Closer Look Inspections, Inc.

  Your comfort! Your home working at its best! Your money in your pocket! Your Ounce Of Prevention:  Check and replace any faulty bulbs in outdoor lighting fixtures Adjust timers on outdoor lighting to accommodate the earlier sunset Inspect plumbing for leaks and insulate exposed pipes if needed Detach garden hoses and drain water from outdoor faucets if needed Organize and secure tools and equipment in the garage Check the operation of the garage door and lubricate moving parts as necessary Inspect your driveways and walkways for cracks and damage and make necessary repairs Apply a sealant to protect against water damage and freezing Begin preparing the swimming pool for the offseason by reducing the frequency of cleaning and chemical treatments Cover the pool to protect it from debris if needed Have a fantastic and safe rest of your week everyone! Your Closer Look Inspections Team *Image from Shutterstock

In Florida, where hurricanes, tropical storms, and high-velocity winds are part of life, “exterior hardening” of a home is becoming increasingly important for homeowners, inspectors, and prospective buyers. From reinforcing roofs to protecting openings, exterior hardening — sometimes called wind mitigation or mitigation hardening — refers to the structural and component upgrades made to a home to better resist wind, water, and impact damage. As a home inspection company operating in Florida, we’ve seen firsthand how hardening (or lack thereof) can affect inspection results, buyer confidence, repair demands, insurance costs, and long-term performance. In this article, we’ll explain what exterior hardening entails, describe the impact on the inspection process (for both sellers and buyers), and show why buyers who understand these concepts gain an important advantage in Florida’s real estate market. What Is Exterior Hardening (or Mitigation Hardening) here in Florida? Definition and Purp...