Use evidence—not advertising—to compare inspectors
A Florida home can involve wind and insurance documentation, moisture and drainage, aging roofs, electrical and plumbing systems, pools, seawalls, coastal exposure, condominium boundaries, additions and prior repairs. Ask each company the same questions and compare the answers in writing.
1. Verify the license
Confirm the individual inspector's active Florida license and make sure specialty or regulated services are performed by appropriately qualified providers.
2. Match experience to the property
Ask about the property type, age, construction, location and specific concern—not simply the total number of inspections advertised.
3. Review the written scope
Understand included systems, exclusions, accessibility limits, optional services, delivery timing and when another specialist may be recommended.
4. Examine a sample report
Look for useful photographs, clear condition descriptions, sensible priorities and practical next steps rather than an unexplained checklist.
5. Confirm direct communication
Know who will perform the inspection, who writes the report and whether you can speak directly with that person before and after the visit.
6. Read reviews critically
Look for consistent comments about thoroughness, clarity, responsiveness and real property outcomes across established independent platforms.
A practical comparison checklist
- Active Florida home-inspector license and accurate professional credentials
- General liability and errors-and-omissions insurance
- Property-specific written scope, price and exclusions before scheduling
- Direct access to the inspector for questions
- Photo-rich report with priorities and next-step recommendations
- Clear distinction between a visual inspection and engineering, environmental, trade or code-certification work
- Ability to coordinate legitimate specialty services when the property requires them
- Authentic reviews and consistent business information across Google and other directories
How NJCAT compares
Nicholas J. Catalano personally performs NJCAT inspections and writes the reports. NJCAT has provided professional inspection services since 2009. Nick is a Florida-licensed home inspector (HI-1612), an InterNACHI Certified Master Inspector, and brings a mechanical-engineering background plus more than 30 years of construction and engineering experience. Clients receive direct owner access, photo-rich documentation and a scope tailored to the property and decision.
Those facts may make NJCAT a strong fit for buyers, sellers, owners, agents and professional teams seeking an experienced, owner-led inspection company. They do not replace your own comparison of scope, availability, qualifications and property needs.
Questions to ask before hiring
What should I look for in a Florida home inspection company?
Verify the inspector's active Florida license, relevant property experience, written scope, insurance, sample reporting, review history, availability for questions and clear limitations.
Is the lowest price the best value?
Not necessarily. Compare the included scope, inspector experience, specialty services, reporting quality, communication and exclusions before comparing price.
Should I attend the inspection?
When access and transaction conditions allow, attending at least the summary portion can help you understand major findings and next steps directly from the inspector.
Can one inspection cover every possible concern?
No. Some properties warrant additional insurance, WDO, pool, plumbing-scope, seawall, environmental, structural, geotechnical, engineering or trade-specialist services.