When it comes to a home inspection, even small features like a doggy door can have a bigger impact than you might expect. Doggy doors are a convenient addition for pet owners, giving furry family members the freedom to go outside whenever they need. That said, questions about safety, energy, and proper installation come up during home inspections and sales.
Whether you already have a doggy door or are considering one, knowing how it fits into a home inspector’s evaluation can help you make informed decisions and plan better for buying or selling a home.
How Pet Doors Can Affect Security
Doggy doors are convenient, but they can raise concerns about home security. These doors create an additional entry point, which could be vulnerable if not properly secured.
Larger models, designed for bigger pets, might even be wide enough for an intruder to fit through. To reduce potential risks:
Choose a doggy door with a secure locking mechanism.
Consider models that only unlock when paired with your pet’s microchip or collar.
Install the door in a less visible location to avoid drawing attention to it.
Home inspectors might note whether the doggy door poses potential security issues, especially if it is poorly installed or lacks a proper lock. Addressing these common concerns before an inspection can offer peace of mind and ensure the door doesn’t become a red flag.
Energy Efficiency with a Doggy Door
A poorly installed or unsealed doggy door can let in drafts, raising energy bills and making your home less comfortable.
Gaps around the door or insufficient weatherproofing allow warm or cool air to escape, forcing your HVAC system to work harder.
To maintain energy efficiency, you can:
Look for doggy doors with strong, insulated flaps.
Check the seals regularly for wear and replace them as needed.
Ensure the door is properly aligned to prevent gaps.
During an inspection, energy efficiency concerns caused by doggy doors may be noted, especially if there are visible drafts or insulation problems.
Structural Concerns
Improperly installed doggy doors can create structural issues that go beyond just aesthetics. Cutting into a door or wall without proper reinforcement may weaken the structure, leading to long-term damage.
Water intrusion is another concern—if the doggy door isn’t sealed correctly, rain or moisture can seep in, causing rot or mold.
To avoid structural problems:
Ensure professional installation, especially for doggy doors installed through walls.
Check the seals and surrounding area regularly for signs of wear or damage.
Use high-quality materials designed to withstand weather and frequent use.
Since home inspectors will check for any visible damage that could compromise the integrity of the door or wall, addressing these issues early is a simple, smart step.
Resale Value and Buyer Perception
Doggy doors can influence how buyers view your home. While pet owners may appreciate the convenience, others might see them as a security risk, energy inefficiency, or an extra maintenance task.
Visible wear, drafts, or outdated designs can detract from the home’s appeal.
To make a positive impression:
Keep the doggy door clean and in good condition.
Upgrade older models to modern, secure, and energy-efficient options.
Highlight features like smart locking mechanisms if marketing to pet-friendly buyers.
During inspections, any issues related to the doggy door could raise questions. However, ensuring it’s in top condition helps avoid potential concerns and maintains your home’s value.
Maintenance Tips for Homes with Pet Doors
Doggy doors require regular upkeep to prevent wear and tear from turning into bigger issues.
Consistent maintenance not only ensures the door works smoothly but also helps avoid potential problems during a home inspection.
Simple maintenance tips:
Clean the door and flaps to remove dirt, pet hair, or debris.
Inspect the seals for cracks or gaps and replace them as needed.
Check for drafts around the door, especially during seasonal weather changes.
Examine the surrounding wall or door for any signs of damage, moisture, or pests.
Routine checks keep your doggy door functional, safe, and appealing, making it less likely to raise concerns during a property inspection.
When to Call a Professional
Sometimes, addressing doggy door issues requires more than basic maintenance. If you notice persistent drafts, structural damage, or improper installation, a professional can help identify and fix the problem.
Reasons to call a professional:
The door was installed incorrectly, causing damage to the wall or door.
There are visible signs of water intrusion or mold around the doggy door.
Security concerns exist, such as a faulty lock or an outdated design. Also, if you’re preparing to sell your home, a property inspector can assess the doggy door’s condition as part of a thorough inspection.
Conclusion
Doggy doors bring freedom and convenience for your furry friends, but they also come with responsibilities. Taking steps to secure, maintain, and properly install your doggy door can make all the difference when it’s time for a home inspection.
Electrical systems are an essential part of every home, but many homeowners feel a bit lost when it comes to understanding how they work. Knowing the most common electrical terms can help you avoid common issues, improve home safety, and make more informed decisions when it’s time to call in a professional.
Whether you’re troubleshooting, planning an upgrade, or just curious, understanding the key terms below can make a shocking difference. Let’s jump in!
