Wind Mitigation Inspectors? (home, contractor, home inspectors)

[notsellingathing]

We cut our insurance in half last summer due to wind mitigation forms. We used Tarpon Bay General Contracting and I was super-pleased... they also installed a fence which I'm delighted with.

That reminds me... the guy who came out said we could install something in the roof to save more $$... I am going to look that up.

[sushilover86]

Notsellingathing - thanks, I ordered one, only 75 bucks through a company! Saved me about 300 or so

How much was your fence? I will need a fence installed when I save up the money. I do not know the exact dimensions as of yet for my yard however when I go close on Monday (YAYYYY MY FIRST HOME ) I shall find out through the survey company!!! I guess just a rough estimate ?!

[mnpedwards]

What did you order Sushi?

[sushilover86]

Sorry, I had an inspection done ( not sure why I said ordered?lol).

[preparedness expert]

A hurricane shutter certificate is part of the “Uniform Mitigation Verification Inspection Form” that can be found on any HO insurance web site. Most use the Citizens form OIR-B1-1802 form. Follow my photo archive under user name. The forms have been posted for review and example. Many inspectors offer a 4 point inspection for using this and similar forms. You can ask your HO insurance provider for the form they use. Ask a qualified inspector to evaluate your home and fill out the form.

The average cost for such certificates and evaluation, including documents runs about $125-200 in Florida. Call around to the advertised home inspectors to request quote and verify their credentials will be accepted by your HO insurance carrier.

You can follow the insurance link on your local states insurance regulation page to determine your exact savings. By law they must list the saving by insurance company on this site. The premium discount can be significant coupled with other forms of wind mitigation and protection. If your roof is up to code and you have additional enhancements like gable end bracing, stud to tie components or “strapping” your reduction will be greater. Its well worth the effort to find out what deductions you can apply for and what condition your home meets in regards to wind or hurricane protectives.

State licensed and specialty contractors can sign off on these forms. Qualified inspectors, engineers and contractors are permitted to sign off and evaluate on all homeowner insurance forms.

The Florida state rules require that a Qualified Inspector hold an active license or certificate for one of the following:
1) Hurricane mitigation inspector certified by the My Safe Florida Home Program.
2) Building code inspector certified under Section 468.607, Florida Statutes.
3) General, building or residential contractor licensed under Section 489.111, Florida Statutes.
4) Professional architect licensed under Section 481.213, Florida Statutes. 5) Professional engineer licensed under Section 471.015, Florida Statutes.
6) Other individual or entity recognized by the insurer as possessing the necessary qualifications to properly complete this form pursuant to Section 627.711(2)(f), Florida Statutes.

[Holiday Road]

I was reading "Preparedness Experts" post. I will be going back to Cape Coral at the end of the month to have my Realtor show us more homes. I want to be prepared and have been doing my due diligence on the area.

My question: If we do not get a home with a Hip roof, is there an easy way to tell if it has gable end bracing, stud to tie components or “strapping” . I want to keep insurance rates as low as possible. Is there a place on the web to see photo's of what these are?

This is my first post as I have been lurking here for a while. I will have lots of questions so bear with me. I am one who understands "Google is my friend"

[preparedness expert]

Originally Posted by Holiday Road

My question: If we do not get a home with a Hip roof, is there an easy way to tell if it has gable end bracing, stud to tie components or “strapping” . I want to keep insurance rates as low as possible. Is there a place on the web to see photo's of what these are?

Yes - I have attached a few photos of the gable end bracing and a sample of the hurricane ties. Keep in mind that hurricane ties can be attached to concrete or wood framed home - as needed to hold down the trusses to the wall through to foundation. You can do a Google search for “Simpson Strong Ties” for more info.

For more information on gable end braces and detail drawings of what to look for, go to * [pages 43-46 has good pics and drawing]

Here --> http://www.doi.sc.gov/NR/rdonlyres/D...EndBracing.pdf



The image above is basic gable end bracing. Note the 2x4's placed across the trusses and nailed into them.
Note the blocking on the backside of the gable end wall with blocking and straps.


The picture above is the 3 basic roof designs and the features & benefits.
Note the wind loads on gable end wall are not listed by much higher loads.


This picture above is a "Simpson Hurricane Tie" that holds the truss to the wall plates.
It is a smaller tie but there are many designs like wraps and straps that will bear more loads.
This is not a very good picture but imagine your looking down through the roof at the exterior wall
and component attaches to the top of the wall - the part sticking out and to the left
is the soffit overhang.

[Holiday Road]

PE,
Thank you so much. I really appreciate it. Your help was way above and beyond.

[lsc2]

$75 for wind mitigation? With who? I need one. Thanks

[plhalstead]

It is important for everyone to realize what a wind mitigation inspection can do for you. The savings can be so great that it is well worth the $150 inspection fee. But don't think going with the "lowball" guy is worth saving $25 or even $50 or more. There is usually a reason why they are less. The last thing you want is for your insurance company to reinspect your original wind mitigation inspector. Check out their qualifications and pick your inspector that way.