Wind Mitigation

Why You Need A Wind Mitigation Inspection for Your Florida Property

In Florida, wind mitigation inspections are a must for any homebuyer or business owner. As the most hurricane-prone state in the country, Florida is no stranger to severe weather and high winds.

When it comes to protecting your home or business from wind damage, a Wind Mitigation Inspection is an important step to take.

While a standard home inspection will check for defects that could lead to problems down the road, a wind mitigation inspection is specifically designed to identify features of a home that make it more or less resistant to wind damage.

But, what is a wind mitigation inspection and why do I need it? Who conducts these? Do these inspections benefit me? Are wind mitigation inspections required for insurance purposes?

These are all great questions! Let’s explore each one in a little more detail.

1. What is a Wind Mitigation Inspection?

A Wind Mitigation Inspection is an evaluation of a property’s vulnerability to wind damage.

The inspection looks at the construction of the building, including the roof, walls, windows, and doors. It also assesses the home’s location and exposure to wind gusts.

The goal of a Wind Mitigation Inspection is to provide information that can help homeowners and building owners make their homes and structures stronger so they are less likely to be damaged by wind.

2. Who should get a Wind Mitigation Inspection?

Homeowners, business owners, and property managers should all consider getting a Wind Mitigation Inspection.

This inspection can be especially beneficial for those who live in hurricane-prone areas, such as Lakeland, Fl, or those who have experienced wind damage in the past.

3. Who conducts wind mitigation inspections?

A licensed home inspector can conduct wind mitigation inspections. As with any other inspection, always verify that the inspector is licensed.

Specifically, ask your Wind Mitigation Inspectors if they are certified by the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI).

The easiest way to find a wind mitigation inspector is to simply google search “wind mitigation inspectors near me”.

Or better yet, if you’re in the Lakeland area, look for By Your Side Inspections and I will be happy to conduct a wind mitigation inspection for you!

4. Why do I need a wind mitigation inspection?

In short, wind mitigation inspections can save you money on your insurance premiums and can help protect you, your family, and your property.

By identifying features of your home that make it more resistant to wind damage, you may be eligible for discounts on your hurricane and windstorm insurance policy.

5. Does homeowners insurance require a Wind Mitigation Inspection?

In some cases, yes. Some insurance companies require a Wind Mitigation Inspection before providing wind damage coverage.

Insurance companies usually require a 4-point inspection and a wind mitigation inspection so a lot of times home inspectors will group these two inspections into an insurance package.

Even if your insurer does not require an inspection, getting one is still a good idea.

The information gathered during an inspection can help you save money on your insurance premiums and maybe even your life.

6. How much does a wind mitigation inspection cost?

The cost of a wind mitigation inspection varies, depending on the size and complexity of the property. However, most inspections range from $100 to $400.

Which when you think about it, it’s not a bad price to pay considering all the benefits.

Some insurance companies offer discounts for policyholders who get wind mitigation inspections, so be sure to ask your insurer about any possible discounts.

7. What are the benefits of a Wind Mitigation Inspection

So already as you can see, there are many benefits to getting a Wind Mitigation Inspection. These benefits include:

  • Reducing the amount of damage caused by severe weather.
  • Minimizing the cost of repairs after severe weather.
  • Helping to ensure the safety of your family and employees during severe weather.
  • Possible insurance discounts based on wind protection.
  • Less worry knowing you and your property are as protected as possible.
  • Knowing that you took the steps to be prepared for hurricane season and severe weather.

8. How can you get the most out of your wind mitigation Inspection?

To get the most out of your Wind Mitigation Inspection, there are a few things you can do:

  • Make sure to hire a qualified inspector. A qualified inspector will have experience conducting these types of inspections and will know what to look for.
  • Be prepared to answer questions about your property. The inspector will need to know about the construction of your home or business, as well as its history of damage and exposure to wind gusts or storms.
  • Make sure to follow any recommendations from the inspector. If the inspector identifies vulnerabilities in your property, make sure to take action to address them.
  • And best of all make sure your insurance company has all the information so you can get those discounts!

9. What Should I Do After Receiving the Wind Mitigation Report?

After receiving the inspection report, you should review it carefully. If there are any items in the report that you do not understand, you should ask the inspector to explain them.

