Florida Wind Mitigation Inspection: How It Can Save You Money!
The costs of having a home can feel overwhelming. There are the repairs to the roof, upkeep of the yard, a new water heater – and the list goes on. There are also other costs like property taxes and homeowner’s insurance. But did you know a wind mitigation inspection can help lower the cost of your homeowner’s insurance?
We can’t save you from needing a new water heater, but we can help you save some money on your insurance premium. Let’s talk about all things wind mitigation.
What is a wind mitigation inspection?
A wind mitigation inspection is an inspection of a home to determine its ability to withstand high winds and storms. An inspection will identify features in the building that can reduce damage caused by strong winds, hurricanes, and other natural disasters.
What does a home inspector look at during a wind mitigation inspection?
The home inspector will look at the:
Roof’s shape, type, and condition
Roof’s deck attachment and condition
Roof-to-wall connections
Wall construction type
Window and door opening protection
Secondary water resistance barriers
Presence of storm shutters or impact-resistant windows & doors
Presence of a reinforced garage door
The home inspector will provide you with a report outlining your home's strengths and weaknesses for wind resistance.
If I live in Florida, is it a good idea to have a wind mitigation inspection done?
Yes, there are 2 main reasons why it’s a good idea to have a wind mitigation inspection completed on your Florida home.
Savings
Your homeowner’s insurance may offer you discounts or credits for having a wind mitigation completed. You can save up to 30% off your insurance premium, making the cost of the inspection offset by the savings on your insurance.
Safety
Miami and much of Florida are prone to hurricanes, tropical storms, and other severe weather. A wind mitigation will help identify vulnerabilities in your home’s construction and the steps you need to take to limit storm damage to your home.
Are wind mitigation inspections required in Florida?
No, wind mitigation is not required by law.
But if you live in an area where there are frequent hurricanes and other weather events, your homeowner’s insurance may require one to insure your property. This will vary by insurance company and your location.
What's the difference between wind mitigation and a 4-point inspection?
The key difference between wind mitigation and a 4-point inspection is what the home inspector is focusing on.
For wind mitigation, the home inspector focuses on evaluating your home's ability to withstand wind or storm damages.
A 4-point inspection focuses on 4 key systems of your property: roof, plumbing, electrical, and HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning). Most insurance companies require a 4-point inspection as part of their application process.
How long is a wind mitigation inspection good for?
There is no set expiration date on a wind mitigation.
But every insurance company has its policies regarding how long they’ll honor the inspection report and provide credits or discounts on your premiums.
Your insurance company may require a new wind mitigation after any significant changes to your home or after a certain period has passed.
Get a wind mitigation inspection completed on your home – and start saving!
At Building Standard, we can complete your wind mitigation inspection.
So you can start using your insurance savings towards something you need – like roof repairs, a new deck, or better wind features to protect your home from the next big storm.
Contact us today!
We service homes in the Tri-County area (Miami-Dade, Broward, & Palm Beach) or the Florida Keys.