An outlet that shuts off power if it detects a shock hazard. Commonly found in kitchens, bathrooms, garages, and exterior walls. Why It Matters: Protects you from electrical shock, especially near water sources. Tip: Test GFCI outlets monthly using the “Test” and “Reset” buttons.

What It Is: A ductless HVAC unit providing heating and cooling to specific zones in your home. Why It Matters: Energy-efficient, ideal for additions or areas without ductwork. Tip: Clean filters monthly to ensure proper airflow and efficiency

A legacy electrical panel with known safety defects. Breakers may fail to trip, increasing fire risk — especially concerning in humid Florida environments where corrosion and age accelerate failure. Tip: ⚠️ Citizens Insurance and other Florida carriers routinely reject homes with Zinsco/Sylvania panels. Evaluation by a licensed electrician is essential.

Used to detect heat differences that indicate moisture, missing insulation, or overheating. Extremely useful in Florida to check for roof leaks and moisture-prone areas. Tip: Helps identify issues before they become costly — especially valuable in storm-damaged or aging homes.

Exterior wood or aluminum trim located at the roof edges. These components are vulnerable to deterioration from Florida’s sun, rain, and pest activity — particularly squirrels, rats, and raccoons that exploit even small gaps. Tip: Keep gutters clean and trim back vegetation. Damaged fascia is one of the most common wildlife entry points in Florida. Learn more about wildlife exclusion from Remotus Pest Control →

Provides access to attic spaces, which in Florida often house ductwork, insulation, and pests. These warm, enclosed areas are attractive to rodents, bats, and even birds. We’ve even seen ducks nesting in attics. Tip: Always maintain a secure, accessible attic hatch. Unsealed gaps and deteriorated roof components often allow wildlife intrusion. 🔗 Protect your attic with Remotus Pest Control wildlife exclusion →

Flexible air ducts are common in Florida attics but are easily torn or disconnected by rodents or nesting animals, which reduces HVAC efficiency and introduces contaminants. Tip: Check attic ducts for tearing or droppings. Pest-damaged ductwork can lead to poor air quality. 🔗 Schedule an exclusion inspection with Remotus Pest Control →

Steel water pipes commonly used in mid-century Florida homes. These pipes rust from the inside out, often leading to low water pressure, leaks, and staining. Gaps around plumbing penetrations can also serve as entry points for rodents. Tip: Homes with galvanized piping are often flagged by insurance carriers such as Citizens, who may deny or restrict coverage unless the plumbing is upgraded to PEX or copper. 📑 Consider budgeting for replacement if you plan to secure insurance or refinance.

An access point—typically outside the home—used to clear or inspect the main sewer line. In many Florida homes with original cast iron drainpipes, this access is essential for evaluating system integrity. Tip: Avoid covering cleanouts with landscaping. If the home was built before the mid-1970s and has cast iron plumbing, we strongly recommend a sewer scope inspection. 🔎 Sewer scope inspections are available through our home inspection division and can be included in your quote.

HVAC system that heats and cools using refrigerant. Ideal for Florida, where freezing temperatures are rare and efficient cooling is critical. Tip: If sized or installed improperly, heat pumps may struggle with Florida humidity. Maintenance twice yearly is best.

Popular in Florida for durability and heat resistance. Prone to cracking under foot traffic or from storm debris. Tip: Use licensed contractors for repair. Improper walking can cause costly damage.

The Temperature Pressure Relief (TPR) valve is a safety feature that releases water if temperature or pressure gets too high. Tip: Florida homes with water heaters in garages or attics should have the TPR line discharge to the exterior.

Draws air back into the HVAC system for re-cooling. Often undersized or blocked in older homes. Tip: In Florida, poor return air design worsens humidity control. Keep clear and clean filters monthly.

🧱 Stucco Cracks 🪨🌧️ Small to moderate cracks in stucco are common in Florida due to settling and thermal movement. Wider cracks may indicate moisture intrusion. Tip: Widened cracks can allow moisture and termites in. Seal and paint routinely.

When the seal between panes fails, moisture gets trapped and fogs the glass. Common in Florida from UV and heat exposure. Tip: Seal failure affects visibility and efficiency but not structure. Glass replacement is typical — not full window.

Required between attached garages and living space. Must be sealed and fire-rated to prevent spread of fire/smoke Tip: In Florida, many older homes fail to meet modern fire separation codes — especially after renovations.

🔥 Smoke Detector (Interconnected) 🚨🌴 Florida homes must have working smoke detectors in each bedroom, hallway, and floor level. Newer systems must be hardwired and interconnected with battery backup. Tip: Use sealed 10-year lithium battery models in humid climates to reduce nuisance alarms

Flexible gray plastic water piping used in homes from the late '70s to mid-'90s. Known to become brittle and leak over time — especially problematic in Florida due to heat and chlorinated water. Tip: 📑 Many insurers will not write new policies unless this piping is fully replaced.

Known for manufacturing unsafe electrical panels. Breakers may fail to trip, leading to potential fire hazards. Extremely common in older Florida homes. Tip: 📑 Citizens and other insurers often refuse coverage on homes with FPE panels. Replacement is almost always requir