While we’re spoiled by many beautiful things in South Florida, the price tag on our homeowners insurance premiums is certainly not one of them. In fact, Florida is one of the most expensive states in the nation when it comes to insuring our homes. Fortunately, there are ways to reduce insurance costs, and having a wind mitigation inspection completed on your home is one easy way to start saving money on your insurance today.
What is a wind mitigation inspection?
During a wind mitigation inspection, your home inspector will examine your property’s ability to withstand strong storms and heavy winds. Your inspector will pay close attention to places where wind and rain can enter your home through gaps, vents, or poorly sealed areas, such as roofing, windows and doors. Some key areas your inspector will evaluate include the following:
Roof covering and installation – when was the roof installed and does it meet building codes?
Roof-to-wall ties – the more secure your roof, the deeper your discount will likely be
Roof deck attachment – what type of roof decking is used and how is it attached?
Windows and doors
Garage doors
Secondary water resistance
Dwelling conditions (e.g., the style of your roof design and how well gable ends are braced)
When should you do a wind mitigation inspection?
You can have a wind mitigation inspection completed at any time of the year, but if you want to get the best savings out of the inspector’s report, it can be helpful to first take care of some home maintenance projects that will help strengthen your home in the areas listed above. It’s also important to note that the state of Florida also caps the inspection report’s validity at five years – so you do want to ensure you at least have an inspection every five years.
Ultimately, there are really no downsides to completing a wind mitigation inspection. After taking care of any home maintenance and upgrade projects, your home will benefit by
being better protected from storms and your pocket book will benefit in the form of reduced insurance premiums.
If you have questions about what to expect from a wind mitigation inspection or which projects to prioritize before completing an inspection, call us at 786-732-0342.
At GI Joe Home Inspections, our Certified Master Inspector, Joe Manners, has completed countless wind mitigation inspections and is ready to answer your questions.