Home Inspections in Sarasota, FL
Sarasota has some of the oldest housing in Southwest Florida, alongside bayfront homes and high-rise condos. Integrity Inspections gives Sarasota buyers and sellers a thorough inspection, color-coded reports with photos and direct answers from Inspector Kevin.
Schedule Your Inspection
Mid-Century Homes, Modern Insurance Rules
Many Sarasota neighborhoods were built from the 1950s through the 1970s: concrete-block ranch homes, terrazzo floors under carpet, and the flat roofs and big glass walls of mid-century modern design. These homes have character, and they also have systems that have been replaced once, twice or not at all.
In older Sarasota homes we often find original cast iron drain lines, galvanized or other outdated supply pipes, electrical panels and ungrounded outlets that insurers question, and low-slope roofs that hold water. The same items decide a 4-point inspection, so a full inspection tells you early what your insurer will see. Our article on 4-point inspections in Sarasota explains what carriers require.
Bayfront and Island Homes
Homes near Sarasota Bay and on the barrier islands take more wind, salt and water than homes inland. Salt air corrodes AC condensers, exterior electrical equipment and metal fasteners. Storm surge and heavy rain can leave damage that has been patched over. Many of these homes sit in flood zones, and some have been raised.
Drone roof inspections and thermal imaging are part of every inspection. The drone shows the whole roof, and the infrared camera looks for hidden moisture along walls, windows and sliders. Ask the seller for permits on any repairs done after recent hurricanes, so you know what was replaced and when.
Condos Downtown and on the Keys
A condo inspection focuses on what you will own and maintain: the electrical panel and outlets, plumbing fixtures and supply lines, the water heater, the air handler and condensate drain, windows, sliding doors and the balcony. Leaks between units are common in older buildings, so we pay close attention to ceilings and walls shared with neighbors.
The structure, roof and exterior walls belong to the association. Read its building reports before you commit, because large repairs are shared by every owner.
Selling a Sarasota Home?
Read more about how sellers use the report in our pre-listing inspection guide for Sarasota. We serve all of Sarasota County, including our home base of North Port, plus Manatee, Lee, Charlotte and Hillsborough Counties, with no travel fees.
Every Inspection Includes
Sarasota Home Inspection Questions
Will my older Sarasota home pass a 4-point inspection?
Many do, once the owner knows what insurers look for. The usual sticking points are an outdated electrical panel, older supply pipes, a roof near the end of its life and an aging water heater or AC. A full home inspection before you buy shows you these early.
Is a 4-point inspection the same as a home inspection?
No. A 4-point covers only the roof, electrical, plumbing and HVAC for your insurer. A full home inspection also covers the structure, exterior, interior, attic, appliances and more, which is what you want before you buy.
What should I ask a condo association for?
Ask for recent building inspection reports, the reserve study and any planned or approved special assessments. Florida now requires structural milestone inspections and reserve studies for many older condo buildings, and those documents tell you about the parts of the building outside your unit.
Do you charge extra for the drone or infrared camera?
No. Pricing is based on the square footage and age of the home. There are no extra charges for the infrared camera, drone or crawlspace robot, and no travel fees.
Ready to Move Forward With Confidence?
We'll give you the full picture of your home - so you can make the best decision for your family.