The Villages Insurance: Home Inspections

Most insurance companies require an inspection to be completed within the first 30 to 45 days of a new policy being written. Some companies will partner with a preferred inspection vendor that will come out to inspect the home, while other insurance companies offer self-inspections through different applications. Here are some items that inspection companies will be checking for:

Exterior Inspections

• Trees, shrubs, vegetation
• Concerns with these items typically arise when trees have branches that hang over or are close to the home.  In addition, shrubs and other vegetation that are up against a house can cause damage to the siding and have the potential to cause water damage.  In advance of an inspection, make sure to have trees, shrubs, and vegetation trimmed up.

• Gutters
• You will want to make sure your gutters are unclogged.  It sounds crazy that something so small can have major consequences. Having clogged gutters can lead to water damage and mold, and it could even cause issues with your home’s foundation.

• Cracking
• During an inspection, the inspector will be looking for noticeable signs of cracking around the home.  Depending on the company and any visible cracking noted in the inspection, a company may require that cracks be sealed to prevent future damage to the home to continue coverage, or the company may decline to continue coverage.

Interior Inspections

• Supply Line Valves
• One of the most common and costly expenses can arise out of water damage. Inspecting supply line valves and replacing any that have signs of damage or wear is a great way to help mitigate the chances of water damage. Some signs of damaged supply line valves may be leaking around the valve, rust or corrosion, and sticking or broken handles.

The most important thing is to have the inspection completed. Without it, you may find that your insurance company decides to decline coverage and cancel your policy. If you have questions or concerns about the inspection itself, you should reach out to your insurance agency or company for guidance.