Some homeowners who know they need roof repairs wait for a major storm so they can file an insurance claim to get them fixed. | U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Insurance carriers may require homeowners to have a home insurance inspection conducted before issuing them a policy and a few critical items can help them prepare their home.
Not much can be done if the home has a structure issue, Anita Byer of Setnor Byer Insurance and Risk told Insurance Rate Reporter. But some actions can be taken to help get through the inspection.
First, the homeowner should make sure the home is free of obstructions for all exits. Some companies won’t allow their employees to conduct an inspection if this type of fire hazard exists.
“A big piece of what they are looking at is your electrical panel, circuit breakers,” Byer said. “There are very specific panels that insurers are looking for.”
At least four specific outdated electric panels could get the home rejected for insurance. She suggested homeowners write down the manufacturer’s name and search online for its status.
“Do they want to fix the panel before the inspector comes if they know the panel will fail?” Byer asked.
It is a relatively easy fix for a qualified electrician. If the panel doesn’t need to be replaced, they should still check that all circuit breakers work – or fuses in older homes.
“That circuit panel is a deal killer for companies. Stains on the roof are probably a deal killer. That’s probably going to indicate a bad roof,” Byer said.
Obvious ceiling stains are an indication of roof leaks, another red flag for inspectors.
“Would they want to hide it, paint over the leak?” Byer asked. “I would prefer that they would replace the roof.”
“A big problem we have right now is water damage. People wait for storms to replace their roofs that are 20-years-old,” she said.
Byer said social inflation means everyone wants small claims to be paid in a big way. Instead of a leak fix, they want the roof replaced, she said. They wait for the next big storm to make a claim for the replacement.
Homeowners in Florida generally don’t have to worry about wood-burning stove installations, which is another source of potential problems in a home insurance inspection.
Water heaters should be checked to determine if they have temperature pressure valves installed. The valve allows water or steam to escape if the temperature or pressure gets too high.
When talking to a plumber, a homeowner should consider having a water valve turnoff system. It shuts off water when it detects a decrease in pressure, which is a sign of leaking that could be caused by a burst pipe or water heater.
The homeowner wouldn’t be able to replace all their pipes if they discover their home has polybutylene piping, but that’s another negative a home insurance inspection will flag.
Alerts Sign-up