Properties, Houses and Condos for Sale in St Petersburg Treasure Island Florida

This is one question that I hear over and over again from clients: "What is a wind mitigation inspection and why do I need it?" The biggest complaint is that it COSTS money BUT it also SAVES money!

A wind mitigation inspection is the process of having a certified wind mitigation inspector verify that your home incorporates construction methods that provide improved protection against hurricane force wind damage. It is an inspection that generally takes less than an hour and can save you money on your homeowners insurance policy!

Depending on your exact location within the state, the windstorm portion of your policy is somewhere between 15 and 70 percent of your total premium! If you are on the coast, as Pinellas County is, you can be sure that you are in the higher percentile! As a matter of fact, the Florida Department of Financial Services estimates that homeowners who have not had a wind mitigation inspection are overpaying on average 22% on their windstorm protection! Knowing that, why wouldn't you get a wind mitigation inspection?

What is involved in this inspection?

The wind mitigation inspector will check to see that hurricane clips or straps are in place. These secure the roof to the supporting walls. Remember, without these connections being up to code your chances of having the roof blow away in a hurricane increase dramatically.

Shingles or whatever roof covering you have (for example barrel tile roofs) must meet the Florida Building Code requirements. These requirements were updated significantly after Hurricane Andrew. There will be a check to make sure that roof decking has been installed with the larger nails or screws that meet the new codes and that there is closer spacing between nails or screws.

Having full or partial impact resistant glazing on windows and glass doors also brings a discount. The newer windows and sliding glass doors that you find on new construction meet the latest codes. If you decide to change out your windows or sliders be sure that your money is spent wisely by bringing everything up to code. This will save you in the long run!

Does your home have hurricane shutters or coverings for your windows and glass doors? There are temporary structural panels that are installed if a hurricane is coming. This can be as basic as having preinstalled clips around your windows and doors that are used to install your temporary panels. There are also panels that are permanent and can be raised or lowered as needed. This is a bit more expensive but a good idea if you live in a coastal area.

Wind mitigation is something that should not be ignored! When you purchase a home the wind mitigation inspection should be done at the same time that your other home inspections are taken care of. Make sure that the home inspector you choose is certified to do the wind mitigation inspection. Often the inspector for wind mitigation is chosen by your homeowner's insurance company. To be sure that you can have the inspector of your choice do this inspection give your homeowner's insurance company a call and find out.

Remember, while it is no longer hurricane season here in Florida (hurricane season is June through the end of November) any time is a good time to have a wind mitigation inspection. If you already own a home and have not had this inspection done give your insurance company a call today and ask about it! The more you do to safeguard your home from storm force winds, the more you will save on your homeowner's policy.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Buying or Selling - - Call Barbara-Jo for all of your real estate needs! - - 727-512-0910

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Barbara-Jo Roberts Berberi Charles Rutenberg Realty Serving the Greater Clearwater Florida Area, the Gulf Beaches and beyond Waterfront condos & homes relocation, investment, upsizing, downsizing Your Real Estate Specialist 727-512-0910 visit my website to see all my current listings www.barbarajo.com connect with me online

If you are thinking of purchasing in the Clearwater, Palm Harbor, Crystal Beach, Safety Harbor, Dunedin, Tarpon Springs area or along our pristine Gulf Beaches, give me a call! With years of experience in the local real estate market, I am here to assist you in making one of the most important purchases of your life! Give me a call today! Find out for yourself why living along the Gulf Coast is indeed living in Paradise!