Why Knowing Your Electrical Terms Matters
If you’ve ever tried to troubleshoot a tripped breaker or figure out why an outlet stopped working, you know that electrical issues can be confusing. However understanding key electrical terms can give you a major advantage.
Not only will you be better prepared to explain the problem when a professional arrives, but you’ll also have a clearer sense of what to expect during routine inspections or upgrades. This knowledge can help you stay ahead of potential hazards, such as overloaded circuits or improper grounding before they become costly repairs or safety risks.
In the long run, knowing these terms can save you time, money, and unnecessary stress while making sure your home’s electrical system is as safe and efficient as possible.
13 Electrical Terms Worth Knowing
1) Circuit
A circuit is the complete path that electricity travels through in your home, powering outlets, lights, and appliances.
When you flip a switch or plug something in, the circuit is what allows electricity to flow to that device. Circuits are designed to handle a certain load, so overloading one by plugging in too many devices at once can cause it to trip and shut off to prevent overheating.
For example, if you run a vacuum cleaner and a space heater on the same outlet, the circuit may overload and cut power to that area.
2) Voltage
Voltage is the force that pushes electrical current through wires and circuits. Think of it like water pressure in a hose—the higher the voltage, the more forcefully electricity is pushed through.
Most homes have standard 120-volt outlets, but larger appliances like ovens or dryers require 240 volts to operate efficiently.
3) Ampere (Amp)
Amps measure the amount of electrical current flowing through a circuit. Every circuit in your home is rated to handle a certain number of amps.
If the flow exceeds this limit, the breaker will trip to prevent overheating. For instance, most household circuits are rated for 15 or 20 amps, meaning they can safely power a few devices, like a TV and lamp, but adding a high-amp device, like a space heater, might cause the breaker to trip.
4) Wattage
Wattage measures how much power a device uses. It’s a combination of voltage and amps.
For example, a 60-watt light bulb uses 60 watts of power when it’s on. Knowing the wattage of your appliances and devices helps you manage energy usage and avoid overloading circuits.
5) Breaker
A breaker is a safety device that automatically shuts off electricity if a circuit becomes overloaded or if there’s a short circuit.
It’s designed to protect your home from electrical fires. If you notice a breaker frequently tripping, it may be a sign of an issue with that circuit, such as too many devices being plugged in, faulty wiring, or an appliance malfunction.
6) Grounding
Grounding provides a safe path for electricity to follow in case of a fault, like a short circuit. It helps prevent electrical shocks and reduces the risk of fires.
Ground wires are usually connected to outlets, metal boxes, and the earth. If grounding is missing or done incorrectly, your home is more vulnerable to electrical hazards.
7) GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter)
A GFCI is a type of outlet designed to protect against electrical shocks by shutting off the power if it detects any imbalance in the flow of electricity. These are required in areas with water, such as kitchens, bathrooms, and outdoor outlets.
For example, if an appliance in your bathroom gets wet and electricity starts flowing in an unintended path, the GFCI will trip and cut power to prevent a shock.
8) AFCI (Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter)
An AFCI is a special type of breaker that protects against electrical fires caused by arcing faults.
Arcing happens when electrical current jumps between damaged wires or loose connections. AFCIs are now required in newer homes, particularly in bedrooms and living spaces, because they detect and stop arcs before they can cause a fire.
9) Short Circuit
A short circuit occurs when electrical current flows through an unintended path, often due to exposed or damaged wiring. This can cause sparks, overheating, or even fires if not addressed quickly.
For instance, if two wires in a light fixture touch each other, they can create a short circuit, potentially leading to a fire hazard.
10) Electrical Panel
The electrical panel is the control center for your home’s electrical system. It houses the breakers or fuses that manage the flow of electricity to different circuits in your home.
If your home’s electrical needs grow (such as adding new appliances), you may need to upgrade your electrical panel to handle the increased load.
11) Fuse
Fuses are similar to breakers but are found in older electrical systems.
Instead of resetting like a breaker, a fuse will blow (or burn out) when a circuit becomes overloaded. Once a fuse blows, it needs to be replaced. If your home still uses fuses, it may be worth upgrading to a modern breaker system for improved safety and convenience.
12) Neutral Wire
The neutral wire completes the electrical circuit by carrying electricity back to the electrical panel. It helps balance the load of electricity in a circuit.
A properly functioning neutral wire is crucial for safety, as it ensures that excess electrical current doesn’t build up and cause shocks or fires.
13) Surge Protection
Finally, surge protection safeguards your home’s electronics from sudden voltage spikes, which can occur during storms or power surges.
A surge protector diverts excess electricity away from your devices, preventing damage. It’s recommended to use surge protectors for valuable electronics like computers, TVs, and home theater systems.
