How to Prepare for a Home Insurance Inspection

Acquiring and maintaining appropriate home insurance is necessary to protect your investment. The process of getting optimal coverage may include many steps, such as a potential inspection by insurance companies. Just as you and other homeowners should conduct your due diligence in exploring various coverage options, so too must insurance companies be diligent in assessing your circumstances.

What Is a Home Insurance Inspection?

As their name suggests, home insurance inspections are a standard step that insurance companies implement to assess the risk levels involved in your home and potential rebuild or replacement costs. Home insurance, also known as homeowners insurance, generally provides critical financial protection for the physical structure of your residence and its contents, other structures on your property and various liability risks. Given the stakes involved in such policies, insurance companies must understand your situation.

What Is Included in a Home Insurance Inspection?

The details and depth of inspections can vary significantly. Insurance companies may sometimes be satisfied with a visual inspection of your home’s exterior. But they may deem a more detailed process to be necessary, including an investigation of the following:

• Roofs
• Gutters and drainage systems
• Basements
• Foundations
• Chimneys and fireplaces
• Appliances
• Attics and crawl spaces
• Plumbing, electrical and HVAC systems
• Antitheft measures (e.g., home security systems, deadbolts)
• Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
• External property details (e.g., additional structures, attractive nuisances, hazardous tree limbs)

10 Ways to Prepare for a Home Inspection

You should try to get as much detail as possible about the extent of the inspection before an inspector is dispatched. This will help you prepare your home and alleviate any potential risks that might otherwise affect your rates, such as the following:

1. Check your roof for loose or missing shingles.
2. Ensure gutters are cleared and securely attached to your home.
3. Check foundations for any cracks or signs of weakness.
4. Inspect siding, doors and windows for cracks or leaks.
5. Ensure smoke detectors, fire extinguishers and carbon monoxide detectors function properly.
6. Check your attic, basement and walls for any cracks or signs of water or pest damage.
7. Consider cleaning and testing your HVAC system to ensure it’s in good condition.
8. Test all door and window locks.
9. Inspect fireplaces and chimneys for any damage or flaws.
10. Assess the outside of your property for potential hazards, such as uneven sidewalks or dangerous tree limbs.

We’re Here to Help

At Blue Granite Insurance, our dedicated agents have the experience and knowledge to help you understand optimal home insurance solutions. Visit our website or call 843-352-3267 to get started today.

This blog is intended for informational and educational use only. It is not exhaustive and should not be construed as legal advice. Please contact your insurance professional for further information.