cleaning misses, and when a professional mold assessment makes sense.

New construction buyers love to believe they’re getting a flawless home. The reality? Builders are stretched thin, trades are rotating fast, and quality control isn’t what most Newly constructed home in Holstein Crossing, Lake Asbury, featuring modern design and landscaping in Green Cove Springs, Clay County, Florida. people assume. Even brand-new homes — especially in rapidly growing areas like Lake Asbury, Green Cove Springs, Clay County, and St. Johns — can hide defects th