Terms of Service for Green Foot Home Inspections

These Terms of Service ("Terms") govern your access to and use of the website located at https://greenfoothomeinspections.com (the "Website"), including any content, functionality, and services offered on or through the Website (collectively, the "Services"), operated by Green Foot Home Inspections, Inc. ("we," "us," or "our"), a South Florida-based company providing residential home inspection services. By accessing or using the Website or Services, you agree to be bound by these Terms and our Privacy Policy (available at Privacy Policy). If you do not agree, you must not access or use the Website or Services.

1. Acceptance of Terms

Your use of the Website or booking of Services constitutes your agreement to these Terms. We may update these Terms from time to time, and your continued use after posting of changes signifies acceptance. You must be at least 18 years old to use the Services.

2. Description of Services

The Website provides information about our home inspection services, including residential inspections, 4-point insurance inspections, wind mitigation inspections, and roof certifications, primarily serving Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties in South Florida. Services may be booked via the Website, phone, or other means. All inspections are visual examinations conducted in accordance with InterNACHI standards and Florida regulations, aimed at identifying observable defects at the time of inspection. Reports are provided digitally, but we do not guarantee future conditions, hidden issues, or compliance with all codes.

2.1 Scope Limitations and Exclusions

Our inspections are non-invasive visual examinations only and are subject to the following limitations and exclusions to ensure clarity on what is not covered. These align with industry standards and are intended to define the boundaries of our Services:

General Limitations:

• Inspections are not technically exhaustive and do not involve dismantling, invasive testing, or engineering analysis.
• We do not identify concealed, latent, or future defects.
• Aesthetic concerns, matters of taste, or cosmetic issues are not addressed.
• We do not assess property suitability for any specific use, market value, marketability, insurability, or advisability of purchase.
• Life expectancy of the property, systems, or components is not determined.
• Only permanently installed items are considered; temporary or non-fixed elements are excluded.
• Services apply to properties with four or fewer residential units and attached garages or carports.

Items Not Determined:

• Property boundaries, encroachments, or geological/soil conditions.
• Service life expectancy, size, capacity, performance, efficiency, or adequacy of any system or component.
• Causes of conditions or reasons for needed repairs.
• Future conditions or potential changes.
• Compliance with building codes, regulations, or manufacturer guidelines.
• Presence of pests (e.g., rodents, insects, birds, bats), mold, mildew, fungus, airborne hazards (e.g., radon), environmental hazards (e.g., lead paint, asbestos, toxic materials), electromagnetic fields, hazardous waste, or air quality.
• Manufacturers' recalls, acoustical properties, or consumer protection information.
• Cost estimates for corrections, replacements, repairs, or operational expenses.

Systems Not Operated:

• Shut-down or non-functional systems.
• Low-voltage systems (e.g., phone/cable lines, satellite dishes, antennae, remote controls).
• Systems not activated by normal controls.
• Shut-off valves, electrical disconnects, over-current devices, alarm systems, moisture meters, or gas detectors.

Actions Not Performed:

• Moving personal items, furniture, rugs, or obstructions that restrict access.
• Dismantling or uncovering systems/components.
• Entering unsafe areas, crawl spaces, or attics if hazardous.
• Inspecting underground items (e.g., irrigation systems, septic systems, storage tanks).
• Activities risking safety or property damage (e.g., walking on roofs, climbing high areas).
• Inspecting decorative items, common areas in multi-unit properties, intercoms, speakers, or security systems.
• Providing guarantees, warranties, engineering services, or other professional trades.
• Researching property history, age of installations, or potential modifications.
• Conducting environmental audits or determining insurability.

Roof Exclusions:

• Walking on roof surfaces if unsafe or potentially damaging.
• Predicting service life or confirming fastening/installation.
• Inspecting underground drainage, antennae, de-icing equipment, or removing debris/snow/ice.
• Performing water tests or certifying roofs.

Exterior Exclusions:

• Screens, storm windows, shutters, awnings, fences, outbuildings, or accent lighting.
• Recreational facilities, playgrounds, seawalls, docks, or erosion controls.
• Underground utilities, wells, springs, solar/geothermal systems, pools/spas, septic systems, irrigation, or drainfields.
• Safety glass, window seals, or hydrological conditions.

