By reeves There are many things to consider when it comes to protecting and insuring your home. You have to do insurance shopping in order to find the most suitable homeowners insurance company, as well as finding discounts that fit your budget and protecting your assets.
Your home insurer may also ask you to perform an inspection. The full home inspection will cover all aspects of your house to ensure that it is safe and up to code. A four-point inspection covers only electrical, plumbing, heating and air conditioning, roofing and roofing. Your insurance provider might also ask that you get a wind mitigation assessment along with these inspections.
This article explains what a wind mitigation audit includes, the cost and other details.
What is covered by a wind mitigation assessment?
Wind mitigation inspections evaluate the home’s ability to resist damage caused by wind. This includes damages from hurricanes and storms. During this type of home inspection, various aspects are examined:
- The condition of the gable ends and the shape of the roof.
- What protection is provided by sliding glass doors, garage doors, wooden doors and windows
- Water resistance of the roof
- The roof and wall connections and stability
- Your home’s overall structure
- Stability of supporting columns and attachments
Wind mitigation inspections examine the entire structure of your house to help your insurer understand your risk. They can also determine how susceptible your property is to hurricane or wind damage.
Note that the wind mitigation inspection will not cover every area of your house.
Consider a 4-point or complete home inspection to ensure the safety of your house. They also look at electrical, plumbing and structure as well as heating and air to ensure your home is safe.
Do I require a wind mitigation assessment?
Home inspections are used by insurance companies to determine the risk of you being insured and what type of coverage and rates you need. Your insurance company will encourage you to have a wind mitigation inspection, especially if you reside in Florida where storms and hurricanes are common.
There are many benefits to having a wind mitigation inspection.
It may be required or highly recommended, but it can save you money. Recent research has shown that those who didn’t perform a wind-mitigation inspection paid more for insurance than those who performed one. A wind mitigation inspection can lower your insurance premiums even though it costs money initially.
It can also keep you safe. If you live in an area at high risk for hurricanes or wind damage, a wind mitigation assessment will not only keep you safe but also tell you whether your home is safe. You’ll be able to improve the safety of your house if you fail the wind-mitigation inspection.
They are not necessary for coverage but they must be present to qualify for some discounts. This is because wind damage can account for up to 70% of your premium.
What is the cost?
This type of inspection could cost you anywhere between $75 and $150, depending on where you live and the inspection company that is hired. This cost may seem expensive, but it could save you money and protect your home.
What to expect during a wind mitigation audit
The wind mitigation inspections are designed to identify any structural problems in your home which could be dangerous during a hurricane or windstorm. The inspectors look for characteristics like stability, the age of your house, whether building codes were followed, how old is your roof, and how well it has been maintained.
A home inspector will inspect these structures. He may take pictures to prove the condition of your house.
Before the inspection, you should prepare your home for the inspection.
Prepare your home before your inspection date. Add safety features and structures that are required by insurance companies or will improve your safety to your home.
Here are some structures and features that you may want to check out before you inspect.
Water Barriers
Water damage can also occur during a storm or hurricane. Water damage to your home can be disastrous. Water damage can cause structural or floor issues that require repair or replacement. It may also lead to mold or mildew. It’s vital to protect your home against water damage.
Check your roof for holes, cracks and leaky areas. Also, look for shingles that have lifted up. Replace damaged boards or shingles and seal with waterproof tape or heavy-duty adhesive.
Anchoring for roofs and walls
You probably didn’t consider how the walls are anchored to your floor when you built or moved into your house. To keep your home secure, you should ensure that the anchorage is strong.
A floor that is not properly anchored can be blown away by hurricanes or winds, destroying your house and injuring those who live there. It can be a costly project to anchor your home, and can take you a long time to do it. The investment is worth it, as it will protect you and your family. It also protects your most valuable asset.
Gable ends
The sides of your roof that support its structure are called the gable ends. The strength of your roof’s gable ends is crucial during a hurricane or windstorm. Gable ends can be affected by storms, and they may move with time. It is important to check them and reinforce them as necessary to ensure the safety and structure of your home.
Window Openings
Choose shatterproof glass to reinforce your windows. This will help them withstand the pressure and damage caused by high winds. Shutters can be installed outside windows to keep you safe and protect them from high winds.
Doorways
Inspecting your doorways is another great way to get ready for your wind mitigation assessment and to be ahead of the requirements. Wind-resistant doors are heavier and more durable than standard doors. They can also be braced to provide additional protection. It’s also important to reinforce garage or sliding glass door braces or to replace them if they are too expensive.
What happens if I fail my inspection?
If you fail the wind mitigation inspection don’t worry. You can then determine what you need to fix on your property, and which parts of your home are able to withstand strong winds. You will need to reinforce the weak areas of your house and arrange a follow-up to get your insurance discount.
Florida wind mitigation inspections
Florida encourages wind mitigation inspections. Florida’s weather can be unpredictable, particularly when it comes hurricanes, storms and wind damage. Wind mitigation inspections are used by many insurance companies to determine how much coverage is needed.
You can qualify for insurance discounts by getting a Wind Mitigation in Jacksonville FL.
You can read more about it here:
Wind mitigation inspections can help you get lower insurance rates and discounts. A wind mitigation inspection may be recommended by your homeowners insurance provider in addition to the four-point inspection or full home inspection. This will help you determine how much insurance coverage is needed and what level of risk there is for insuring your house.
Understanding what a wind mitigation inspector is and how to prepare your home for the inspection can help you pass it and save money on your insurance.