Inspecting homes can be a very dangerous career if the right precautions aren’t taken. From getting on slippery rooftops to going into crawlspaces’.
Crawlspaces’ often get overlooked by homeowners; out of sight, out of mind. Until inspection day comes, and the potential hazards are brought to everyone’s attention.
Common hazards found in the crawlspaces’ include but not limited to:
- Improper wiring
- Toxins
- Animals
1. Improper wiring- Usecaution if you see loose, exposed wiring, hanging electrical components, or open junction boxes. These wiring issues become particularly dangerous near water.Although difficult to identify, electricity is a significant risk to home inspectors. Touching a live wire can cause painful and, sometimes, fatal injuries, including electrocution, electric shock, and burns.
2. Toxins- When inspecting a crawlspace, be on guard for sources of toxins, airborne or otherwise. These may include:
- Mold
- Asbestos insulation
- Radon
- Dry rot
- Gas or chemical leaks
- Sewage
Exposure to these toxins can cause a variety of health problems, ranging from mild irritations to serious illnesses. Mold exposure, for example, may cause coughing and wheezing.
3. Animals- Inspecting tight quarters is already challenging enough, adding venomous, and possibly deadly small critters to the mix has the potential of being extremely dangerous.
- Snakes
- Vermin: Spiders, ants, bees, wasps, cockroaches, termites, scorpions, rats, and mice
- Larger mammals: Skunks, raccoons, groundhogs, possums, and cats
In the photo to the right, you can see someone who was using a trash can as a DIY septic holding tank in the crawl space. Not only does this have the potential of causing a foundational issue, but also is extremely dangerous for inspectors to breathe in.
William is a rare breed: a Florida native with deep roots in both the community and the construction industry. He began his career working alongside his father, Robert, in real estate renovations, gaining firsthand knowledge of homes from the inside out. In 2015, he brought that experience to Hope Home Inspections, where he continues to deliver comprehensive, reliable inspections with a commitment to honesty and detail.
William holds multiple advanced certifications that position him as one of the most qualified inspectors in the region. He is a Certified Master Inspector (CMI), Licensed Florida Home Inspector, Licensed Mold Assessor, Licensed Drone Operator, and Licensed WDO Inspector. Additionally, he is a Certified Pest Control Operator, Certified Commercial Property Inspector, and Radon Measurement Specialist—allowing him to provide a full spectrum of residential and commercial inspection services.
When he’s not on the job, William spends his time enjoying the Florida lifestyle with family and friends. As a licensed boat captain, he can often be found on the water fishing or boating. He’s also a proud father to a healthy baby boy, who inspires him to maintain the highest standards in everything he does.
With over a decade of hands-on experience and a long list of credentials, William is a trusted expert for buyers, sellers, and real estate professionals all across Florida.