Once you have reviewed the report, you can then decide what action you would like to take to improve the wind resistance of your property.

Final Thoughts

Overall, Wind mitigation inspections are a vital part of protecting your home or business in Florida.

By taking the time to get an inspection, you’re not only ensuring that your home or business is better prepared for when severe weather strikes, but they can help keep you and your family safe during hurricane season.

All while saving you money on your insurance premiums!

That should be all you need to know on wind mitigation inspections, By Your Side Home Inspections is always here to help!

As a Certified Lakeland Home Inspector, I would be happy to answer any questions or concerns that you may have. Please do not hesitate to contact me.

We provide home inspection services to the lovely people of Lakeland, Fl and its surrounding towns such as Winter Haven, Auburndale, Polk City, Socrum etc. We also serve Gibsonia, Bartow, Zephyrhills, Crystal Springs, and Plant City.

Visit our website www.byyoursideinspections.com or give us a call at (863)267-0422.

 

We look forward to hearing from you!

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guide home inspections

A Complete Guide to Home Inspections

There is a lot you can expect from a home inspection. It is an objective assessment of a home’s condition.

A certified home inspector performs a thorough examination of the home’s structure and systems from top to bottom, inside and out.

Why is a home inspection important?

Having a home inspection done can detect issues that need to be addressed, which is critical since it allows you to understand what’s going on with your property.

A certified home inspection is not an appraisal and does not establish the market value of a property, but it may assist you in negotiating or deciding whether or not the property is for you.

As a home buyer, you want to know that you’re making an informed decision. A home inspection can provide peace of mind by providing an unbiased evaluation of the property’s condition.

What does a home inspection cover?

Generally, a home inspection consists of a visual examination of the home’s interior and exterior, as well as an evaluation of the home’s systems and components.

The specific areas included in a home inspection can vary depending on the inspector and the type of inspection, but typically a home inspection includes:

  • Foundations
  • Framings
  • Roofs
  • Plumbing Systems
  • Electrical Systems
  • Heating and Cooling Systems
  • Insulation
  • Windows and Doors
  • And more!

To learn more about the most common issues observed in each of these areas, see this blog post below!

9 Most Common Issues Found During Lakeland, FL Home Inspections

What does a home inspection NOT include?

A home inspection is not an appraisal, and it will not determine the value of a property. The inspector will not provide an opinion on whether or not the property is worth the asking price.

An inspection is also not a pass/fail test.

The goal is to provide you with information about the condition of the property so that you can make an informed decision.

How much does a home inspection cost?

The cost of a home inspection varies depending on the size and age of the property, as well as the location. Generally, inspections start at around $300 and can go up to $1,000 or more.

Pricing also varies on the type of inspection(s) that you need. There are several home inspection services.

What are the different types of inspections?

 

RESIDENTIAL INSPECTIONS

Before buying or selling a home, residential inspections are a necessary step to expose any unknown defects of the property.

Our inspections include free thermal imaging to catch potential issues that may not be visible to the naked eye, like water leaks.

WIND MITIGATION INSPECTIONS

A thorough wind mitigation inspection of a home can reveal what equipment is in place that is protecting it from wind damage. This can possibly qualify you for several insurance incentives and discounts!

There are a plethora of wind mitigation techniques available that can significantly lower the danger of property damage.

This is especially important in Florida as the state has seen more hurricanes than in another state since 1851! This makes sense because of its location between the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico.

4-POINT INSPECTIONS

A 4 Point Inspection is a basic evaluation of four critical areas of a home—the HVAC systems, the roofing system, the electrical system, and the plumbing system.

This inspection is often required by insurers before they’re willing to issue or renew a policy on an older home.

PRE-LISTING INSPECTIONS

A pre-listing home inspection will check for any issues with your house before you list it for sale.

We will check things such as plumbing, electrical wiring, heating/cooling system, roofing, foundation, and more.

A pre-listing inspection gives you an idea of what needs to be fixed or improved. This helps you sell your home faster and for more money!

11-MONTH WARRANTY INSPECTIONS

Most builders offer a one-year warranty on a new home.

You want to have a full home inspection completed before the builder’s warranty expires.

Just because your home is new doesn’t necessarily mean it is defect free, especially in developments where lots of homes are built quickly and at the same time.

