A home insurance inspection is a process that many insurers require when you take out or renew your policy. The aim is to assess the actual condition of your home, verify that the conditions you declared match reality, estimate the cost of reconstruction, and detect potential risks.
Why should I review my home insurance annually?
- Changes in replacement value: Material and labor costs fluctuate, which may render your policy outdated.
- Changes in risk: Aging systems, renovations, nearby trees, and other factors may increase your exposure to claims.
- Continuous protection: Maintaining adequate coverage prevents surprises in the event of a claim.
What do they look for in a home insurance inspection?
During the inspection, the inspector evaluates the following:
1. Exterior of the property
- Roof and gutters: check for missing tiles, damage, obstructions, and clean gutters.
- Foundation and cladding: inspect for cracks, dampness, and signs of decay.
- Doors and windows: check seals and locks are in good condition.
- Vegetation and surroundings: check for branches that could fall, trees that are too close, debris, or structural weakness in attached roofs.
2. Inside the home
- Main systems: basic inspection of electricity, plumbing, HVAC/HVAC.
- Safety equipment: smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers, alarms.
- Dampness and mold: signs of leaks in the basement, attic, or around chimneys.
- Matching variables: surface area, parts, or other characteristics must match what is stated in the policy.
Pre-inspection checklist
| Area | What to review |
| Roof and gutters | Clean up debris, repair missing tiles, secure gutters |
| Fireplace, windows, doors | Repair cracks or loose bricks, seal windows and doors |
| Foundation and siding | Check for cracks or dampness and repair. |
| Outdoor environment | Prune branches above the roof, clear debris |
| Interior | Mold control, humidity control, electrical systems, and plumbing |
| Safety | Check detectors, fire extinguishers, locks |
Key points to include in your policy
- Schedule a self-inspection before the official visit.
- Document any preventive repairs with photos and invoices.
- Provide access to the inspector, even if they are only checking the exterior.
- Request a follow-up report and correct any issues noted in a timely manner.
- Update your policy if you improve aspects such as reconstruction value or home security.
Getting your home insurance inspection done and preparing in advance not only speeds up the process, but can also prevent premium increases or cancellations due to non-compliance. Keeping your home in good condition ensures that your insurance will work when you need it most.
Frequently asked questions:
- Why should I review my home insurance annually?
To ensure that the reconstruction values and level of coverage correspond to the reality of your home. - What do they look for in a home insurance inspection?
They check exterior and interior risks, security, surface area, and the condition of essential systems. - What does a home inspector check?
Roof, drainage system, foundation, doors and windows; and if applicable, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, detectors. - What does home insurance not cover?
Damage due to gradual wear and tear, excluded events (flooding, war) and negligence. - How much does a home inspection cost?
Free if done by the insurer; if it is a pre-purchase inspection, between $300–425.
Other checklists you can consult:
- How to prevent short circuits and fires during thunderstorms?
- Is your home ready for hurricane season? Point-by-point checklist
- Photo checklist: What to photograph or video before moving or cleaning up for an insurance claim