Are you being asked to inspect your home in order to get a new policy? Do not be alarmed. This is the primary reason to ensure that the dwelling amount of your policy covers the cost of rebuilding the home in case it is lost completely. Your insurance agent will use replacement value calculation software to calculate the replacement cost of your home or the cost to rebuild it from scratch when you get an insurance quote. Although the software works well and draws on public records, every property is unique, an insurance inspection in Cape Coral FL is the best way for homeowners to verify the cost of rebuilding.

Another reason to inspect is to identify potential hazards and determine if they can be fixed. Inspections can be used to identify potential loss-prone conditions, such as roofs that need repair or hazardous conditions not discovered via a web chat or phone call. Many carriers insist that inspections are conducted to protect their interests, as they have the most to lose if dangerous conditions are present.

Home insurance companies are now required to inspect a policy within 30 days of its inception. The agent or insurance company may have previously taken measurements and exterior photos of the property. These are now available online. Inspections now often include a walk-through of the interior.

Many home insurance companies outsource their inspections to independent, licensed insurance appraisers like Mueller Inspections. To arrange the inspection, the inspection company will contact your directly. Inspections usually take between 30-45 minutes and are typically completed in about 30 to 45 minutes. The inspector will require you to be present at your home during the inspection. They will also ask for access to the furnace and basement. The inspector will take photos of your house from the inside and out.

 There are two main purposes for a home inspection.

1. To verify the replacement estimate that was calculated using a combination public information and information you have provided, and

2. You can identify situations where loss could occur by using safety items like decks without handrails or water.

What will you inspect?

The inspector will usually measure the exterior dimensions. However, property tax information may not always be accurate. The inspector will ask questions about the roof’s age, inspect the gutters and downspouts to make sure they are properly connected, and will review any updates or modifications to the furnace, electrical system, or plumbing. They may ask about your dog’s temperament, and take a photo of the pup if necessary. Dogs are responsible for approximately 30% of all personal liability claims in the United States.

When buying a home, tell your agent whether you plan to move in immediately after closing or if there are any plans to remodel it. These situations can be dealt with ahead of time, but it is best to do so while you are setting up your policy. If you are involved in major remodeling or if you have not moved in to the property, an insurance company may cancel your policy. Underwriters don’t like surprises. Honesty is the best policy.

You get benefits

Another benefit of a home inspection is that the inspector may identify discounts that the customer didn’t know about. Low temperature sensors may also be available for homeowners who have central fire alarms or burglar alarms. We may not have known that the home has an automated generator. These circumstances may lead to additional discounts.

Once the inspection is completed, the report goes to the insurance company. A home inspector reviews the coverage and will discuss with homeowners any concerns or hazards. If necessary, the underwriter will review the building coverage and outline any concerns (hazards) that need to be addressed with the homeowner. The agent then communicates to the customer any changes, concerns, or requests from carriers.

Inspecting your home can help reduce the cost of insurance. Companies that do thorough inspections receive discounted rates on reinsurance, which is passed on to customers. Reinsurance is insurance companies purchase to protect themselves against large individual losses and catastrophic losses.

A home inspection can provide peace of mind by insuring that your home is adequately insured.