State Licensed, Certified & Professional
State Licensed in Florida
InterNACHI Certified Professional Inspectors
Fully Insured
Welcome to Stem to Stern Home Inspections!
It’s better to be safe and sure when buying or selling a home or any property. Trust the best home inspection company in Tampa Bay, Stem to Stern Home Inspection’s professional and certified home inspectors for your next home, condo, or building.
It is an important decision to buy or sell a property and you should have complete peace of mind in what you are dealing with to avoid future aggravation. To ensure this, hire Stem to Stern Home Inspections to inspect any residential property in Tampa Bay.
All inspections are performed by Florida licensed and InterNACHI certified inspectors. Mold, Four Point, and Wind Mitigation inspections can be scheduled at the time of the home inspection and save you money.
With the highest expertise, we will give you the peace of mind you need as a new home owner.
Stem to Stern Home Inspections performs Residential Home and Condo Inspections throughout Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, and Manatee counties and we are one of Tampa Bay’s leading property inspection services companies. We understand the stress and time constraints of buying property and making the right choices.
Our inspectors have built, repaired, and inspected hundreds of homes. They know what strong homes look like, they know what cheap cover-ups look like. They can help you identify small problems that might soon become big problems.
All of our inspectors are certified by InterNACHI. We hold each of our inspectors to the highest inspection standards, which are derived from each home inspection association or state standards.
Our promise to you – We will inspect your home as if it were going to be ours. We strive to uphold our reputation for excellent and timely service, high-detail inspection services, and delivering you a home inspection report that gives you the insights you need to make a smart decision.
Our Inspection Services
• Pre-Listing Inspection for Sellers
• Pre-Purchase Inspection for Buyers
• New Construction Home Inspection
• Condo Inspection
• Townhouse Inspection
• Multi-Unit Property Inspection
• Four Point Insurance Inspection
• Wind Mitigation Inspection
• Roof Certification
• Pool and Spa Inspection
• 11 Month Warranty Inspection
• Foreclosure Inspections
• Mold and Mildew Inspection
• Infrared Imaging Inspection
• Rental Inspections
• Annual Maintenance Inspections
Our Service Area
Pinellas County
• St. Petersburg
• Clearwater
• Largo
• Dunedin
• Pinellas Park
• Tarpon Springs
• Palm Harbor
• Gulfport
• Oldsmar
• All the Beaches
Manatee County
• Anna Maria
• Bradenton
• Palmetto
• Ellenton
• Lakewood Ranch
Our Service Area
Hillsborough County
• Tampa
• Brandon
• Lutz
• Riverview
• Gibsonton
• Carrollwood
• Sun City Center
• Ruskin
• Seffner
• Valrico
Pasco County
• New Port Richey
• Wesley Chapel
• Port Richey
• Zephyrhills
Why Should You Choose Stem to Stern Home Inspections?
We have the tools
We use cutting edge and most up to date and technically advanced tools.
Competitive Pricing
Home and Condo inspections starting at $200. We have affordable value based pricing and deliver exceptional value for affordable prices.
YOU are our priority
We take pride in our customer service before, during and after every inspection.
Reliable Experience
With 35+ Years of Construction experience, we know what we are doing.
Quality Report
Easy-to-read, modern, timely Spectora report so you can know what issues to address immediately. Delivered to you Same Day.
Our Services
Residential Home and Condo Inspections
Buying a home is a huge investment, and we want you to have a great home buying experience. A quality inspection is a part of that experience and will give you all the information you need to make a decision about any property you are considering. With our inspection services, you’ll know whether the home you want is really as great as it seems.