ANNUAL HOME MAINTENANCE INSPECTIONS

Annual inspections include roof inspections, plumbing inspections, electrical inspections, foundation inspections, attic insulation inspections, and building structure inspections.

These inspections are important to keep your home in optimal condition and can help you avoid expensive repairs in the future.

These inspections are critical to the safety and upkeep of your home.

POOL AND SPA INSPECTIONS

Pools and spas can be relaxing and therapeutic additions to any home or multi-unit housing structure, but only if they’re safe and properly maintained.

How are home inspection reports delivered?

The home inspection report will provide you with a detailed summary of the inspector’s findings. Reports can vary from inspector to inspector in how they are delivered but there may be some key things you would like to include to make your life easier. We don’t want to waste your time!

For example:

What are some unique aspects we include in our reports?

  • HIGH-QUALITY IMAGES – We will take images throughout our inspection and integrate them into our document
  • STEP-BY-STEP BREAKDOWN – Easy to digest and understand, and are broken into individual sections, such as Interior, Heating and Air Conditioning, Electrical, Plumbing, Roof, and so on.
  • 24-HOUR EMAIL DELIVERY – We know your time is valuable so we don’t keep you waiting. We guarantee that we will deliver your report to you within 24 hours of your inspection so that you can take any necessary actions quickly.
  • MOBILE-FRIENDLY REPORTS – We offer both desktop and mobile reports, ensuring that you can always view the results of your inspection, even when you’re on the go.
  • FOLLOW-UP SUPPORT – Once we’ve delivered your findings, we’ll schedule a follow-up consultation with both you and your agent, where we can discuss the report in-depth, provide recommendations, and decide on the next steps.
  • REPAIR REQUEST GENERATOR – Agents can quickly copy and paste information from the report using the Repair Request Document Generator, in order to request concessions or repairs from sellers.

What should I do if I find problems with the property?

If you find problems with the property during the inspection, you can use this information to negotiate with the seller to have the repairs made before you purchase the home or to lower the selling price of the home.

You might opt to walk away from the bargain if the repairs are too expensive or lengthy or the sellers will not negotiate or fix the major issues.

Ultimately it is up to you and because of the report you received, you will be able to have confidence in your decision.

What should you do if you’re considering a home inspection?

If you’re considering a home inspection, be sure to ask for referrals from friends, family, or your local realtors. Even better, you can do a quick google search and read reviews for home inspectors in your area. Simply search “home inspection near me”.

Once you’ve found a few qualified inspectors, be sure to ask about their experience and credentials.

You should also ask to see sample reports so that you know what to expect.

When choosing an inspector, it’s important to find someone who you feel comfortable working with. The home inspector should be someone who you feel you can trust to give you an honest and objective opinion about the property.

With all that said…

As one of the top home inspectors in the Lakeland area, I can assure you I have seen it all. Please get a home inspection before you make any big financial decisions and please make sure you choose a certified inspector who has good reviews.

Too many people are forgoing home inspections because of the fast-paced market we are seeing right now, and unfortunately, buyers are not seeing problems with the house they just bought until it’s too late.

You worked hard for that money! Don’t throw it away.

So, if you are searching for homes for sale in Lakeland Florida, do not hesitate to call me with any questions. I will make sure you are taken care of and get the best quality of service.

I even offer free thermal imaging! Which is a game changer when it comes to detecting leaks, especially in Lakeland Florida weather.

 

Talk to you soon!

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9 Most Common Issues Found During Lakeland, FL Home Inspections

Buying a home is probably the biggest purchase you’ll ever make, and it’s important to know as much as you can about the property before you sign on the dotted line. 

Unfortunately, most people don’t think about getting a home inspection until after they’ve already bought the house. This can lead to costly repairs down the road.

A home inspection is an important step in buying a home. It can help you find out about any potential problems with the property so that you can negotiate a lower price or get them fixed before you move in.

While most home inspections go smoothly, there are occasional issues that are found. 

In this blog post, I’ll discuss 9 of the most common issues found during Lakeland, Fl home inspections.

1. Roof Issues

One of the most common issues found on home inspections is roofing problems. This can include everything from missing or damaged shingles to water infiltration. Knowing about these roof issues in advance can help you plan for repairs or negotiate with the seller.