Tips for Electrical Safety at Home
Inspect outlets and switches regularly: Check outlets and switches for signs of wear, overheating, or damage. If they feel warm or you notice any discoloration, there could be an underlying issue.
Upgrade old wiring: Older homes often have outdated wiring systems that may not handle today’s electrical demands. Upgrading to modern wiring can reduce the risk of fires and improve efficiency.
Install GFCI outlets where needed: Kitchens, bathrooms, garages, and outdoor areas should have GFCI outlets to protect against electrical shocks. These outlets shut off power if they detect moisture or a current imbalance.
Avoid overloading outlets: Plugging too many devices into a single outlet can lead to overheating and fire hazards. Use power strips with built-in surge protectors for safety, especially when dealing with multiple electronics.
Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors: Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are key safety tools. Test them regularly to ensure they’re working properly and replace batteries as needed.
When to Call a Professional
Some electrical issues are beyond the scope of an at-home fix and should be handled by a licensed professional.
If you notice frequent breaker trips, flickering lights, or burning smells coming from outlets, it’s time to call an expert. These can all be signs of underlying electrical problems that could lead to fires or damage if left unchecked.
Other tasks, like upgrading your electrical panel, installing new wiring, or adding dedicated circuits for large appliances, should always be done by an electrician.
Attempting these projects without the right tools and knowledge can be dangerous and may violate local building codes.
Wrapping Up
Knowing these key electrical terms empowers you to better understand your electrical system, communicate with inspectors and electricians, and keep your home safe.
Property insurance is required on homes with a mortgage and unfortunately, something we see that increases almost each year. Living in Florida, we would think that our insurance premiums increase due to weather events. However, in 2021, this does not seem to hold true. Instead, it seems to be that the rates are going up and people are scared of a market crash due to increases in litigation in our state.
Guy Fraker of Cre8tfutures Innovation System & Consultancy has 30 years of experience working in the insurance industry. He wrote a report, “Florida’s P&C Insurance Market: Spiraling Towards Collapse.” This will be our focus. How is this happening? Let’s take a look at why this is important, the laws passed between 2011-2019, some interesting statistics from the report, and how to fix this issue.
Why This is Important
Insurance on the home is very important, especially in weather prone states like Florida. However, the worry has turned to the problems of increased litigation in the state. It is also becoming increasingly difficult to insure homes that may have five years or less left on roofs, HVAC, and water heaters. This is ultimately causing the homeowner more money.
Laws Passed Between 2011-2019 Relating to the Insurance Market
The 4 laws passed in these years relating to the insurance market are:
1.Statutes Governing Assignment Agreements
This law went into effect on July 1, 2019. It states that contractors must provide a detailed estimate of the cost for the work they will be providing. This is different than the previous law that had the insured sign over all rights to their policy, called an AOB- Assignment of Benefits. This allowed contractors to charge the homeowner an exorbitant amount, the home owner would submit it to the insurance company, and then the expectation was that the insurance company will eventually pay it.
Things have changed with the new law. Now, the estimate of the work to be completed must be provided and it doesn’t allow the contractor to charge an outlandish amount. Also, the amount is known right away as there is a limitation on how long there is to provide information.
If the contractor decides to take the insurer to court, then there are specific requirements that must be met and the contractor will be the one who must prove fault on the part of the insurer.
2. Mandatory Replacement Cost Coverage for Residential Roofs
It’s a good idea to pull out your property insurance policy and see what it says about covering the replacement of a roof. Some insurance policies won’t cover if it is over 10 years old. In fact, the problem here is that many roofers were going to homes and climbing on residents’ roofs, if they were given permission, and then “finding” things that were wrong.
Then, the roofer was turning around and telling the homeowner a new roof was needed. Next, the homeowner was filing a claim with insurance. However, some policies don’t do “actual cash value” and some also had the wording in the insurance papers that they would cover the amount if the homeowner paid a higher premium.
3. Multi-year Statute of Limitations to File a First Notice of Loss
This law that is in effect is also causing the financial fallout for the property insurance companies. Homeowners are given 3 years after a named storm or non-catastrophic water damage or roof damage to file a “first notice of loss.” That is a long time!
4. One Way Attorney Fee
This fee allows an insured homeowner to recover attorney fees when they prevail for settling out of court. It happens when the insurance company does not want to pay the over-inflated bill from a contractor. However, it does not allow the insurance company to recover the fees for the attorney they had to use and this is before they even possibly need to head to court. This causes the insurance company to lose more money.
Fraker found that the amount of litigation with the above issues has accounted for more than 60% of litigation filed and it was related to non-catastrophes. While 40% was related to catastrophic storms and losses. Thus showing that the amount of financial money that is being paid out can be changed- if the right laws are put into place. Unfortunately, the $3 billion in expenses this has caused is being put on the Florida property owners.
