What a wind mitigation inspection is and why home inspectors should offer them.

If you're a certified home inspector in Florida, you likely offer wind mitigation inspections. If you're a certified home inspector in Florida and you don't currently offer wind mitigation inspections, you could be missing out on a key area 

In Florida, a state prone to hurricanes and tropical storms, wind mitigation inspections have become a crucial aspect of the home inspection process.

There are no states that require homeowners to get wind mitigation inspections. Instead, governments often require insurance companies to provide discounts for homes that have these modern construction methods. Some insurance companies require windstorm insurance, which a homeowner can't get without a wind mitigation report.

All this adds up to one thing: most homeowners will want a wind mitigation report in high storm areas and they rely on certified home inspectors to provide them. 

In this article, we dive into the what, who, and why of wind mitigation inspections and provide tips for how home inspectors in the Sunshine State can deliver the best wind mitigation inspections to buyers.

What is a wind mitigation inspection?

Wind mitigation inspections focus on evaluating a property's vulnerability to wind damage, specifically from hurricanes and strong storms.

This examination covers various aspects of a home, including its roof, doors, windows, and overall construction, aiming to identify features that can mitigate potential wind-related risks.

Key Components of a Wind Mitigation Inspection

 If you're a home inspector, here's what you'll be checking during your wind mitigation inspection:

• The type of roof covers and the age of the roof
• The type of roof decking
• The lengths of the nails and their distance apart
• The method used to attach the roof to the walls of the home (roof-to-wall connections)
• The shape and slope of the roof
• Any materials between the cover and decking that will absorb water
• Openings on the roof of garage doors like sunroofs, windows, etc.  

Who Offers Wind Mitigation Inspections?

Wind mitigation inspections are typically carried out by licensed home inspectors with expertise in assessing a property's resilience to wind forces.

As a home inspector, you are the perfect provider of a wind mitigation inspection based on your education, connection with real estate agents and home buyers, and expertise. 

Additionally, engineers and other qualified professionals may also offer these services, but a home inspector is the most common provider. 

The Benefits of Wind Mitigation Inspections for Homeowners

If you're going to offer wind mitigation, it's important to know why this type of inspection is valuable to a homebuyer and how to market the service. Here are the best selling points and where a buyer sees value:

Insurance Premium Reduction

The obvious benefit of a favorable wind mitigation inspection is the potential reduction in homeowners' insurance premiums. Homeowners with properties that exhibit robust wind-resistant features can enjoy significant savings on insurance costs.

Increased Property Value

A property boasting a high wind mitigation rating can potentially fetch a higher resale value in Florida's real estate market. Buyers often prioritize homes with documented resistance to wind damage, making wind mitigation inspections a valuable investment for homeowners.

Peace of Mind

The peace of mind a homebuyer will get from a wind mitigation inspection can't be understated. In states like Florida, where extreme wind and weather are increasingly common, a wind mitigation can provide a buyer confidence that their future home's roof is in good condition. 

What Home Inspectors Should Know About Wind Mitigation Inspections

As a home inspector, you should understand the specific regulations and standards related to wind mitigation inspections. Staying informed about updates and changes in guidelines ensures that inspections are conducted accurately and in compliance with industry standards.

If you're looking to get certified to perform wind mitigation inspections, InterNACHI offers a wind mitigation certification course. 

Using Spectora for Wind Mitigation Inspections

Leveraging advanced inspection software like Spectora can streamline the wind mitigation inspection process. From data collection to generating comprehensive reports, using home inspection software for wind mitigation reports facilitates efficiency and accuracy in your reporting. 

Using home inspection software for your wind mitigation reports allows you to deliver high-quality service to the buyer.

It's lucrative to provide a consistent reporting experience and using the same software for wind mitigation that you use for your home inspection report will ensure a smooth and seamless experience for your client. 

Spectora offers a template for Florida wind mitigation inspections, which you can use out of the box or make changes to yourself. We also have a "Uniform Mitigation Verification Inspection Form" for Florida home inspectors specifically. Here's an in-depth look at our template. 

How much should a home inspector charge for wind mitigation?

Setting your pricing is never an easy decision. From what we've seen, the prices vary for a wind mitigation inspection. 

Be sure to conduct market research and consider the level of expertise required to determine competitive and fair pricing. That said, as a home inspector with a wind mitigation certification, your level of expertise will be high. 

Home inspectors often charge between $100 and $200 for a standalone wind mitigation inspection. When bundled with a home inspection, they may discount.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Florida homebuyers need a wind mitigation inspection?

While not mandatory for all real estate transactions, a wind mitigation inspection is highly recommended for homebuyers in Florida. It can lead to insurance savings and provide valuable information about a property's vulnerability to wind damage.

Are wind mitigation inspections only offered in Florida?

While wind mitigation inspections are most prevalent in Florida due to its susceptibility to hurricanes, other coastal regions may also benefit from these assessments. However, the specific regulations and requirements may vary by location.

Can a home inspector do a wind mitigation inspection?

Yes, and it's quite common. A licensed general contractor can also perform these inspections, but inspectors have the advantage of being able to bundle the service with a regular inspection.

How much extra time does it add to my inspections?

Luckily, adding wind mitigation probably won't add more than 30 minutes to your inspection time, you'll already be in all the areas of a home needed for the inspection. Spectora has templates for wind mitigation reports, so it's not likely to add much time to reporting either.

Am I required to walk roofs for a wind mitigation inspection?

No, as a home inspector, you are not required to walk the roof during a wind mitigation inspection. You will need to take pictures of the roof covering. The rest of the inspection can be done from an attic or visually from a ladder.

Is a wind mitigation inspection profitable?

Yes. As is the case with all ancillary services, offering a wind mitigation inspection will up your revenue per inspection (RPI). Charging an additional $75 - $200 for 30 minutes plus a little reporting time is a pretty good deal. Doing a few of these a week could easily net you an additional $10,000 to $25,000 per year.

Are wind mitigation inspections in demand?

States like Florida offer enticing insurance discounts for homeowners who get wind mitigation reports, so much so that the cost of the inspection will pay for itself in a year (and then some). Savings range from $50 - $1,000 on home insurance. It's a win for both you and your clients.

Even better, a home cannot "fail" a wind mitigation inspection. If a roof has construction that exceeds minimum standards, clients receive a discount. If not, then there is no penalty.