As a homeowner, making sure your house can withstand severe weather or natural disasters is likely top of mind. That’s where a fortified home evaluator comes in to assess the home’s resilience and recommend the best next steps for you. However, knowing what to ask during the evaluation can be challenging since there can be a lot of information involved.
To avoid unanswered questions after the fact, this guide will outline the process and highlight important questions other homeowners have had before, during, or after the evaluation.
What Does a Fortified Home Evaluator Do?
A fortified home evaluator is a trained professional who assesses your home’s ability to withstand severe weather and natural disasters. They inspect key areas of your home, such as the roof, windows, doors, and overall structure, to identify any weaknesses.
Using guidelines from programs like FORTIFIED Home, they provide recommendations to improve your home’s resilience. Connecting with a certified evaluator is the best way to make sure your home is thoroughly and expertly assessed.
FORTIFIED Benefits
Wondering what makes a fortified home evaluation worth it? The biggest plus will depend on your household and FORTIFIED level selection, but here are some of the most notable:
- Safety: Evaluations help pinpoint and fix weak spots in your home, making it safer during extreme weather.
- Savings: Homes meeting fortified standards may qualify for insurance discounts, which can save you money.
- Property Value: A fortified home can be more appealing to buyers, potentially increasing its market value.
- Prevent Repairs: Early identification of issues can prevent expensive repairs later. Recommendations from an evaluator can help address problems before they escalate.
- Peace of Mind: Knowing your home is fortified against severe weather provides reassurance for you and your family.
Questions to Ask Your Fortified Home Evaluator
1) What experience and certifications do you have?
Asking about your evaluator’s background and certifications can give you confidence in their expertise. You can ask about their experience with FORTIFIED evaluations and any specific training they’ve completed.
2) Do you have any references or testimonials?
Hearing from previous clients can offer insights into the evaluator’s reliability and the quality of their work. Often, evaluators showcase this kind of content on their website or another platform to highlight their trustworthiness and work quality.
Ask to check out their testimonials, reviews, or references from past customer evaluations – many evaluators are happy to share this!
3) What’s included in the evaluation?
You might want to clarify the scope of the evaluation to know what areas will be assessed. If so, ask for details on what the inspection covers and any specific focus areas.
4) What issues do you commonly find?
Knowing what problems could potentially be identified helps you understand what to expect from the assessment. You’ll also be more prepared to discuss recommended improvements.
5) How should I prepare my home?
Doing a bit of prep beforehand can line up a smooth evaluation. Ask your evaluator for any specific steps you should take before they arrive. This might be things like securing pets, having certain documents ready, or other steps.
6) Is it a one-time inspection?
Typically, FORTIFIED home designations require periodic re-evaluations to maintain their status. Ask your evaluator about the recommended schedule for your follow-ups.
7) What are the associated costs?
Asking about any costs involved can help you budget accordingly. You might be curious about the overall cost and any factors that might influence it, such as the size of your home or the complexity of the evaluation. The inspector may be able to provide resources for clarity!
Recommended Home Maintenance
Along with your fortified home evaluation, regular maintenance helps keep your home resilient. Every home is unique, but there are some essentials to know:
- Regularly check your roof for damage, especially after storms, as a well-maintained roof is crucial for your home’s protection.
- Ensure windows and doors are properly sealed to keep out water and wind, maintaining your home’s structural integrity.
- Keep your gutters clear of debris to ensure proper water drainage, which prevents water damage and preserves your foundation’s strength.
- Regularly inspect your foundation for cracks or signs of damage, addressing these issues early to prevent bigger problems later.
When to Call a Professional
Sometimes, you need a professional to step in. If your home has suffered damage from severe weather or natural disasters, it’s crucial to get a professional evaluator to assess the extent of the damage and recommend repairs.
Signs of structural damage, such as cracks in walls or foundations, should also prompt an immediate call to a professional. They can determine the severity of the issue and advise on the necessary steps to fix it. Also, if you plan to upgrade your home to FORTIFIED standards, a professional evaluator can guide you through the process to keep it smooth sailing.
Conclusion
Making sure your home can withstand severe weather is crucial for your peace of mind. A fortified home evaluator assesses your home’s resilience and offers improvement recommendations. By asking the right questions and staying informed, you can protect your home and family. Regular maintenance and evaluations are key to long-term safety. Whether you’re getting ready for an evaluation or planning upgrades, being proactive keeps your home strong and secure.
If you’re ready to fortify your home or need to schedule an inspection before buying or selling in Alabama or Florida, reach out to KO Inspections today.