Accurate Home Inspections of America, LLC

08/18/2025

I've done thousands of inspections since 2007 and I have run into many cases where the seller has had work done on their property where the contractor had not pulled a permit.

In Cape Coral, FL, doing work without the required permit can lead to several problems—both immediate and long-term. Here’s what typically happens:
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🔹 Immediate Consequences
1. Stop Work Order – If Code Enforcement or the Building Division discovers unpermitted work, they can issue a Stop Work Order. Work must halt until a permit is obtained.
2. Fines & Penalties – The City may issue fines for each day the violation continues. Cape Coral’s Code Compliance can assess civil penalties, and the Building Division can charge double or triple permit fees when a permit is pulled after the fact.
3. Code Enforcement Case – If not corrected, the case can escalate to the Code Enforcement Board, where additional fines and liens may be imposed.
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🔹 Corrective Actions Required
• The owner (or contractor) must apply for an “after-the-fact” permit.
• Plans, inspections, and approvals are still required—even if the work is finished.
• If the work doesn’t meet code, it may need to be modified or even torn out and redone.
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🔹 Long-Term Problems
• Difficulty Selling the Property – Title companies, appraisers, and buyers often check for open or expired permits. Unpermitted work can delay or derail a sale.
• Insurance Issues – If damage occurs, your homeowner’s insurance may deny claims for unpermitted work.
• City Liens – If fines aren’t paid, Cape Coral can place a lien on the property, potentially leading to foreclosure in extreme cases.
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✅ What To Do if You Have Unpermitted Work
1. Contact the Cape Coral Building Division (239-574-0546) to ask about an “after-the-fact” permit.
2. Hire a licensed contractor if plans, inspections, or engineering approvals are required.
3. Bring everything up to code to avoid future fines or sale complications.

12/12/2023

You're buying a new construction home and you wonder if you should get an inspection? After all the builder is reputable and the city inspects the property. Here's an example of how builders and city/county inspectors miss obvious problems in new construction. This problem was found during a new construction pre-closing inspection. The property was missing insulation in almost half of the attic.

07/03/2022

Grilling tips in time for 4th of July grilling.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1kU-PZsH-ijuCqoQ7Bady8KQk94vnW_PV/view?usp=sharing

08/02/2019

09/15/2018

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-09-13/north-carolina-may-regret-weakening-its-building-codes-in-2013

Regulators also recently eliminated a requirement that storm shutters be permanently anchored.

09/10/2018

Water Heater Expansion Tank - The purpose of having an expansion tank on a water heater is to provide relief on a plumbing system that is closed. In Cape Coral, city provided water has a dual check valve to prevent back flow into the city water system. This provides a closed system.

As water heats, it expands, as it expands, it creates more pressure in your plumbing system. The expansion tank absorbs the increase in water pressure. This reduces extreme stress on your plumbing fixtures. The tank is pre-charged with air and the water expansion presses against the diaphragm as the water heater heats. If you’re on a well
system, you may have no back flow preventer. If this is the case, there is no need for the expansion tank.

The expansion tank will be installed on the inlet side of the water heater. I would recommend installing a new expansion
tank when installing a new water heater. Many manufactures will void the warranty if an expansion tank is not installed.

If you notice some rust or a leak on the expansion tank, it is recommended to replace the tank.

The expansion tank shown below is rusted and should be replaced.

02/24/2013

Hurricane season is around the corner. Here is a Do it Yourself Wind Inspection for your home.

http://youtu.be/hd6R5sgqos8

Homeowners are shown how to evaluate their homes for wind disaster resistance.