Around 560 inspectors and 800 contractors have been specifically trained for the program during the pilot phase. This program was “created to protect Floridians by strengthening their homes against hurricanes and to reduce the state’s
exposure to hurricane damage.” The home inspections include the following services:- The current rating of their homes against hurricane damage on a 0-100 scale.
- Up to seven ways they can improve the strength of their homes against hurricanes.
- The estimated costs to make recommended improvements.
- What their potential insurance premium savings could be if they were to make those improvements.
Homeowners that receive an inspection can “qualify for matching grants of up to $5,000 to fortify their homes” which “will be prioritized and awarded to homeowners who live in high-risk, hurricane-vulnerable areas of the state.”
In order to qualify for a home inspection homeowners “must live in a single-family, site-built home with an insured value of $500,000 or less and have a valid homestead exemption, the department said.”
This program is much needed for those living in hurricane prone areas. If you have participated in the program or know someone that has let us know if the inspection proved helpful.
This is really important. It's not just about insurers having to be better at settling hurricane and storm-related claims; it's also about homeowners being better prepared for hurricane season. After all, hurricanes are a fact of life for Floridians. Here's hoping that as many people as possible take advantage of this smart program.
Posted by: Monique Attinger | December 14, 2006 8:12 AM | Permalink to Comment