How to prepare for a home insurance inspection

by Ann Hayward 07/10/2023

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
Author

Ann Hayward

Born in Philadelphia and raised in the suburbs, Ann Hayward got her Pennsylvania real estate license at age 18 even before going to college. This second-generation real estate professional followed in the footsteps of her father and two uncles, inheriting their passion for the business. Licensed in DC, Maryland and Virginia, Ann is accomplished in her career, with numerous designations including SFR, SRES, PSA, WHC, and multiunit Housing Development Finance Professional (HDFP) from the National Development Council. She specializes in Prince Georges and Montgomery Counties, Northern Virginia and Washington, DC, all jurisdictions where Ann has lived and knows very well. In addition to her professional expertise, she owns and manages personal investment property, understands and has been involved in the renovation/remodeling process, and has great resources which she shares with clients. When you hire Ann to represent you, she will make your buying or selling experience an enjoyable, rewarding one. Her compassion, sensitivity to her clients’ needs, eye for detail, and ability to see the big picture when guiding you through a purchase or sale are unique assets that will ensure your success. A diverse and relevant background also gives Ann a distinct edge. For 30 years, she worked in fast-paced, high-pressure television and theatrical production, attaining the highest achievement – DGA membership as a Director, and as an award-winning staff and freelance writer. Her keen audio visual skills and design sense benefit sellers in marketing their properties, and are invaluable in helping buyers see the potential of space. A true renaissance woman, Ann was also an income tax professional and office manager for H&R Block, so she thoroughly understands the tax and financial implications of acquiring and selling real estate. Her superior organizational skills are further evidenced as owner of a downsizing/professional organizing business, Managed For You, which allows her to connect with everyone from millennials to boomers and seniors, whether for small space planning or assisting with major decluttering and transitioning. Ann holds an AB in American History from Simmons College, Boston, plus attended Robert Wagner Graduate School of Public Administration where she was a candidate for Doctorate. She additionally studied Film Direction at the American Film Institute in LA, and was a Stanford University post-graduate Professional Journalism Fellow. Personally, Ann is an avid if not very good golfer, and the co-founder of a nonprofit 501c3 organization offering educational guidance, tutoring and counseling for youngsters from elementary school through college admission. She sits on the board of trustees of a nonprofit educational film production corporation as well. (202) 494-6252 [email protected]