A Guide To Insurance Inspections For Sarasota Homeowners
Whether you're purchasing a home or shopping around for homeowner's insurance, your insurance provider will more than likely request that you have an inspection performed by a licensed home inspection specialist. Insurance inspections can help identify which properties pose a higher risk and identify mitigation measures, allowing insurance companies to adjust their premiums accordingly. The most common insurance inspections we perform for our Sarasota clients are 4-point inspections and wind mitigation inspections.
4-Points In One Assessment
Insurance companies and mortgage lenders often require 4-point home inspections, especially for homes that were built prior to the most recent updates in Florida's building codes. This insurance inspection is a detailed examination of your home's four major systems to ensure that older homes have been well-maintained and that their major systems are in good working condition. The four areas that 4-point insurance inspections cover are:
- Roof - the UV light and tropical climate we celebrate here in the Sunshine State can take a toll on your roof. Your home inspector will look for signs of wear, damage, and leaks, while also taking note of the age and type of roof you have.
- Plumbing - Water damage claims are among the most frequent home insurance claims. A plumbing inspection covers your pipes, fixtures, and water heater, where the condition and the age of your equipment can also come into play.
- Electrical - Electrical faults are a leading cause of home fires, but a thorough inspection can reveal outdated knob-and-tube or aluminum wiring. Your wiring, electrical panel, and safety devices are inspected to reveal the potential for overheating and fire hazards.
- HVAC System - In Sarasota, a properly functioning HVAC system is a necessity. Not only will an HVAC inspection look at the age, condition, and functionality of your system, but it can help identify issues with efficiency, which can lead to higher utility bills.
Insurance inspections don't just offer a "checklist" for your insurer, they can also help you identify areas that need repairs or upgrades or prevent buyer's remorse when purchasing a home. A 4-point inspection is typically valid for up to one year, however, the length of time can depend on the insurance company, the age of the home, and the condition of the property.
Mitigation And Money Savings
Wind mitigation inspections provide details about how your roof is built and how it's attached to your home. The reason that our Sarasota clients request wind mitigation insurance inspections is primarily to lower their homeowner's insurance premiums. The basic premise is that if your home's construction exceeds minimum standards for standing up to high winds, it reduces your insurer's risk - and your premium.
The main focus of wind mitigation inspections includes:
- Roof's shape, slope, covering, and bracing
- Materials your roof deck is made of and the type of nails and nail spacing used
- Roof-to-wall connections
- Opening protection for windows, doors, and garage doors
- Secondary water resistance between shingles and decking
While Florida law does not require homeowners to have a wind mitigation inspection, it does require insurance companies to offer discounts to homeowners who have proven that their homes have effective wind mitigation measures. Wind mitigation inspections are usually valid for five years.
A Home Inspections Specialist You Can Trust In Sarasota
Hawk Home Inspection & Handyman Services LLC is redefining the home insurance inspection experience for Sarasota homeowners by offering reliability, quality, and value. We're proud to serve the Sun Coast with a wide array of inspection services to meet the needs of homeowners, insurance companies, and real estate professionals. To schedule insurance inspections, home inspections, or other ancillary inspection services in the Sarasota area, give Hawk Home Inspection & Handyman Services LLC a call today at 941-313-3762!
Contact Hawk Home Inspection For All Your Home Inspection Needs In Sarasota!