The inspector will work efficiently — for a typical single-family home in the Cape Coral or Fort Myers area, plan on the inspection taking somewhere between 30 and 45 minutes depending on the size of the home. The inspector will walk the exterior, access the attic, and document windows, doors, and the garage door. They will take photographs throughout, as these become part of the official report submitted to your insurance company.
A few things to keep in mind:
- The inspector will access the attic. This is where some of the most important documentation happens — roof decking attachment and roof-to-wall connections are both verified from inside the attic. In most cases the inspector can access the attic directly from the garage without needing to enter the living areas of your home at all.
- They will inspect your windows, doors, and garage door to document what type of opening protection is in place, whether that is impact glass, shutters, or rated panels.
- Impact Windows and Doors: While impact windows can usually be inspected from the exterior of the home without any issues, it is not always possible due to glare, reflection, etc. and may be easier to accomplish from the interior of the home.
- Shutters (Screens & Panels): Shutters must be stored on premises and able to be photographed at the time of inspection. They do not need to be installed for the inspection. Shutters must meet the qualifications stated on the form.
- The inspection is not pass or fail. The form documents what is there. Some features will earn insurance credits and some will not, but the inspector’s job is to accurately report what exists, not to grade your home.
- You can typically expect your completed report within 24 to 48 hours in most cases.
A Note About Pets
Wind mitigation inspectors tend to be a pretty dog-friendly bunch — it comes with the territory of spending your days going door to door across Southwest Florida. But if you have a dog that is known to bolt given the opportunity, it is worth giving your inspector a heads up before they arrive. The inspector will be moving in and out of the exterior of your home, and while they will do their best to be mindful, not every inspector will have the instinct to treat every gate the way a lifelong dog owner would. A quick “hey, just so you know, my dog is a runner” at the start of the appointment is all it takes. Most inspectors will appreciate the heads up and make a point of being extra careful.
Screen Enclosures and Lanais
If your home has a pool cage or screened lanai, the inspector may need to pass through it to access part of the exterior. Make sure the screen door is unlocked before they arrive.