A wind mitigation inspection is a professional home inspection that evaluates and documents how well your home can withstand hurricane-strength winds. In South Carolina, having a wind mitigation inspection of your home can help you save up to 48% on your home insurance premiums.
During an inspection, a certified inspector comes to your home to check what sort of wind mitigation methods have been implemented. Essentially, the inspector evaluates how well your roof, windows, doors, and other elements of your home can hold up against extreme winds.
If the inspector’s report shows that your home has sufficient wind-resistant features to protect your home against hurricanes, tornadoes, and other windstorms, you may earn discounts on your South Carolina home insurance.
Why do I need a wind mitigation inspection in South Carolina?
Protecting your home from wind damage is a smart move for homeowners in the Palmetto State, and a wind mitigation inspection lets you know:
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Your home’s ability to withstand hurricane-force winds.
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Improvements you could make to increase your home’s resistance to hurricane wind damage.
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If you can earn discounts on your South Carolina home insurance
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If you can get tax credits on repairs or retrofitting projects prescribed by the inspection.
Windstorm inspections may be particularly valuable for older homes. Older buildings may not be as wind resistant when compared to current codes and standards. But newer homes that weren’t designed to wind resistance codes are also good candidates for wind risk mitigation in South Carolina.
Nothing can guarantee absolute protection from wind damage along the South Carolina coast, but many retrofitting projects can strengthen your home and minimize the potential for damage.
Are wind mitigation inspections required in South Carolina?
Wind mitigation inspections are not required in South Carolina. However, state law requires insurance companies to offer premium discounts on homeowners insurance to insureds who harden their homes against hurricane winds.
South Carolina homeowners in coastal communities who undergo a wind mitigation inspection have earned an average discount of 48% on their home insurance. The overall average discount in the state is 14%.
The South Carolina Department of Insurance also offers the SC Safe Home Mitigation Grant Program. It provides matching and non-matching funds for homeowners who harden their homes against hurricane winds. The grants are only available for owner-occupied, single-family homes and only apply to retrofitting.
How much does a wind mitigation inspection cost?
A wind mitigation inspection in South Carolina costs around $150 from a certified inspector. Some inspectors may charge less or offer discounts.
The expense looks like it’s well worth it when you consider the potential for premium discounts, but South Carolina homeowners can also earn tax credits for their:
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Retrofit project costs. The maximum credit available for project expenses like labor and materials is either 25% of the total costs or $1,000, whichever is less.
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Retrofit supplies costs. Homeowners can get a tax credit of up to $1,500 on the purchase of tangible personal property used in a qualified fortification project.
Qualified fortification projects must be on your legal residence and include roof covering construction and renovations on roof attachments, roof-to-wall attachments, secondary water resistance, and opening protections.
What areas of my home might need wind mitigation?
Wind mitigation can start with the following home-hardening activities:
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Invest in impact-resistant windows and doors, or if necessary, hurricane shutters.
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Get a professional to install hurricane clips.
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Install a wind- and impact-rated garage door.
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Check that your soffits were properly installed.
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Retrofit gable ends.
In South Carolina, the following types of fortification projects qualify for tax credits:
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Roof covering construction.
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Roof attachment.
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Roof-to-wall connections.
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Secondary water resistance.
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Opening protections.
Wind mitigation is an essential part of protecting your home in South Carolina. Take the necessary steps to reduce your wind risk and lower your insurance costs now
