Home inspection could save hundreds on insurance costs By Brenda savage Neighborhood News Group Posted October 11, 2008 WEST PALM BEACH — Florida residents with homeowner’s insurance should know they may be eligible for a savings on their policies that can amount to at least $150 or more. This is possible because of Florida Statute 627.0629, which says it is the intent of the Legislature "that insurers must provide savings to consumers who install or implement windstorm damage mitigation techniques, alterations, or solutions to their properties to prevent windstorm losses." "A homeowner first contacts an inspector who will survey the home and fill out a form," says Charlie Wagner, president of Wagner Inspection Services Inc. in Lake Worth. "You provide him with the necessary information. The inspector will go over the house, take photos of all four sides to determine whether the roof is hip, gable or flat," Wagner explains. "He will be looking for building elements that meet state code requirements." Such building elements include fixtures or construction techniques that enhance roof strength or roof covering performance, roof-to-wall strength, wall-to-floor-to-foundation strength, opening protection, and window, door and skylight strength. For example, an inspector will look for roof coverings that meet the Florida Building Code (FBC) and secondary water-resistance materials that prevent the roof from leaking if the roof covering is blown off. "If the home is relatively new, built in 2002 or later, the owner will definitely receive a nice deduction, since these homes are built according to the FBC code," Wagner said. Even homes built since 1994 in accordance with the South Florida Building Code will have features that qualify for mitigation credits such as doors and gable end bracing. Mitigation means knowing and avoiding unnecessary risks. When homes are built stronger, they will have less damage during high wind events. That encourages insurance companies to give these discounts. The inspector will make sure the homeowner has code-approved coverings for all openings, from the decorative glass inserts on fancy front doors to anything else that opens to the exterior. He will look at the attic to check for hurricane straps and determine if the house is a concrete block or wood frame structure. Older homes that have been brought up to code also qualify to apply for the insurance savings. "A new roof, bringing the garage door up to current code, the right coverings for all openings – the insurance company takes all this into consideration. If the inspector notices a need for repair, he will tell the homeowner. The inspector will send the report to the homeowner’s insurance agent, who takes it from there," Wagner said. An inspection is good for five years, unless an owner makes a change in the home. After that, the home will need to be inspected again. The inspection costs about $150. If the insurance company does not save the homeowner at least that much in reduced policy costs, Wagner says his company will reimburse the difference. Inspectors work independently of insurance companies. Wagner is a licensed building inspector and also can inspect homes for FHA and VA compliance. After the inspector fills out a standard Windstorm Mitigation form provided by the state, he sends it to the homeowner’s agent of record, according to Alan Pattee, owner of Alan Pattee Insurance Agency, Inc. The agent then sends it to the home office of the insurance company, which calculates the discount. The policy is reissued with the credit. If the homeowner has recently paid his policy and it is reduced, a reimbursement check will be issued, Wagner adds. For more information, go online towagnerinspectionservices.com or call Wagner at (561) 965-6106. Alan Pattee may be reached by calling (561) 640-5920.