When purchasing a luxury waterfront property, even the most stunning homes can hide costly issues beneath the surface. Recently, our team at Florida Builders Engineers & Inspectors, part of the My Florida Pros Network, completed a comprehensive home inspection on an $8 million estate in Hallandale Beach, just steps from the Intracoastal Waterway.
What began as a standard pre-purchase inspection quickly turned into a deep investigation that saved our clients more than $125,000 off the final purchase price.
A Complete Multi-System Evaluation
Our inspection covered every major component of the property — roofing, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, and structural systems, including a specialized seawall inspection.
This high-end waterfront home appeared flawless at first glance, featuring imported finishes, a private dock, and expansive water views. But as our team of licensed inspectors and engineers began their detailed evaluation, several hidden problems emerged that even the seller was unaware of.
Seawall & Marine Structural Findings
Because this property was located directly on the canal, we performed a diver-assisted seawall inspection to evaluate the integrity of the concrete wall and tie-backs.
Beneath the waterline, our inspection divers discovered significant vertical and diagonal cracking, as well as deterioration of the wall’s base and exposed steel reinforcement — conditions that could lead to structural failure during high tides or heavy storms.
Our engineering team provided a comprehensive seawall report with repair specifications, which later became the foundation of the buyer’s negotiation. The estimated cost of seawall repairs exceeded $60,000, giving the buyer a major advantage in price discussions.
Roof Damage and Water Intrusion
While inspecting the roofing system, we observed cracked tiles, worn flashing, and evidence of past repairs that were improperly sealed.
Moisture intrusion was detected near several truss lines, confirmed by infrared thermography imaging performed by our Level II thermographer.
Our report documented an estimated $35,000–$40,000 in roof restoration costs, preventing the buyer from facing these expenses after closing.
Structural and Surface Cracks
In addition to seawall and roof concerns, our inspectors identified cracks along the home’s exterior stucco and structural columns, particularly near load-bearing points exposed to salt air and vibration from nearby boat traffic.
We prepared engineer-stamped recommendations for proper repair methods to restore full structural integrity, which the buyer used to renegotiate the sales price before closing.
Result: $125,000 in Verified Value Adjustments
By combining expert analysis, advanced technology, and professional engineering documentation, our inspection findings led to over $125,000 in negotiated credits and seller-funded repairs.
This is exactly why luxury home buyers and real estate professionals throughout South Florida trust My Florida Pros — to protect their investments with precise, code-based inspections and transparent reporting.
Protect Your Investment with Expert Inspections
Whether your next property is a waterfront home in Hallandale Beach, a condo in Sunny Isles, or a custom build in Boca Raton or Fort Lauderdale, our licensed team provides the highest level of engineering-based home inspections in Florida.
Call 877-894-8001 or visit www.myfloridapros.com to schedule a Luxury or Waterfront Property Inspection today.
Your dream home deserves the same professional insight that saved our Hallandale Beach clients over $125,000 — before they signed the dotted line.