What a Home Inspection Usually Finds in Older Palm Coast Homes

Juan Brea

Oct 14

2 min read

Palm Coast is not like most Florida towns. It was planned from scratch. ITT Community Development Corporation began building it in 1969, opened the welcome center on October 29, 1970, and the first residents moved in during January 1972. ITT pulled out in 1995, and Palm Coast became a city in 1999.

That planned history means a lot of homes in the lettered sections were built the same way: single-story concrete block with stucco, a concrete slab, and a wood truss roof. Block homes hold up well, but a house built in the 1970s, 80s or early 90s is now 30 to 50 years old. Here is what I check closely on those homes.

Plumbing: look for polybutylene

Polybutylene was a grey plastic supply pipe used in many Florida homes from the late 1970s into the mid-1990s. Many insurance companies won't cover a home that still has it. I look at the water heater, under the sinks and anywhere else the supply lines are visible. If the home was re-piped, ask the seller for the date and the permit.

Electrical panel and wiring

Older panels are one of the first things insurers ask about. Brands like Federal Pacific and Zinsco, and aluminum branch wiring, can make a home hard to insure. I open the panel, check the brand and the breakers, and look for double-tapped breakers, scorching and loose connections.

Roof age and the truss system

The roof matters more than almost anything else for Florida insurance. Insurers may ask for proof of at least five years of remaining life on shingle roofs over 15 years old, or tile and metal roofs over 20. From the attic I also check how the roof deck and trusses are fastened, which feeds directly into the wind mitigation report.

Stucco cracks and moisture

Hairline stucco cracks are common on block homes and usually cosmetic. Wider or stair-step cracks, rust stains and soft spots around windows deserve a closer look. Our free infrared scan helps here, because hidden moisture behind walls and ceilings often shows up as a temperature difference before you can see any stain.

Air conditioning and the water heater

In our climate the AC runs most of the year. I check the age on the data plate, the condensate drain and the drain pan for leaks or rust. Water heaters get a look at the age, the relief valve and the discharge line.

Questions to ask before you make an offer

When was the roof replaced, and is there a permit?
Has the home been re-piped? With what?
How old are the AC system and the water heater?
Has the electrical panel been replaced?
Is there a current wind mitigation report?

Schedule your inspection with Pointer

Pointer Home Inspections is owned by John Brea, a Florida-licensed home inspector (HI16531) and InterNACHI Certified Professional Inspector with more than 30 years in construction. Every full home inspection includes a free whole-house infrared scan, a free wind mitigation report and a free 4-point report, and your report arrives the next morning. We serve Palm Coast, Flagler Beach, Bunnell, Ormond Beach and the rest of Flagler and Volusia counties, in English or Spanish.

Call (386) 414-7500, email jbrea@pointerhomeinspections.com, or book on our Schedule Now page.