Purchasing a home may be the largest investment that many of us will make in our lifetime.

The same applies for commercial or investment properties.

Having a home or commercial property inspection done is one of the best ways to protect that investment, both as a buyer and seller.

A qualified home inspector will provide you with critical information that reveals the inner workings and condition of the home. That information you receive from a home inspection can reveal safety issues, help forecast future repair costs, determine dealbreakers, and provide an opportunity for negotiation.

Additionally, a thorough home inspector can help you save costs with home insurance policies.

  • Oranssi carpenter using bench saw

About Manuel Garrido

All inspections are done by Manuel Garrido, a certified and insured home and commercial property inspector based in South Florida. 

Manuel spent over 40 years working in complex engineering, aviation, and military work and is now retired from that line of business, but decided to come out of retirement after his daughter had a bad experience with a home inspector. The inspector missed a lot of potential home insurance cost savings, and she ended up having to have the inspection redone. Manuel ended up working with his daughter to resolve the issues and then ended up pursuing a certification as a home inspector so that he could help other homeowners and prevent them from going through the same situation. 

Due to his four-decade career in engineering and business development, Manuel is patient, detail-oriented, and very thorough. He is able to explain complex technical issues in a way that is easy to understand. 

Manuel holds an MBA in Finance, a Master’s Degree in Engineering, and is an FAA-licensed Airplane Commercial Pilot and licensed Drone Pilot.  Manuel holds the following licenses in the construction industry in Florida:

Certified Home Inspector License # HI14475

Certified Roofing Contractor License # CCC1335560

Certified Building Contractor License # CBC1267981

We specialize in: Buyer’s / Seller’s Inspections, Wind Mitigation, Four Point, Roof Certification and Wind Mitigation Affidavit for Roofing Permits

HVAC Inspection

Roof Inspection

Doors & Windows Inspection

Doors & Windows Inspection

Electrical Inspection

Plumbing Inspection

FAQs

WHAT IS A 4-POINT INSPECTION?

A 4-point inspection is like a health check for your home. It’s a detailed visual examination of the four critical systems of a house: HVAC, electrical. plumbing, and the roof. This inspection is a crucial process that can have significant impacts on your home’s safety and value.

These four systems are often the source of claims, so most insurance companies require a 4-point inspection before offering coverage.

IS A 4-POINT INSPECTION REQUIRED?

Citizens insurance and most, if not all insurance companies in Florida, requires a 4-point inspection with the home insurance application for properties more than 20years old.

Even if you already have an insurance policy, sometimes the insurance company may require you to have a new 4-point inspection done before renewal.

HOW LONG IS A 4-POINT INSPECTION VALID FOR?

The 4-point inspection is valid for one year.

WHAT IS A WIND MITIGATION INSPECTION?

A wind mitigation inspection is a visual examination of the condition of the roof and the techniques used during its construction.

It takes into consideration the shape of the roof, the design of the structure, how the deck is nailed, and how the trusses are anchored to the outer walls.

It also inspects all openings (i.e.: windows, doors, skylights, garage doors, etc.) to certify that all openings are protected against damage from impacts of windburned debris with products that are Miami-Dade County code compliant.

IS A WIND MITIGATION INSPECTION REQUIRED?

No, the wind mitigation inspection in Florida is optional however, the insurance company may require a wind mitigation inspection if your home was built before 2002. After March 1, 2002 all new construction in the state of Florida was required to meet the new more stringent code requirements designed to better mitigate the effects of windstorms.

In order to obtain a building permit to replace the existing roof, the application must include an affidavit that the house meets the wind mitigation requirements or the new roofing contract must include retrofitting the proper anchorage of the roof structure

However, it is in the best interest of the home owner to do a wind mitigation inspection regardless because if the house meets the requirements, it could mean a significant discount on the wind portion of the premium, which the insurance company is obligated to give by law.

HOW LONG IS A W-M INSPECTION VALID FOR?

Wind mitigation inspections in Florida are valid for up to five years provided no further updates are made to the home.

WHAT IS A FULL BUYER’S INSPECTION?

A full buyer’s inspection includes:

  • A 4-point inspection

  • A wind mitigation inspection

  • Interior inspection of:

    • Walls and ceilings

    • Attic for roof structural issues

    • HVAC system efficiency

    • Windows and doors functionality

    • Kitchen cabinets and appliances

    • Bathrooms cabinets and fixtures

    • Garage

    • Laundry cabinets and appliances

    • Plumbing / fixture functioning

    • Water heater

    • Electrical distribution system

    • Termites (visual observation)

  • Exterior inspection of:

    • Structural integrity

    • Sprinkler system

    • Pool pump and filter system

    • Roof covering and gutters

    • Ground grading and drainage issues

  • Comprehensive permit history report

WHAT IS THE BENEFIT OF A FULL BUYER’S INSPECTION?

You will learn if there are any potential damaging issues of the property and it gives you a negotiating document so that you can get the seller to repair the issues before closing the contract or negotiate a fair price reduction. You can also be able to cancel the contract and have your deposit returned if the seller refuses to negotiate.

We can build any roof:

From small to big. From simple to complex. From a Lifeguard Tower to a Residential Mansion

TILE ROOFS

Tear down

Certified Roofing Contractor License # CCC1335560

We specialize in the following:

  • Asphalt Shingle Roofs

  • Metal Roofs

  • Tile Roofs

  • Build-up and TPO Flat Roofs

Work in Process

Underlayment

Peel & Stick

METAL ROOFS

It all begins with an idea. Maybe you need a repair or a full replacement of your roof by necessity or maybe you like or want a new and more pleasant look for your home.

