Closer Look Inspections, Inc.

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...