When it comes to buying a house, a checklist of things to do before you can rest easy in the new house is big. Among the different steps in the process are a home inspection Orlando FL inspector conducts and a home insurannce inspection. The key thing to focus here is that the two types of inspections are not the same, in terms of the purpose and what’s checked.
Home Inspection for Insurance: Introduction
A home insurance inspection is something an insurance company conducts. Most lenders may ask for an appraisal of the house to know the value before lending you the money. However, only insurers ask for an inspection. This is the chief difference between home insurance inspection and a regular one; we conduct a home inspection for our peace of mind, whereas the insurers try to gauge the property’s replacement costs. These are common in cases of older homes or when the property is situated at a disaster-prone area.
What happens during the Home Inspection for Insurance?
The purpose of the home insurance inspection is to determine the replacement and risk cost of the house in case of damage. Therefore, the process involves a visual check of the exterior and interior of the place. In general, the following things are checked during the inspection:
- Roof age and condition
- Exterior hazards that can cause damage
- Exterior items that can be damaged
- Drainage systems
- Foundation and basement condition
- Plumbing and electrical
- Appliances in the house
- Floors and walls
- Attic and crawl spaces
- Anti-theft and security systems
- Carbon monoxide and smoke detectors
- HVAC system condition
- Fireplaces and chimneys
Tips to prepare your house (inside and outside)
Passing a home insurance inspection is crucial to getting the homeowners’ insurance cover. Therefore, here are some tips to prepare your house for the check:
- Inspect
Before the insurance company people come in for the checks, conduct an home inspection. Look for any damage to the walls, floors, roofing, foundation, attic, basement, landscaping, and other things inside and outside. Also, check the health of the appliances, including the smoke detectors.
2. Clean
Once you have identified any problems or even if you haven’t, it is time to clean the debris and issues out. Places like chimney, fireplace, and HVAC needs to be cleaned before the insurance guys show up.
Conclusion
Homeowners insurance is vital, especially when living in a disaster-prone area. The cover will save you from extensive loss when a tragedy strikes. However, getting approval for the same requires a home inspection from the insurer’s end, where they will evaluate the estimated risk cost. Prepping for the checks beforehand can help one pass it and secure the insurance cover.
Also read: Points to keep in mind before while scheduling a Home Inspection service