A thorough home inspection will include the following:
~ Roof (shingles, flashings, chimneys, vents, trim and gutters, drip edges, skylights, downspouts, and other visible roof related items)
~ Plumbing and Fixtures (water pressure, water distribution system, hose bibs, sinks and faucets, bath/showers and toilets, sanitary system, and other plumbing system components)
~ Heating and Cooling Systems (furnace, air cleaning parts, ductwork, air conditioner and lines, and other visible related HVAC components)
~ Crawl Spaces, and Foundation (insulation, ventilation, posts, vapor barriers, utility attachment, structural items, floors and walls, and columns)
~ Attics (insulation, ventilation, rafters, joists and collar ties, trusses, wiring attachments, and other visible related items)
~ Interior (floors and ceilings, walls, stairs and banisters, finishes, sinks, cabinets, shelving, built-in appliances, smoke detectors and safety-related items, and other visible interior-related components)
~ Electrical Systems (service entry and clearances, service panel, switches and outlets, visible wiring and junction boxes, grounding system, and other related electrical components)
~ Exterior (siding materials, attachments, windows, doors, sashes and lintels, vents, entryways, and other visible exterior related components)
~ Environmental Issues
~ Decks and Porches
~ Fireplaces
~ Overall Structure
4 Point Inspection
Most insurance companies will require a 4 point inspection when a home is older than 40 years, or a rental property is older than 30 years. You can get an insurance quote without an inspection. However, you will need inspection before actually purchasing the policy.
A 4 point inspection looks at the 4 major systems (Roof, Electrical, Plumbing, HVAC) in an older home. An insurance company wants to know that an older home has been well maintained, and the major systems are in good working condition. This is not a safety inspection.
Here is what a 4 point inspection looks at:
Roof – Type of Roof Covering (shingles, tile, rolled). The age and condition of the roof. Are there missing shingles or leaks?
Electrical System – The type of the wiring in the home (copper, aluminium, knob and tube). The brand of the electrical panel. The condition of the homes electrical system.
Heating and Cooling – Is there central heat and air in the home? The age and condition of the system. Are there signs of leaking?
Plumbing System – Type of supply and drain lines found in the home (copper, CPVC, galvanized, lead, polybutelene, etc. Is there evidence of current leaks? The age of the hot water heater.
Some insurance companies like Citizens Insurance, require the inspector to use their form. Other insurance companies allow the inspector to use their preferred format. In addition to the written report, the inspector will take photos of each of the major systems to provide to the insurance company.
Wind Mitigation Inspection
Homeowners can receive substantial insurance credits for outfitting their homes with windstorm mitigation features that withstand or are more resistant to high winds.
We highly recommend that Florida homeowners, especially those living in more hurricane-prone regions, consider investing in wind mitigation features.
Wind Mitigation Techniques
Water Barriers
Seal your roof deck, or the layer in between the primary structure and the insulating layer of your roof, to prevent water intrusion that may otherwise occur if roof shingles blow away in extreme wind or from flying debris. This also provides an extra layer of insulation, making your home more energy efficient.
Roof to Foundation Anchoring
Reinforce your home’s walls to the roof and foundation to establish a continuous load path. This enables the outer structure of your home to resist strong winds.
Window and Door Coverings
There are several options available to help protect windows and other openings from the impact of strong wind and flying debris. Popular options include shatterproof windows and storm shutters. Hurricane-rated doors are recommended, especially for garage doors with large openings. Additional bracing can also be installed on existing garage doors.
A wind mitigation inspection is needed to determine which credits apply to a home. During a wind mitigation inspection, a certified inspector looks for key features and add-ons that reduce the amount of damage your home may suffer in the event of a hurricane or strong windstorm.
Roof Certification Inspection
Roofs older than 25 years (shingle or other type) or 50 years (tile, slate, clay, concrete, or metal) require documentation showing at least three years remaining useful life. A Florida-licensed inspector must conduct an inspection of the roof to check for any visible signs of damage or deterioration. When a roof has less than three years of remaining useful life, the homeowner must provide proof of a full-roof replacement to the inspector before any policy is written on the home. The inspector will complete a Roof Inspection Form verifying the roof is in good condition.
Pre-Sale Inspections
Home inspections aren’t just for home buyers. Home sellers also gain peace of mind by investing in a thorough certified home inspection prior to putting a house up for sale. The last minute discovery of problems by a prospective buyer can lead to time delays, added expenses and can even derail a deal altogether. Your best solution as a home seller is to have a thorough certified inspection done prior to putting the house on the market. This allows you to take care of issues with the building before they become a problem in negotiating a deal.
11-Month Warranty Inspections
Often called an 11th month inspection or 1-year warranty inspection, this service is provided to new home buyers near the end of their first year builder warranty period. It is used to identify any deficiencies that may be covered under the builder’s warranty.
The inspection is a cost effective way to identify repairs or deficiencies in the structural, mechanical, and installed appliances in the home. A written report will be produced with a summary of recommended repairs that can be provided to the builder during the warranty period.