Tile roof
Issues with Obtaining Insurance
Issue with Residential Roofs
Another issue with residential roofs is that many are still in good shape but difficult to get insurance. One of those is the tile roof. While many of these still have a lot of life left at 25-30 years old, insurance companies don’t want to insure them. In fact, a tile roof can last up to 50 years if there are no major weather issues or fallen trees on the home.
Why There Are Problems With These Types of Materials For Roofs and Insurance
Well, part of it is because we are in Florida and are prone to weather events. Many insurance companies believe that the lifespan is shortened and need replacing sooner. However, that just hurts the homeowner who may not have the money to replace at that time.
A four-point inspectionor roof certification is required by the insurance company to find out the condition of the shingles. Insurance underwriters are wanting at least 5 years of life left on roofs for Florida Four Point & Roof Certification Inspections. It used to be only 3 years, but insurance companies are suggesting that roofs with an estimated life of fewer than 5 years are more likely to submit insurance claims on their roofs the following year or two.
So if an inspector says there are less than 5 years left on the roof, then it is difficult to get insurance – unless the owner purchases a new roof.
For example, Joe has a four-point inspection done on his home. It is determined by the inspector that he has 4 years left on his roof. The insurance could do one of the following:
Tell him he has to replace the roof
Pay a higher premium
Give him 30 days but they will want to see a contract for the roof to be completed soon.
HVAC and Water Heater
If a homeowner does maintenance on the HVAC system or water heater two times a year, they should be able to get extra years out of it. However, insurance underwriters want them replaced sometimes 5 years sooner and they find out about the age through the Four Point Inspection, as mentioned above. These issues are a headache for the homeowner.
Interesting Statistics From the Article:
*Since 2013, insurers have paid out $12 billion fees to attorneys
*In 2019, higher premiums were charged due to insurance companies paying $3 billion in lawsuit costs.
*Between 2014-2020, insurers have been involved in 221,000 lawsuits – many of these are non-catastrophic issues such as water damage and roofing claims.
*Litigation costs are 17% higher in Florida than other states that are catastrophe prone.
*Florida insured’s paid between $2 billion and $2.7 billion in costs allocated to suits in the form of increased premiums. Thus the rates of insurance premiums increased for the consumer.
*Plaintiff attorneys receive 7% of insurance litigation cash flow.
*Only 8% of the cash flow is paid to the insurance companies.
Root of the Problems- Started in the Recovery From Storms
The report by Fraker says that the root of the problems started in the recovery from storms. This would have been okay if the state’s economy was taken care of and protected. However, there was no balance in place. Unfortunately, this allowed there to be an unbalance and operated at the expense of insurers. Then, this trickled down to the state’s economy and the residents. It also is affecting those who are reinvesting within the state or from outside the state.
Not only are the rates in the state for consumers going up but also there is a loss of people reinvesting their money into homes in the state. This is due to the increase in premiums. In fact, there are insurance carriers pulling back policies in south Florida and central Florida because of the litigation issues.
Even though the state of Florida had hurricanes and a lot of damage from 2017-2019, insurance companies say that the issues have to do with the increase in litigation, not the storms. According to Fraker, legislative reforms are needed in order to keep this from spiraling out of control and hurting the economy in Florida. It is headed in the direction of causing a massive fallout of the property insurance for residential homeowners.
How to Fix This Issue
Fraker recommends the following:
Legislation must change the law about the One Way Attorney Fee. It should be they are, “Awarded based on policies and damages awarded to the claimants.”
Change the 3-year notice of first loss to one year.
Consolidate the lawsuits so that multiple lawsuits cannot come from the same property.
Allow excluded or non-covered damages to remain just that- non-covered.
The rest of the recommendations can be accessed here.
Florida State Senator Jeff Brandes, a member of the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee plans to make these recommendations to the committee. He and many others want the Florida insurance market to get back on the right path.
Conclusion
Talking to your local representatives is a good place to start in curbing this issue. In addition, educating your neighbors about the scams and the increase in premiums. You as a consumer can help turn the market back around as it affects all of us- no matter our occupation or position in this.
https://insideandoutpropertyinspectors.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Issues-in-Florida-With-Property-Insurance-and-Litigation-scaled.jpeg8532560BJ Johnsonhttps://d39oyu4lp7snwz.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/54/2019/08/31171419/io-favicon-300x300.pngBJ Johnson2021-02-05 13:26:392024-12-24 19:40:49Issues in Florida With Property Insurance and Litigation