Finish Product

Installing new tiles

Private Home in Golden Beach

Asphalt Shingles Roofs and

TPO Flat Roofs

Lifeguard Tower at Sunny Isle

Shingle Roof Underlayment

Work in Process

 APEX BUILDING SOLUTIONS

Consistency, quality, and affordability are key factors to consider.

CERTIFIED BUILDING CONTRACTOR LICENSE # CBC1267981

Weather you want to protect your house from possible hurricane damage, unwanted intrusions, improve ambient noise reduction, or add an addition to your home; APEX BUILDING SOLUTIONS can make your desire come to fruition in a professional and affordable process.

We specialize in the following:

* Home additions and remodeling * Wind Mitigation straps retrofit for roof replacement * Hurricane Rated Doors & Windows Installation

We specialize in the following:

  • New & Remodeling Construction Contractor

  • Concrete Forming & Flat Concrete Work

  • Shell Contractor

  • Masonry, Rebar, & Structural Work

  • Finishing Work

Construction Builders

Publix Concrete Work

Some of our
work in process

Some of our finished projects

601 Washington Ave.

Tiffany Building

Ross Monarch Center

Sprauts #639

L’Atelier Building

Sabbia Beach

Publix # 1766

Publix # 1569

57 Ocean Miami Beach

Forum Aventura

Five Below Monarch

Planet Fitness Monarch

Key Services Offered:

  • A complete inspection includes a visual examination of the building from top to bottom. The inspection consists of a thorough visual evaluation and reports the condition of the structure, roof, foundation, ground drainage, plumbing, heating system, central air-conditioning system, visible insulation, walls, ceilings, windows, doors, and the operation of all appliances.

  • This type of inspection is used by insurance underwriters and insurance companies to determine the risk of a potential claim. It involves looking at the current condition of the property’s four major systems (Roof, Electrical, Plumbing, HVAC) to determine whether an older home has been well maintained, all systems meet certain safety standards, and are in good working condition before issuing a new home insurance policy or a policy renewal.

  • This inspection is a visual examination of the condition of the roof structure, how that structure is secured to the outside walls to prevent uplifting in the event of a high wind condition, all the home openings (entrance doors, garage doors, windows, skylights, glass block windows, etc.) and the type and level of protection against wind damage. Wind mitigation is the process of having or adding structural features to your home that help withstand or increase resistance to damages caused by high winds from major storms or hurricanes. If the house meets certain requirements, the insurance company is required by law to issue a significant discount in the wind portion of your home insurance policy.

  • This is an inspection that informs you of the condition of the roof covering and life expectancy of the roof against water intrusion, but not against wind damage.

  • We can evaluate the present condition of your roof and give you a professional assessment of the remaining usable life of the roof and a comparative cost/benefit analysis of a decision to repair vs replace. It also takes into consideration the current situation with home insurance carriers because most carriers now days are requiring five years minimum remaining life of the roof in order to underwrite a new policy.

  • Wind mitigation refers to the construction features of the building that makes it less vulnerable to high wind event damages such as storms and hurricanes. It analyses the attributes of the building in four specific areas: 1) the actual design shape of the roof if it is a hip roof, gable roof or a flat roof. 2) how the roof structure is anchored or secured to the outside walls of the building which is called the envelop. 3) the design characteristics of the roof structure and decking. 4) How all openings (doors, windows, skylights, glass blocks, etc.) of the building envelop are protected against high impact flying debris.

    The great advantage of hurricane rated doors and windows is that they protect your house 24/7 without a need to install shutters just prior to the arrival of a storm. They also provide higher security against intrusions, give you enhanced noise reduction and energy savings.

  • We specialize in the following:

    From Publix’s to Sprouts, we can build any
    commercial project together

    • New & Remodeling Construction Contractor

    • Concrete Forming, & Flat Concrete Work

    • Masonry, Rebar, & Structural Work

    • Finishing work

Homeowner Testimonials

  • I’ve owned multiple homes over the years so I can’t stress enough the importance of hiring a detailed-oriented, communicative, and competent inspector. Manuel is all of that and he is also highly educated, honest and meticulous. His reports are clear and well organized - all of which helped me get a significant discount on my insurance premium.

    Jose A. (Pembroke Pines, Florida)

  • "We hit the jackpot with Manuel. Finding ourselves without homeowners insurance was stressful but he reassured us with his calm and confident manner and explained the process from both perspectives: insurance companies and homeowners. He scheduled an appointment right away and had well-written reports written in 24 hours. He was personal and supportive and made himself available if we needed referrals or had any difficulties. "

    -MaryAnn (Plantation, Florida)

  • "Manuel Garrido did an outstanding job on my home inspection and wind mitigation. During the inspection, he was attentive, honest and helpful. I was able to replace my insurance policy at a rate I could afford, and obtain a comprehensive coverage policy with the appropriate discounts. He has gone above and beyond by staying in contact to help me save money and maintain my property, and helping me continue to apply for additional discounts. "

    - Laura I. (Davie, Florida)

Request a Quote

Kindly fill out the form below to share more details about your inspection needs so that Manuel can call you back and advise you on the best options for your home. He will walk you through the different options based on your circumstances and answer any questions you have about the process!