Home & Commercial Inspections: For All Your Commercial Inspections

Property Inspections for Insurance in Ohio

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Home & Commercial Insurance Inspections for Property Investors, and Landlords

If you own a commercial property—whether it’s a commercial building, industrial complex, apartment building, office condo, or investment property—you might get a surprise request from your insurance company for an inspection. Pre-insurance property inspection requests can arise for a variety of reasons; knowing what’s behind them can help you feel more prepared.

At Home & Commercial Inspections, in Columbus, Ohio, we provide detailed property inspection services in Columbus, Ohio, for residential and commercial properties. Let’s break down why insurance companies might ask for an inspection, what the process looks like, and how you can get ready without the hassle.

Whether you’re a seasoned property owner or new to the game, we’ve got your back with clear information and expert guidance on home and commercial property inspections.

Why Would an Insurance Company Want to Inspect Your Property?

Insurance companies are always sizing up the risks that come with insuring residential and commercial properties. There are a few key reasons why they might ask for safety compliance property inspections:

New Insurance Policy or Coverage Changes:

If you’ve switched insurance companies or made big changes to your coverage, the new provider might want to check out the property to make sure it meets their requirements.

Insured Building Condition Concerns:

Insurance companies often assess maintenance issues related to aging buildings as part of their risk management process. To gain a comprehensive understanding of a property's condition, they may request an inspection conducted by independent inspectors. This process involves evaluating the age and condition of various building components, identifying any existing defects, and analyzing historical claims and relevant data. This proactive approach ensures that buyers are fully informed about the property's condition before making a decision.

Recent Insurance Claims:

If you’ve filed a large claim recently, your insurer might inspect the property to see if there are any ongoing problems that could lead to more claims down the road.

New Property Ownership:

If the property recently changed hands, the insurer may want to see how the new owner is managing things and if it’s affecting the building’s condition.

Local Building Code Changes:

Building codes are always being updated. Your insurance provider may need to confirm that your property is staying up to date with these new standards.

What Does a Property Inspection Include?

During a Home & Commercial Inspections property check in Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Dayton, Toledo, Ohio, our inspectors will conduct a comprehensive assessment of various critical areas to ensure safety, compliance, and risk reduction for insurance purposes. Here’s a more detailed breakdown of what the property inspection typically covers and the benefits of property inspections:

Our inspectors evaluate the overall stability of the building, checking for signs of damage, such as cracks in the foundation, damage to walls, floors, and ceilings, and other structural anomalies. Proper assessment here is crucial as it can help identify potential issues that could escalate if not addressed.

During our building envelope inspections, we thoroughly evaluate both the exterior and interior for potential water intrusion. This includes assessing the integrity of cladding, siding, and roofing systems, as well as inspecting plumbing systems for leaks. Our inspectors use advanced infrared thermal imaging technology to detect hidden leaks and moisture issues not visible to the naked eye. We check for plumbing leaks, and the condition of plumbing systems, such as sinks, toilets, and water heaters, all of which are crucial for preventing water damage and maintaining efficient operation. Additionally, we assess potential leaks from the foundation and any points where water could intrude through walls or ceilings. This comprehensive approach helps identify any critical vulnerabilities that could lead to significant damage, ensuring a thorough understanding of the building’s condition. Learn More About Building Envelope Inspections

Our inspectors will check your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems for performance, ensuring they meet current efficiency and safety standards.

Our inspectors will assess the age, condition, and safety of your electrical systems. We look at outdated wiring, the quality of your electrical system installation, and compliance with local safety codes. We also evaluate your electrical panel’s capacity, ensuring it meets safety standards for modern usage. Learn More About 70 B Electrical Panel Electrical Systems 

We review past repairs and maintenance to see how well the property has been cared for. Detailed examination of maintenance logs helps our inspectors gauge how well the property has been managed and whether previous issues have been adequately addressed.

We evaluate the roof, checking for missing shingles or potential leaks, as well as assessing the condition of gutters and drainage to prevent water accumulation around the foundation. The way Parking lots and grading affects water drainage and potential erosion issues is also included in the assessment.
Learn More About Property Condition Assessment

Your Insurance Property Inspection Checklist

Getting Ready for an Insurance Inspection

If your insurance company wants to do an inspection, here are a few tips to help you get prepared:

Talk to Your Insurance Agent:

Ask why the inspection is happening and if there are specific concerns about your property. This communication gives you a clear idea of what to focus on.

Get the Property Ready:

Ensure that the building is clean, organized, and accessible for the inspector. Remove clutter that could obstruct access and gather any maintenance records that may be beneficial during the inspection.

Fix Any Issues:

Address any flagged problems promptly. Taking care of maintenance issues not only enhances safety but also helps mitigate higher insurance premiums.

Wrapping It Up:

In Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Dayton, Ohio, property inspections are vital for meeting your insurance company’s requirements while ensuring your buildings are safe and compliant. Whether you own residential or commercial properties, understanding the inspection process empowers you to stay ahead of potential issues.

Home & Commercial Inspections offers detailed and regular property assessments for insurance that prioritize your safety and peace of mind. If you need an inspection, don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re here to help!