Preparing for a Home Insurance Inspection

If you’re planning on getting a new home insurance policy or reissuing an existing one, you might be required to undergo a home inspection to obtain your policy. These home inspections demonstrate a homeowner’s responsibility, and they help give the insurance company an idea of potential risks in your home. Understandably, undergoing an inspection can be stressful, which is why we’re often asked about how to prepare for a home insurance inspection. Here are four things you can do to make the process much easier so undergoing a home inspection is a breeze!

1. Keep a Maintenance Report – One of the most useful documents to have on hand during a home inspection is a maintenance report. This report should include written documentation of any repairs, maintenance, or modifications to your home and the items inside of it. Be sure to update the report regularly, so it’s always accurate.
2. Tidy Up – Certain areas of the home are more prone to clutter than others. For a lot of homeowners, attics and basements tend to be where most belongings are stored, and this can actually be viewed as a liability during an inspection. If these areas are over-crowded, they can make it more difficult to escape during a disaster. While you’re clearing these areas, be sure to look for loose wires and structural issues, too.
3. Be Fire Safe – While it’s always good practice to have new batteries in the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in your home, it’s very important to make sure they’re functioning properly. In fact, working alarms in the home are a critical factor in passing a home inspection. On that same note, make sure your home as a fire extinguisher in a handy location, preferably the kitchen.
4. Identify Risks – Try to act like a home insurance inspector and go over the inside and outside of your home with their critical eye looking for potential risks. Things like overgrown trees, broken steps, structural issues, or a pool without a gate and other safety measures are big red flags that could impact your home insurance!