Waterfront living is a big part of why people choose South Florida, from the canals of Fort Lauderdale to the Intracoastal in Pompano Beach and Delray Beach. But a home on the water comes with more to inspect than the house itself. Here is what I recommend looking at before you buy.
1. The home itself, with salt air in mind
Start with a full home inspection. On the water, pay extra attention to:
- Air conditioning condensers and exterior metal: salt air speeds up corrosion of coils, fasteners, railings and light fixtures.
- Windows, sliding doors and their seals: wind-driven rain finds weak spots, so look for staining, swelling and failed seals.
- Roof and flashing: coastal storms are hard on roofs. Roof condition matters for your insurance as well as your budget.
- Signs of past water intrusion: stains, patched drywall and musty areas deserve questions.
2. The seawall
The seawall holds your yard in place. Problems are expensive and they tend to get worse over time. Things to look for include:
- Cracks in the seawall cap or panels
- Leaning or bowing sections
- Sinkholes, depressions or soil loss behind the wall
- Rust staining, which can point to corroding reinforcement
Seawall condition calls for marine expertise, so American Building Inspectors coordinates seawall inspections with a specialist alongside your home inspection.
3. The dock and boat lift
Docks, pilings and lifts live in harsh conditions. Look at the decking, the pilings at the waterline, the fasteners, and whether the lift and its electrical supply work safely. These are included in a coordinated seawall and dock inspection.
4. The pool and spa
Most waterfront homes have a pool. A pool and spa inspection looks at the surfaces, the deck, the pump, filter and heater, the visible wiring and bonding, and safety features such as barriers, gates and alarms.
5. Insurance inspections
Waterfront homes often need a 4-point and a wind mitigation inspection for insurance. If the home has a newer roof or impact windows, a wind mitigation inspection documents them for your insurer. Also ask your agent about flood insurance requirements for the property.
Put it all on one timeline
Contract deadlines don't leave much room. American Building Inspectors can inspect the home, the pool and the insurance items, and coordinate the seawall and dock inspection, so everything comes back on the same schedule. Schedule online or call (954) 372-7937.