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1. If I pay for the inspection, can I still apply for the MSFH program? The answer
here is yes, but only if you use an approved Wind Certification Entity (WCE), of
which there are only 11 in the state. All have inspectors in there regions; some
have inspectors in all regions.
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By using an inspector with WCE you are also guaranteed that the inspector has actually
passed the additional drug test and background check requirement in addition to
making sure the right insurances are in place.
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The state will not be ready to receive your application for the grant program until
June or July of 2006.
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2. What is the difference between a Survey and an inspection?
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Insurance inspections should be more appropriately called surveys rather than inspections
as the latter typical involves detailed analyses and testing protocols, to include
condition audits. Insurance inspections on the other hand are really surveys to
identify the age and type of components present in any home or building.
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3. How much do inspections cost?
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In all this varies from company to company. A reputable and qualified company with
the correct business insurance and qualified inspectors typically will charge between
$150 to $ 300 for a typical insurance inspection.
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For a MSFH inspection, the fee is typically $150.
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4. Why is the inspectors business insurance important to me, a home owner?
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Firstly, insurance is the only way you can protect yourself from any damages caused
by an inspector, should anything happen at their inspection. What if the inspector
injures themselves falls of the roof, falls through the attic etc., you as the home
owner could be held responsible for these claims, which in many cases can cost thousands
of dollars.
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At minimum making sure your inspector carries adequate general liability and workers
compensation.
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5. Why is a Back ground check important to me, the home owner?
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While the cheapest inspection is very attractive to most home owners, it is not
always the wisest or the SAFEST!
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Letting strangers into you home is extremely dangerous and it is for this reason
that you should make sure that your inspectors is background checked and approved.
This is a normal policy for most professional home and building inspection companies.
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To ensure your inspector is approved by the state check the approved listing at
http://www.mysafefloridahome.com/InspectorList.Asp
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6. What is a retail Inspections?
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These are inspections conducted by inspectors for home owners out side of the MSFH
program. They include roof inspections, 4 point inspections and wind mitigation
inspections. Homeowners are responsible for the fees associated with these inspections.
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Under the MSFH program, home owners are pre-approved for inspections, which are
paid for by the state under the MSFH program. If homeowners are paying for these
inspections upfront, to benefit for lower insurance rates, make sure you choose
an inspector registered by a wind certification entity and not just any inspector.
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If a WCE is used, these home owners can apply for the grant at any date in the future
once the state is ready to accept such applications. At the time of writing the
state is expecting their technology to be complete by mid June or July for acceptance
of these inspections.
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7. What is the difference between a WCE and a WC inspector?
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In the state of Florida there are only 11 wind certification entities registered
by the state. It is these companies that will conduct the inspections under the
MSFH program. Using one of these entities will ensure that your inspector is adequately
trained, insured and background checked.
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The inspections conducted by WCE’s will be both the MSFH inspections and retail
wind mitigation inspections whereby WCE’s can forward the data to the state at later
date if the homeowner wishes, to enable them to apply for a grant under the program.
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It is the WCE’s responsibility to ensure that not only has their inspectors passed
the wind certificating training but also that the inspectors have passed the background
checks and finger printing in addition to drug testing, required insurances etc.
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By paying for a MSFH inspection up front will enable you to bypass the approval
process by the state as soon as they are ready to accept your application and allow
you to receive a report relating to the available $5000 grant. What will the inspection
involve?
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The items covered on an inspection will be determined on the inspection type required
by your insurance company.
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Refer to the information on inspection types for more information.
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8. How do I prepare for the inspection?
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Be prepared for the inspector when you know he is coming. Professional inspectors
will not conduct an inspection unless an adult is present nor will they access the
back yard if there is a dog locked out there.
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Inspectors will need to survey the entire exterior and attic in most instances.
Ensure the attic access is accessible, gates are not locked, animals are caged etc.
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Also have your insurance documentation ready as many times inspectors may need to
look at this for further information. For new policies some inspection companies
charge a nominal fee to help you complete the arduous task of insurance forms correctly.
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Finally, do not let any inspector into your home without a photo identification
card. If you feel uncomfortable at any time cancel or reject the inspection by calling
the company in question.
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9. Will you help me with our insurance documentation?
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This is not part of the MSFH program and therefore will not be completed.
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For retail inspections most companies have no problem helping here. Some companies
charge a nominal fee for this service. Make sure you confirm this before the inspection.
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