Roof issues can cost anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand dollars to fix, depending on the severity of the problem.

2. Foundation Issues

One of the most common issues found during a home inspection is foundation problems. There are many different types of foundation problems, but they all generally fall into one of two categories: structural problems and moisture problems.

Structural problems

Structural problems with a foundation occur when the foundation itself is not properly supporting the weight of the house. 

This can often be caused by poor construction, incorrect soil type or compaction, or a change in the ground level around the foundation. These types of problems can often be expensive to repair, and in some cases may even require the house to be completely rebuilt.

So knowing about these issues before buying a home can be extremely important.

Moisture problems

Moisture problems, on the other hand, occur when there is excessive moisture present in the soil around the foundation. 

This can often be caused by faulty gutters or downspouts, improper grading around the house, or a lack of proper drainage. 

These types of problems can often be corrected without too much expense, but if left unchecked they can lead to serious structural problems down the road.

3. Water Damage

Water damage is another common issue found during Florida home inspections. This can be caused by a number of things, including leaks in the plumbing or roof, flooding, or condensation. 

If left unaddressed, water damage can lead to a number of serious problems, including mold growth, foundation damage, and wood rot.

Knowing where the water damage is coming from is important in order to address the issue in a timely manner.

4.  Mold and Mildew

Mold and mildew are also very common issues in Florida homes. They have a higher chance of water damage and have high humidity levels. 

If left unchecked, mold and mildew can cause serious respiratory problems for you and your family so knowing about the issue early is best.

 If caught early it is usually an easy fix with the help of a mold remediation specialist.

5. Plumbing Issues

Plumbing issues are also fairly common and can include anything from leaks to clogged drains. 

Leaks in your pipes can cause water damage in your home if the leak isn’t stopped in a timely manner and can cause extensive damage. But when leaks are found early and repaired, the damage is often minimal.

Clogged drains can be a nuisance, but if left unchecked they can lead to much more serious problems. Always be sure to have your drains cleaned regularly to avoid any major issues.

6.  Electrical Issues

Another common issue found during home inspections is electrical problems. These can range from outdated wiring or improper grounding to more serious issues like exposed live wires.

It is very important to have these problems addressed before completing the purchase of a home, as they can pose a serious safety hazard.

A lot of times it can be a simple fix with the help of a local electrician.

Never try to do electrical work by yourself unless you are fully qualified and licensed, as it can be extremely dangerous.

7. Pest Issues

Pest issues especially in Florida are also relatively common, especially in homes that are not well-maintained. This can include anything from rodents to insects. 

Pest issues can often be resolved relatively easily, but if left unchecked they can lead to serious damage to your home.

Be sure to have any pest issues addressed immediately to avoid any further damage.

8. Insulation and Ventilation Issues

Insulation and ventilation problems are also relatively common, especially in older homes. This can include everything from insufficient insulation to poor ventilation. This causes your home to lose heat in the winter and be overly hot in the summer, leading to higher energy bills.

9.  Heating and Cooling Issues

Another common issue is problems with the home’s heating and cooling system. This can include everything from a faulty thermostat to an inefficient HVAC system. 

When you have problems with heating and cooling in your home, it can often lead to higher energy bills and discomfort for you and your family.

Knowing about these problems in advance can help you budget for repairs or replacement of the system. It can also help you negotiate with the seller on the price of the home if it needs to be replaced.

Final Thoughts

As you can see a home inspection is an important step in the buying process and can reveal a lot of common problems with a home. While some of these issues, like plumbing and electrical problems, may need to be fixed immediately, others may not be as big of a deal. It’s just always best to be aware of any potential problems with a home before making an offer.

With a home inspection, you can feel confident that you’re making a wise investment. You’ll have peace of mind knowing that your new home is in good condition, your family is safe, and you won’t need any expensive repairs right after you move in. And if it does you can use this to help you negotiate the price down.

It’s also a good idea to have one done every few years as part of your insurance policy.

So what are you waiting for?! Protect your investment and hire a qualified home inspector as soon as you can.


Schedule your Lakeland, Florida home inspection today with By Your Side Home Inspections on our website or call or text!



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By Your Side Home Inspections LLC provides Residential Inspections, Wind Mitigation,  and 4-Point Inspections for Central Florida. Inspections include free thermal imaging.

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