WIND MITIGATION INSPECTIONS

Frequently asked questions regarding Wind Mitigation Inspections

Consumers, Real Estate Professionals, and Insurance Agents have many questions about Wind Mitigation Inspections. We would like to take this opportunity to answer frequently asked questions:
In 2005 the Florida Legislature passed a law requiring all residential property insurance companies to file with the Office of Insurance Regulation a range of premium discounts they offer customers who live in homes of certain construction types or who apply loss mitigation devices (shutters, impact windows, etc.) to their homes. Florida began requiring ALL licensed residential property insurance companies in Florida to accept a state form (OIR-B1-1802) as verification that a property has been mitigated. In short, certain items reported on the form require Insurance companies to offer discounts to home owners for protecting their home from damage during high wind storms such as tropical storms and hurricanes.

Over the past couple of years, the form and Inspection methods have changed. The changes have required the Inspectors to conduct more preliminary research into the property as well as place themselves at more risk of injury by having to navigate far reaches of the attic space in order to verify certain roof components. As with any other profession, when someone places themselves in a hazardous situation (such as exploring far reaches of a 130-160 degree attic), they should be compensated for doing so. Would you place yourself at risk without being rewarded?
We are not the cheapest nor are we the most expensive inspection company in Tallahassee. Our pricing is fair and very competitive considering the quality and attention to detail our clients expect.

The most common reason why home owners do not receive full credit for having hurricane shutters on the property is that they have “skipped” one opening such as a skylight, bathroom window, etc. Insurance companies look for the “weakest” point when determining if credits should be applied. Read your report carefully and discuss with your Inspector. You may want to consider obtaining protection for that “weakest” point in order to capitalize on your credits.

Credits for discounts vary by Insurance Company. Your Inspector only reports on the facts found during the Inspection and cannot tell you what credits will be applied. You should contact your Insurance Agent in order to determine how credits will be applied to your policy.

There are many different reasons why the age of the roof shown within the report may differ from that which is verbally expressed by a Seller. Even though someone may verbally express to the Inspector that the roof was recently replaced, the Inspector MUST verify through documentation in order to avoid committing FRAUD on the report. This includes verifying local building permits and/or obtaining original documentation from the Roofing Contractor. If this documentation does not exist, the Inspector must list the age of the most recent documentation available. Keep in mind that the Inspector is responsible for ALL information provided on the report and may be subject to criminal penalties if he/she cannot support findings.

Most important is access to the attic. Your Inspector will need to access the attic in order to verify roof attachment components. Clearing the attic hatch from obstructions PRIOR to the Inspector’s arrival is essential.

5-STAR REVIEWS

John Shulthiess
John Shulthiess
2023-12-27
Excellent company with excellent people. We had R.J. Lipton Engineering do a wind mitigation review of our home at the framing stage of construction that we were constructing as owner-builders. The home is a fairly large home and with COVID, supply shortages, skyrocketing costs, labor shortages etc. the home took 2+ears until the certificate of occupancy was obtained (January 2023). In November 2023 the Leon County Property Appraiser updated all information for this property. At that point all the information needed by R. J. Lipton Engineering to complete the wind mitigation report was available. I asked that Ron and Lee not be concerned with getting the report to me immediately as I did not need the report for insurance as it was new construction. They insisted that they get the report to me immediately and in fact I received the wind mitigation report shortly thereafter. Lee even included pictures that were not used in the report. We very much respect Ron and Lee for being so patient with us and completing there work 3+ years later as they said they would throughout the building process
Daniel Krick
Daniel Krick
2022-05-26
I had the 4 point inspection and had a very Professional and responsive inspection. My inspection was easy to schedule. My inspector Lee was very knowledgeable on time and was able to answer all questions. They are very reasonably priced. The finished report was very professional and just what I needed. I want to highly recommend R.J. Lipton Engineering.
Jeff Naylor
Jeff Naylor
2022-05-20
As a lifelong Tallahasseean and top 1% real estate agent in the N FL area, I highly recommend Mr. Lipton based on both personal and professional experience. Ron is very responsive, prompt and punctual. All homeowners that I've recommended to Mr. Lipton provided feedback that they were very happy with his services.
Jessica Parcher
Jessica Parcher
2021-11-16
Ron was AWESOME! I needed a wind mitigation inspection super last minute and he was able to get me in quickly. He even went above and beyond when my realtor had me ask him to check something well after business hours. He dropped everything to help me. Professional. Responsive. Timely. I highly recommend Rj Lipton!
Clay Spaulding
Clay Spaulding
2021-10-28
I work with a large management company and need various inspections done for my clients on a regular basis and Ron Lipton goes above and beyond to get inspections completed even with short notice. The inspection reports are extremely detailed and informative. I would highly recommend using them!
ryan kasak
ryan kasak
2020-04-20
This guy is awesome, I have been using him for my customer home inspections for 2 years now and they have always been perfect. If you need somebody for home inspections definitely use this guy!
Rob Coleman
Rob Coleman
2018-03-28
Mr Lipton was professional, thorough, courteous, and I couldn't be happier with his inspection. He was running a few minutes late and called to let me know he was delayed. That said, he arrived within 10 minutes of the scheduled time. He protected my home, placing a mat beneath his ladder to ensure that there was no possibility of scarring the hardwood. He very patiently and completely explained what he had found in his wind mitigation inspection. I considered his fee very reasonable, especially given the thoroughness of his inspection. I would recommend RJ Lipton Engineering to anyone.

Contact us today with questions or to schedule an appointment for your inspection!