Essential for insurance carriers to assess your home’s wind resistance.
Get both wind mitigation and four-point inspections with savings!
A must-have for older homes to meet insurance requirements.
Whether you’re purchasing a home or already a homeowner in Orlando, a home inspection is essential to safeguard your property. Home inspections can aid in negotiations and insurance processes, ensuring you understand the critical home systems and conditions. In Florida, where severe weather is a constant threat, insurance carriers require both wind mitigation and four-point inspections to establish new policies or renew existing ones. While a four-point inspection might be required for renewal or when shopping for insurance, a wind mitigation report can help lower your home insurance premiums, sometimes dramatically. Consulting an insurance agent can also help you identify potential discounts on home insurance premiums. Many homeowners find they need both inspections to ensure their homes meet the insurance company’s requirements.
An insurance inspection typically takes about 30 minutes to complete, depending on the size and accessibility of your property.
If you fail an insurance inspection, your insurer may require you to address the issues identified to obtain or maintain insurance coverage. This could include fixing unsafe electrical systems, repairing an aging roof, or addressing plumbing issues. In some cases, coverage may be denied until the necessary repairs are completed.
Insurance companies usually perform inspections when you apply for a new policy, renew an existing policy, or after a major claim or significant property change. The frequency may vary based on your insurer and the condition of your home.
A 4 point inspection for homeowners insurance is a type of home inspection that focuses on four key systems:
This inspection is commonly required for older homes to help insurers evaluate risk. Understanding these inspections can influence the insurance premium cost, potentially leading to savings on homeowners' insurance.
During a wind mitigation inspection, the inspector will examine the following key features:
Roof covering: The type and condition of the roof covering, including shingles, tiles, or metal roofing.
Roof deck: The material and condition of the roof deck, including plywood or oriented strand board (OSB).
Roof-to-wall attachment: The method of attachment between the roof and the walls, including nails, screws, or clips.
Secondary water resistance: The presence of a water-resistant barrier between the roof deck and the shingles or tiles.
Primary water resistance: The condition and integrity of the roof’s primary water-resistant layer.
Opening protection: The presence and condition of storm shutters, impact-resistant windows, and doors.
Garage door condition and attachment: The condition and attachment of the garage door, including the presence of a reinforced garage door.
The process depends on the type of inspection and the requirements set by the insurance company:
Four Point Inspection: The inspector will take photos and evaluate the electrical panels (which will need to be opened), the water heater, sinks, tubs, toilets, laundry hookups, HVAC units, the roof, and the home’s exterior.
Wind Mitigation: The inspector will focus on the roof’s interior and exterior, requiring attic access. They will also evaluate windows, doors, and the garage door for impact resistance ratings if available.
Preparing your home for easy access to these areas can streamline the process.
To get the best results, follow these tips:
Provide documentation of any home upgrades, such as a roof permit or major system repairs.
Ensure all inspection areas are accessible, including electrical panels, the water heater, and attic entry points.
Keep the property clean and free of obstructions to allow the certified home inspector to perform their job efficiently.
Proper preparation can help you pass the inspection smoothly, avoid delays, and secure the necessary insurance coverage.
A wind mitigation inspection determines a home’s ability to withstand strong winds and hurricanes. The inspector evaluates:
This inspection can help homeowners qualify for insurance discounts by demonstrating wind-resistant features to their insurance carrier. A successful inspection can lead to significant wind mitigation discounts on homeowners insurance.
Wind mitigation inspections are a crucial aspect of homeownership in Florida, particularly in areas prone to high winds and storms. These inspections play a significant role in determining a home’s ability to withstand strong winds and water intrusion, which can lead to costly damages and insurance claims. By investing in a wind mitigation inspection, homeowners can gain valuable insights into their home’s wind-resistant features and identify areas that require improvement.
Moreover, wind mitigation inspections can help homeowners save money on their insurance premiums. Insurance companies are required to provide discounts to homeowners who have a wind mitigation inspection report that shows their home has wind-resistant features. These discounts can be substantial, with some homeowners enjoying savings of up to $2,500 over five years.
To ensure a smooth and efficient wind mitigation inspection, homeowners can take the following steps:
Clear access to the attic: Ensure that the inspector has clear access to the attic to view the underside of the roof.
Remove debris: Remove any debris or obstructions from the roof and surrounding areas.
Provide documentation: Provide the inspector with any relevant documentation, including building permits and inspection reports.
Be present: Be present during the inspection to answer any questions and provide additional information.
Ask questions: Ask the inspector any questions you may have about the inspection process or the findings.
By following these steps, homeowners can ensure that their wind mitigation inspection is thorough and accurate, providing them with valuable insights into their home’s wind-resistant features and potential insurance discounts.
At HOMESHAPE Inspections, we specialize in both wind mitigation and four-point inspections, ensuring our reports meet all the requirements of Florida’s leading insurance carriers for home inspections. Our certified master inspectors are fully trained yearly, with continuing education through the Florida Association of Building Inspectors (FABI), so we stay on top of the ever-changing insurance landscape in Florida. We understand that accurate, thorough reports are crucial in the current insurance market to help homeowners save money and secure reliable insurance carrier coverage.
While other inspectors may offer lower rates, they often don’t take the time to go beyond the basics. We’ve reviewed countless reports from clients who were left with inaccurate information due to low-cost inspections. These issues often lead to higher premiums or denied claims in the long run. Our attention to detail ensures that you are never overpaying or missing out on potential savings due to poor-quality inspections.
HOMESHAPE Inspections provides inspections, including Pre-Drywall Inspection, New Construction Inspection, 11-Month Warranty Inspections, Mold Inspections, Mold Testing, Buyers’ Comprehensive Home Inspections, Pre-Listing Inspections, Investor Inspections, Walkthrough Consultations, Four-Point Inspections, Wind Mitigation Inspections, and more. We proudly serve: Orlando • Sanford • Lake Mary • Heathrow • Winter Park • Casselberry • Oviedo • Winter Springs • Altamonte Springs • Apopka • Lake Hart • Bay Hill • Winter Garden • Wedgefield • Belle Isle • Kissimmee • Lake Nona • Montverde • Oakland • Windermere • Surrounding Areas
Military, Veterans & First Responders Offer – $100 Off for comprehensive home inspections
