Your Inspector for Monticello
Monticello is the county seat of Jefferson County, about half an hour east of Tallahassee on US 90, and it is part of ACL Home Inspections' regular service area. From houses a few blocks off the courthouse square to farmhouses and newer homes on acreage out in the county, we walk the home with you, explain what we found, and deliver an easy-to-read report within 24 hours, usually the same day.
ACL is led by Joel Hagans, a Certified Master Inspector, and our inspections follow the InterNACHI Standards of Practice. A lot of Monticello's housing has real age on it, and that shapes what we look at most closely.
What We Pay Attention to in Jefferson County
Older Homes, Updated in Stages
Many houses in and around the historic downtown are well over a century old and have been updated one system at a time. We note which parts of the roof, wiring, plumbing and HVAC look original and which are newer, so you know where the next expense is likely to be.
Raised Floors and Crawl Spaces
Older homes here often sit on piers over a crawl space. Where it can be safely entered, we check the framing and supports underneath, look for moisture, poor ventilation and damaged wood, and note any signs of pest activity.
Wells and Septic Systems
Outside the city, most homes have a private well and a septic system. The home inspection covers the plumbing inside the house; the well and septic system are evaluated separately, so leave time for that in your inspection period.
Big Trees and Roofs
Mature shade trees are part of the charm of older lots, but overhanging limbs, clogged gutters and moss on shingles shorten roof life. We look at roof coverings, flashing and drainage, and point out limbs that need attention before storm season.
4-Point Inspections in Monticello
Because so many Monticello homes are older, a 4-point inspection is one of the most common things buyers here are asked for. Florida insurers use it to decide whether they will write or renew a policy on an older home. It documents the age and condition of four systems: the roof, the electrical panel and wiring, the plumbing, and the heating and air conditioning.
Items that often draw an insurer's attention include roof coverings near the end of their life, older electrical panels that some carriers decline, polybutylene supply piping and aging water heaters. If the home has been updated, permits and invoices for the work help the insurer accept it. Many buyers add a wind mitigation report at the same visit, since it can lower the premium.
Services Available in Monticello
Everything we offer in Tallahassee is available in Monticello and the rest of Jefferson County. See the full details on our services page.
- Residential home inspections
- 4-point insurance inspections
- Wind mitigation reports
- Pre-listing inspections for sellers
- Radon and indoor air quality testing
- Mold testing
- WDO inspections
- Commercial property inspections
Before You Buy an Older Home
Ask the seller early for any records of a new roof, panel, plumbing or air conditioning system. Make sure the attic hatch, crawl space entry, electrical panel and water heater can be reached on inspection day, and plan your inspection period so there is time for the well, septic and any specialist the report recommends. If you are selling instead, a pre-listing inspection shows you what a buyer's inspector is likely to find while you still have time to deal with it.