Home Pre-Inspection3

Insurance Concerns
Within the last year, insurance companies have become increasingly difficult with our clients. In attempting to add even greater value to our inspections, we look for issues which may be of a concern to client's insurance people.
Some things we discovered from agents with whom we've spoken include:
•60 Amp Electrical Service Entrance Panels
Although acceptable in the National Building Code for smaller residences with minimal electrical requirements, many insurance companies are now refusing to insure homes with 60 ampere services.
•Plastic Dryer Vents
Many insurance companies are now insisting that clothes dryer vents be of metal construction.
•Oil Tanks
Without a Manufacturing Date:
Although there are still a few oil tanks produced which have no date label or stamp, many insurance companies are refusing insurance unless it can be proven that the tank is less than 10 to 15 years old.
Support: The tanks should be firmly located on steel legs resting on a level and firm concrete surface. The use of wooden supporting structures is strongly discouraged.
•Oil Supply Tube and Shut Off
Some are requesting that the oil supply tube have a loop at the tank and that both the line and the shut off be protected by a type of roof or shield. Running the oil line under concrete is no longer acceptable to many insurance companies.
•Wood Heat
There are numerous issues involved with solid fuel heating systems. Some of the most obvious conerns are that stoves or furnaces be certified by acceptable agencies; there must be sufficient clearance from combustibles such as floors, walls, and ceilings (usually listed on the attached certification labels); exhaust vents (stove or furnace pipes) must have three screws holding each of the connection joints and the vents must have sufficient clearance (e.g. 18" for a single walled stove pipe) as well as be properly supported; galvanized exhaust vents is not acceptable for wood burning equipment; if there are two furnaces providing heat to a residence, the furnace using wood must be closer to the chimney and/or if a separate exhaust vent is used (in a single flue), the larger vent for the wood burning unit must enter the chimney flue below the vent for the oil or gas furnace.
If a fireplace insert is used, often a stainless steel liner will be required by most insurance companies.
•Age Of Roof
Some insurance companies are now insisting that asphalt roofing must be replaced, if over 20 years old.