Window Screens

Introduction:

Now that the cool weather is here, the temperatures and dry air allow for opening windows to let the fresh air into our homes. But, windows without screens allow more than fresh air into the home. Without screens, all kind of little pests can come inside. So, shouldn’t screens be required on all the windows?

Question:

True or False? Missing and torn screens are considered cosmetic items under the new FAR 9 Purchase Agreement.

Answer:

Line 161 of the The Florida Association of Realtors’ FAR-9 agreement says – “…that torn or missing screens…will be repaired or replaced.”

Torn screens are pretty easy to identify, the screen is either torn or not. But, the tricky part comes into play when trying to determine if screens are missing. Here is my Rule of Thumb for determining if windows are missing screens. A) If SOME of the windows on the property are fitted with screens, but not all operable windows have screens – then those windows without screens would be considered as “missing”. B) Additionally, if the home has been built since 2000 and does not have ANY screens installed, then ALL those are windows would be considered to be missing screens. Why are those missing screens? Because the Florida Building Codes requires that operable windows be fitted with screens to prevent pest intrusion.

SO, if you are a Listing Agent, and your clients have removed the damaged screens for aesthetic reasons, they would still be responsible to “repair or replace” those screens under the standard FAR-9.

Winner:

John Miesen of Century 21 – Wilson Minger