Hurricane Preparedness for Florida Homeowners: Protect Your Property Before and After the Storm
It’s that time of year again. Floridians are refreshing their emergency hurricane supplies with fresh bottled water, stocking up on batteries, and preparing for a busy Atlantic hurricane season starting June 1.
As you navigate your prep list, Central Florida Building Inspectors (CFBI) suggests a few critical additions to help you protect your home—one of your most important investments. Whether you’re a homeowner fortifying your property or a seller protecting a pending real estate transaction, these hurricane preparation tips can save you thousands in potential damage.
Pre-Hurricane Home Preparation: Fortify Your Property
Taking proactive steps before hurricane season can significantly reduce storm damage and protect your home’s value. Here’s what CFBI recommends:
Clean and Inspect Gutters
Ensure gutters are free from debris, and verify that downspouts direct water at least six to eight feet away from your home’s foundation. Proper drainage prevents water intrusion and foundation damage during heavy rainfall.
Examine Stucco Exteriors
Inspect for cracks, especially those large enough to fit a coin. These openings allow water to seep into your home, potentially causing interior damage, mold growth, and structural issues. Stucco inspection should be a priority for Florida homeowners.
Trim Overhanging Branches
Remove any limbs that hang over your home or driveway to minimize the risk of them becoming dangerous projectiles during high winds. This simple step can prevent roof damage and broken windows.
Seal Windows and Doors
Check for gaps around windows and doors. Use weatherstripping and appropriate sealants to prevent wind-driven rainfrom entering your home. Even small gaps can lead to significant water damage during a hurricane.
Assess Roof Integrity
Look for loose or missing shingles, exposed nail heads, or signs of moisture. Addressing these issues before storm season can prevent catastrophic damage. A pre-hurricane roof inspection is one of the most cost-effective investments you can make.
Secure Soffits
Ensure soffits are firmly attached and sealed. Loose soffits are vulnerable during strong winds and can lead to more extensive roof damage when compromised. Check that all soffit vents are properly secured.
These inexpensive preventive actions can save you not only inconvenience but thousands of dollars in storm damage repairs.
Post-Hurricane Inspections: Protect Your Property Value
In the aftermath of a hurricane, it’s vital to assess any damage promptly. CFBI added post-hurricane inspections to its services about three years ago after hearing from REALTOR® connections that home sales in progress weren’t closing because buyers worried about undiscovered storm damage.
Whether you’re in a pending sale or simply want to protect your investment, a post-hurricane inspection is a smart move for any Florida homeowner.
Why Schedule a Post-Hurricane Inspection?
Protect Pending Real Estate Transactions: If you’re in a pending sale when a storm hits, scheduling a post-hurricane inspection can protect you from surprises that could delay or even derail your transaction. Buyers have legitimate concerns about storm damage, and a professional inspection provides peace of mind.
Identify Hidden Damage: Not all storm damage is visible to the untrained eye. CFBI’s specialized inspections identify issues that might not be apparent immediately but could cause problems down the line.
What’s Included in a Post-Hurricane Inspection?
CFBI’s comprehensive post-storm evaluation includes:
- Interior thermal imaging scan to detect hidden moisture and water intrusion
- Exterior damage assessment including roof, siding, windows, and doors
- Attic inspection to identify roof leaks and structural issues
- Foundation and drainage evaluation
- Detailed photographic documentation for insurance claims
Additional Post-Storm Benefits
Document Damage for Insurance Claims: Comprehensive inspection reports are invaluable when filing insurance claims, providing detailed evidence of storm-related damage with professional documentation and photographs.
Plan for Timely Repairs: Early identification of problems allows for prompt repairs, maintaining your property’s value and preventing further deterioration. Hidden moisture can lead to mold growth and structural damage if left unaddressed.
Ensure Buyer Confidence: For sellers, a post-hurricane inspection report demonstrates transparency and helps maintain transaction momentum during an already stressful time.
Hurricane Season Preparation: A Smart Investment
By taking these proactive steps, you can enhance your home’s resilience against hurricanes and protect your investment—allowing you to focus on what matters most: keeping your family safe this summer.
Florida hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30, with peak activity typically occurring between August and October. Don’t wait until a storm is approaching to prepare your property.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a post-hurricane inspection cost? Post-hurricane inspection costs vary based on property size and scope. Contact CFBI for a customized quote based on your specific needs. Our post hurricane inspections start at $299.
How quickly can CFBI schedule a post-hurricane inspection? CFBI prioritizes post-storm inspections to help homeowners and sellers address damage quickly. Contact us as soon as it’s safe to do so after a hurricane and we should be able to be out within 1-3 days.
Will my insurance cover a post-hurricane inspection? Yes. Some insurance policies may cover inspection costs related to storm damage claims. Check with your insurance provider for specific coverage details.
What should I do if the inspection finds storm damage? CFBI provides detailed reports with repair recommendations. You can use this documentation for insurance claims and to prioritize necessary repairs with qualified contractors.
Protect Your Central Florida Home This Hurricane Season
Don’t leave your home’s safety to chance. Whether you need pre-hurricane preparation guidance or a post-storm damage assessment, Central Florida Building Inspectors has the expertise to help.
Serving Orlando, Tampa, Ocala, and Volusia since 1988, CFBI brings nearly four decades of experience to every inspection. When you contact us, you speak directly with certified, state-licensed inspectors—not a call center.
Ready to protect your property? Schedule your hurricane inspection with Central Florida Building Inspectors today.
For more information or to schedule an inspection, visit Central Florida Building Inspectors or call our team of certified experts.