A warranty inspection is a complete inspection of the home, not a limited or partial inspection: foundation to roof, inside and out.
Mold and Mildew Inspection
The presence of molds should be addressed as soon as possible. Mold exposure can affect the health of individuals of all age group. The health affects can be as simple as a sore throat to severe allergies or asthma.
The health of your home can also be adversely affected by mold and mildew. Indoor mold growth is key indicator of water intrusion. Water intrusion causes can be a leaky pipe, defects in the roof, condensation buildup, or foundation issues, which alone can promote rot in structural members of a home. Mold spores prefer to grow in damp locations, further exacerbating the damage to the property.
A mold and mildew inspection is thorough examination of all potential water intrusion locations, followed by air sampling and lab testing. As in all aspects of inspection, mold testing should be done by an independent consultant that has nothing to profit from the removal or treatment of mold.
Infrared Imaging Inspections
An inspector’s eye can only see so much. However, armed with a infrared imaging camera an inspector has near superhero abilities. Infrared imaging allow the inspector to see defects that are invisible to the naked eye such as water intrusion from the exterior of the building, leaking plumbing, faulty electrical components, inefficient energy usage (air leaks and drafts), insufficient insulation, and insect infestation or pests.
Swimming Pool Inspections
Swimming Pools and Spas can be an enjoyable addition to any home. Not only should the pool and spa equipment be inspected for proper operation, but the equipment should be inspected to ensure it conforms to proper safety parameters. Safety concerns include faulty wiring, poorly attached ladders, failing steps, loose railings, dangerous diving boards, and unsafe deck surfaces. Inspection of the liners, plumbing, pumps, and heaters are essential to the proper function of your pool or spa.
Rental Inspections
There are two common types of rental inspections, the lessee and the leaser. The lessee rental inspection is simply a home inspection to determine if the potential rental property is safe and secure for your family to move in. The leaser rental inspection is an easy method for out of town or state property owners to keep tabs on the condition of their property whether its before, after, or during a lease.
New Build Home
Many home buyers have notions that just because they are buying a newly constructed home, that they can bypass the home inspection phase of the process. Not so fast. A new build home is just as likely to have defects as an older home, either structurally or mechanically. A professional, independent home inspector will conduct the same thorough home inspection for a new construction home as he would for any other home. Including the roof, roof structure, structure,foundation, HVAC, plumbing, electrical, appliances, garage, grading, drainage, pool and spas.
Annual Maintenance Inspections
A home maintenance inspection will clear up any concerns you have about the health of your house. Worried your roof may be compromised, or your foundation is a little worse for wear? A home maintenance inspection gives you the full picture of any below-the-radar repairs that need to be completed. A home maintenance inspection is just like the inspection you get before you buy a home, except that you do it with no intention of selling the home. A licensed inspector checks out all the main systems of your home—roof, walls, foundation, HVAC, electrical, plumbing—and flags anything that might be starting to malfunction.
Foreclosure Inspections (REO)
There are a lot of foreclosed homes out there. Many of these properties can be gotten for a discount. Most are sold “as-is.” The owner (the bank) won’t fix anything found in an inspection.
So, why get an inspection?
Homes and condos need you to turn on the faucets, flush the toilets and run the water heater on a regular basis. They need the windows to be opened from time to time to get the air circulated throughout the house. Most importantly, they need someone to be there if something has gone wrong. If the foreclosure process is complete and the property is bank owned (REO) the home will be vacant and usually boarded up with no ongoing maintenance.
Things deteriorate and deterioration is an ongoing process; it does not stop just because a property is vacant. To make matters worse, the previous owners knew they were going into foreclosure and probably did not take as good of care as their house as they should have. Some people faced with foreclosure actually do damage to the property before they are forced to leave.
While the property you want to buy may not look as bad as it actually is, it may have defects that are not obvious to the untrained eye that can cost you more than the “savings” you are getting.
Good house inspectors can find the defects with the house and help you make an informed buying decision. Even if it is sold “as-is” you have the right to know if the foreclosure you are buying is a good deal or a money pit.
Remember a few hundred dollars for foresight is worth way more than thousands after the fact.
To schedule an inspection fill out our online scheduler below. Call 727-256-5186 with questions or to schedule by phone.
You will receive an e-mail with instructions for reviewing and signing the inspection agreement electronically.