Buyer due diligenceFull home inspection
Florida defines a home inspection as a limited visual examination of readily accessible systems and components — and the definition includes manufactured and modular homes.
- Visible structural components
- Roof covering
- Electrical
- Plumbing
- HVAC
- Interior and exterior components
- Site conditions affecting the structure
Ask specifically: Will you inspect the crawlspace, piers, underbelly, visible anchoring, additions, carports, porches and roof-over areas if accessible?
InsuranceFour-point inspection
Mainly an insurance underwriting inspection focused on four systems.
- Roof
- Electrical
- Plumbing
- Heating and air conditioning
Don’t confuse this with a full buyer inspection. Citizens currently requires a four-point inspection on property owner, dwelling and mobile-home applications for homes more than 20 years old.
Insurance discountsWind mitigation inspection
Documents wind-resistant features and can affect insurance discounts.
- Roof covering
- Roof-deck attachment
- Roof-to-wall connection
- Roof geometry
- Opening protection
- Other qualifying mitigation features
It doesn’t replace a full inspection. It looks at mitigation features, not every defect or condition in the home.
Roof eligibilityRoof condition or roof certification
An insurer may ask for a separate roof form or documentation, especially on an older roof.
- Visible condition
- Roof type and age
- Damage or deterioration
- Remaining useful life when required
- Supporting photos
Ask: Is this only for insurance eligibility, or am I also getting a thorough roof-condition evaluation?
Manufactured-home specificTie-down, anchoring, pier and foundation evaluation
Manufactured homes rely on support and anchoring systems that can be hidden under the home. Florida regulates installation and tie-down requirements through FLHSMV.
- Anchor and strap condition
- Corrosion or damage
- Piers and supports
- Alignment and connection
- Visible settlement
- Foundation configuration
Ask for a licensed manufactured-home installer or qualified engineer when appropriate. Florida disaster guidance says tie-down systems can deteriorate and recommends expert evaluation.
FinancingEngineer foundation certification
Some manufactured-home financing can require a site-specific certification from an engineer or architect regarding the permanent foundation system.
- Foundation configuration
- Support system
- Connection to the home
- Compliance documentation required by the lender
Ask your lender early. Don’t wait until the week before closing to learn an engineer certification is required.
MoistureMold and moisture assessment
If there are stains, odors, past leaks, soft materials or other moisture concerns, consider a separate licensed mold assessment.
- Visible conditions
- Moisture investigation
- Building history
- Sampling when appropriate
- Possible location and extent of growth
Ask: Does your home inspection include moisture-meter readings? Mold sampling? If not, who should I hire separately?
Termites & wood damageWood-destroying organism (WDO) inspection
Florida has a specific WDO inspection report for real-estate transactions. It addresses visible evidence of certain wood-destroying organisms in accessible areas.
- Termites
- Wood-destroying beetles
- Wood-decaying fungi
- Visible evidence or damage
Important: the WDO form is not a structural engineering report, and hidden damage can exist.
Private septicSeptic system inspection
If the property has septic rather than public sewer, treat that as its own inspection.
- Tank condition
- Cracks or leaks
- Access and lids
- Outlet components
- System assessment
Ask who is doing it. Florida’s homebuyer guidance says an appropriately licensed septic contractor, plumber or certified environmental health professional should perform the assessment.
Identity & designHUD tag and data plate verification
Not a condition inspection, but an important manufactured-home records check.
- HUD certification labels
- Manufacturer information
- Label and serial information
- Wind Zone
- Roof load and snow load information
Why check it: HUD says the interior data plate shows the Wind Zone and roof-load information the home was designed for.
Insurance companyUnderwriting field survey
An insurer can order its own field survey to decide whether it wants to insure the property.
- Exterior and roof
- Hazards
- Outbuildings
- Electrical, plumbing and HVAC if an interior survey is ordered
This is for the insurer. Don’t treat an insurance company’s survey as your independent buyer inspection.
