To obtain or keep a homeowners insurance policy, your home may need to have a home insurance inspection. Insurance companies use inspections to identify any liability issues with your property and determine the amount of risk associated with its condition or features.
If you take some time to prepare, you might be able to identify some of these issues and fix them before the inspection happens. This can result in a better report, but also help you avoid any unpleasant surprises. Here are some things you can do to prepare for a home insurance inspection:
Examine exterior features
There are several outside portions of your home you can check before an inspection. Some possible issues include:
- Loose or missing roof shingles.
- Cracks in the chimney.
- Unsecured or clogged gutters.
- Hanging tree limbs over the roof or other home structures.
- Uneven driveway or walkway pavement.
Inspect your home’s interior
Examine the interior of your home to find and resolve any problems before they’re discovered during the inspection. Some things to make a note of include:
- Dead batteries in carbon monoxide and smoke detectors.
- Pest or water damage in the attic, basement or crawl space.
- Leaky plumbing fixtures.
- Loose electrical outlets.
What happens if you fail a home insurance inspection?
Even with preparation, the results of your inspection may not be ideal. If the insurance company finds major issues with your home interior or exterior, they might give you a deadline to resolve them to keep your coverage. If your home is too risky, you may be denied coverage entirely.
Regardless of inspection reports, the more you know about the condition of your home, the better. Remember to check for these issues periodically to ensure your home remains in the best possible condition, regardless of your insurance coverage.
About the Author
Jamie Jamieson
Professional Association National Association of Realtors (NAR) New York State Association of Realtors (NYSAR) Hudson Gateway Association of Realtors/ Hudson Gateway Multiple Listing Service Education I hold an A.A in Italian Studies and an A.S in Accounting as well as being one of few students accepted into the Cambridge University International Student Study Program abroad as a returning student in 2011. Community Involvement I am proud to serve on the Home & School Board for St. Augustine School in Ossining and maintain the role of a Girl Scout leader. I am an active member of the community assisting in a variety of fundraising efforts. Personal I am a young and energetic agent who prides myself on providing personalized service with honest representation whether you are buying or selling your home. My expertise of the river towns, attention to detail and excitement for real estate are a few of the many assets I will bring to you. I will utilize my eagerness and market knowledge of the area to build lasting relationships with all of my clients that will extend far beyond the closing table. Be at ease from start to finish with my help. In my spare time, I love exploring the Hudson Valley with my husband, three children and our dog, Pippin. I love scoping out the infinite restaurants, farmers markets and other fabulous activities this exciting county has to offer. Experience Before joining William Raveis Legends Realty Group I started my career with Hudson Homes Sotheby's International Realty team. Prior to real estate, I had a remarkable 15+ year career in Restaurant Management/Hospitality including Ruth's Chris Steakhouse, Rivermarket and several establishments in Newport, Rhode Island. My experience in that field provided me with the foundation of excellence in customer service. Areas Covered All of Westchester County and parts of Putnam County.