Structural Exclusions:

• Entering inaccessible crawl spaces or moving debris.
• Operating sump pumps with inaccessible floats.
• Assessing adequacy of bolting, bracing, joists, or supports.
• Providing engineering/architectural evaluations.

Heating Exclusions:

• Interiors of flues/chimneys, heat exchangers, humidifiers, dehumidifiers, or solar/geothermal systems.
• Fuel tanks or supply systems.
• Lighting pilots, overriding thermostats, or evaluating fuel quality/combustion air.

Cooling Exclusions:

• Portable/through-wall units or electronic filters.
• Operating in low temperatures or risky conditions.
• Checking thermostat calibration or coolant levels.

Plumbing Exclusions:

• Interiors of flues/chimneys, water softeners, well pumps, safety valves, or sprinklers.
• Water quality, flow rate, or adequacy.
• Clothes washers, valves, shower pans, or anti-siphon devices.
• Fuel tanks, wastewater systems, water filters, or plastic piping conditions.
• Testing safety controls or gas leaks.

Electrical Exclusions:

• Inserting tools into panels or removing covers.
• Operating shut-down systems or resetting devices.
• Smoke/carbon monoxide detectors, security/fire alarms.
• Ancillary wiring, GFCIs, or low-voltage components.
• Measuring amperage/voltage or testing arc-fault interrupters.

Other System Exclusions (e.g., Interiors, Appliances, Fireplaces):

• Wall coverings, flooring, cabinets, or cosmetic finishes.
• Central vacuums, household appliances, or paint/wallpaper.
• Interiors of chimneys/flues, dampers, or ash disposal.
• Garage door transmitters, vehicle doors, or safety sensors (beyond basic opener function).
• Timers, remote controls, or non-permanent installations.

3. User Obligations

You agree to use the Website and Services lawfully, provide accurate information when booking, and not engage in any harmful activities such as uploading viruses, scraping content, or infringing third-party rights. You are responsible for any content you submit (e.g., via contact forms), and you grant us a non-exclusive license to use it for providing Services.

4. Booking and Payment

Bookings are subject to availability. Payment is due at the time of service unless otherwise agreed. We accept major credit cards and other methods. Cancellations within 24 hours may incur fees. Prices are as quoted and may include taxes.

5. Intellectual Property

All content on the Website, including text, images, logos, and reports, is owned by us or our licensors and protected by copyright, trademark, and other laws. You may not reproduce, distribute, or create derivative works without our written permission, except for personal use of your inspection report.

6. Disclaimers and Warranties

The Website and Services are provided "AS IS" without warranties of any kind, express or implied, including accuracy, completeness, merchantability, or fitness for a particular purpose. Information on the Website is for general purposes only and not professional advice. We do not warrant that the Website will be error-free or uninterrupted. Inspections are limited visual assessments and do not include invasive testing, environmental hazards (e.g., mold, radon), pests, or concealed defects, as further detailed in Section 2.1.

7. Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law, we shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, consequential, special, or punitive damages arising from your use of the Website or Services, even if advised of the possibility. Our total liability for any claim related to Services shall not exceed the amount you paid us for the specific inspection in question. This includes, but is not limited to, claims for errors, omissions, or reliance on reports. You assume all risks for post-inspection changes or undiscovered issues.

8. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless us, our affiliates, officers, employees, and agents from any claims, liabilities, damages, or expenses (including attorneys' fees) arising from your violation of these Terms, misuse of Services, or infringement of third-party rights.

9. Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of Florida, without regard to conflict of law principles. Any legal action shall be brought exclusively in the courts located in Miami-Dade County, Florida.

10. Dispute Resolution

Any disputes arising from these Terms or Services shall first be attempted to be resolved through good-faith negotiation. If unresolved, disputes shall be submitted to binding arbitration in Miami, Florida, under the rules of the American Arbitration Association. Arbitration shall be on an individual basis only; no class actions or jury trials. The prevailing party may recover reasonable attorneys' fees. You may opt out of arbitration within 30 days of first using the Services by notifying us in writing.

11. Termination

We may terminate or suspend your access to the Website or Services at any time, without notice, for any reason, including breach of these Terms. Sections 5-11 shall survive termination.

12. Miscellaneous

These Terms constitute the entire agreement between you and us. If any provision is deemed invalid, the remainder shall remain enforceable. No waiver of any term shall be deemed a further waiver. We are not responsible for delays due to force majeure events.

For questions, contact us at (786) 301-5677 or via the Website.