Wind Mitigation Inspections: A Detailed Guide to Maximizing ROI as an Inspector

Wind might be invisible, but it can blow holes straight through your bottom line (and your roof). That’s where wind mitigation inspections come in.

This specialized inspection looks at how well a home stands up to serious wind events — think hurricanes, tropical storms, or just an especially angry thunderstorm. You’ll check critical areas like roof shape, sheathing, clips, and impact-rated openings.

But here’s the kicker: for homeowners, this inspection can lead to big-time insurance discounts. In some states, it’s the only way they’ll qualify. For inspectors, it’s a smart, in-demand service to add to your lineup.

In this guide, we’ll walk through:

• What wind mitigation inspections cover
• Tools you’ll need
• How to price and market your services
• Tips for filling out forms efficiently (and accurately)

Let’s break it down so you can start offering a service that protects homes and pays off.

What Is a Wind Mitigation Inspection?

A wind mitigation inspection is a storm-readiness checkup for a home.

Your job? Identify the features that help a structure withstand high winds or hurricanes and document them clearly for insurance purposes.

Think of it like a checklist of wind-fighting defenses:

• Roof shape and attachment
• Decking and nail spacing
• Water barriers under shingles
• Hurricane clips, shutters, and impact-rated windows
• Reinforced garage doors
  

You’ll record these details on a standardized report form (especially in coastal states). Insurers use this form to determine if a home qualifies for discounts or needs upgrades to get them.

It’s not just about inspection. It’s about showing how storm-ready a house really is, and about helping clients get rewarded for doing it right.

Handle More Wind Mitigation Jobs Hassle-Free with Workyard

Find out more

Why Wind Mitigation Inspections Matter (and When They’re Needed)

Let’s be honest — “wind mitigation” doesn’t sound sexy. But for inspectors? It’s a high-demand, high-impact service that’s all about safety and steady revenue.

Here’s the deal: homeowners in coastal or storm-prone states (think Florida, Texas, the Carolinas) can score serious insurance discounts—but only if they’ve had a certified wind mitigation inspection. No inspection? No discount. 

And in Florida, state law even requires insurers to offer those credits, creating a built-in business stream for licensed inspectors.

These are clear examples of how weather impacts construction projects — driving demand for resilience upgrades, insurance documentation, and specialized inspections.

So what do all these mean? Whether it’s an insurance renewal, a home sale, or a post-roof-upgrade check, someone needs to do that inspection. That someone might as well be you.

Typical triggers for wind mitigation inspections:

• Insurance renewals or refinancing
• Roof replacements or renovations
• Home buying/selling in hurricane-prone areas
• Every 5 years (to keep discounts active)

👉 Pro Tip

Add this to your inspection menu if you haven’t already. It’s quick, repeatable, and valued by both insurers and homeowners alike.

Key Structural Components Evaluated

Wind mitigation inspections focus on the weakest links—where wind can enter, uplift, or damage a structure. Inspectors assess these key elements:

A well-rated report includes all of the above. Common “wins” include hip roofs, longer nails, sealed underlayment, and rated openings—each tied to insurance credits.

💡 Pro Tip

Be sure to confirm and clearly document secondary water barriers. These often go unnoticed but can make or break an insurance discount—and your inspection score.

Tools and Tech You’ll Need for Wind Mitigation Inspections

You don’t need high-tech gadgets to do a solid wind mitigation inspection, but a few smart tools make the job faster and easier.

💡 Pro Tip

Use Workyard’s free inspection checklist to stay organized. Whether you’re on a tablet or printing it old-school, a pre-filled checklist saves time and keeps your reports tidy.

Step-by-Step Wind Mitigation Inspection

A great wind mitigation inspection isn’t just about ticking boxes — it’s about knowing what matters and documenting it clearly. Most homes take 30–60 minutes, start to finish, when you follow this streamlined process:

❶   Prep Ahead

Before you visit, request any available permits, roof installation dates, or retrofit documentation. These can confirm whether a roof meets current code or qualifies for credits. 

Bonus: ask the homeowner to clear attic access and gather any past wind reports — they may contain useful details you can double-check or update.

❷   Walk the Roof & Exterior

From the outside, you’ll:

• Measure and photograph the roof shape (hip, gable, flat)
• Note roof covering material (asphalt shingle, tile, metal, etc.)
• Estimate roof age and look for signs of wear or patching

Also check for soffit venting, roof edge flashing, and attached structures (like carports) that might impact storm resistance.

❸   Head into the Attic

Inside, you’ll evaluate:

• Roof deck attachment: Note nail size (e.g., 8d), spacing (e.g., 6″ edge, 12″ field), and deck thickness (e.g., 7/16″ OSB)
• Roof-to-wall connections: Is the framing secured with clips, straps, or wraps? Or just nailed in (🛑 no credit)?
• Secondary water barrier: Look for a peel-and-stick membrane or foam adhesive applied under the deck

Photograph these elements closely—nail heads, clips, and labeled underlayment when visible.

❹   Inspect All Openings & Garage Doors

Check every entry point in the building envelope:

• Are windows impact-rated or covered by approved shutters?
• Are doors reinforced, sealed, and fastened with storm hardware?
• Does the garage door have bracing or a wind rating label?

Large, unprotected windows or old garage doors are weak points in high-wind events. Document them clearly.

❺   Document Roof Age or Building Code Compliance

If the home was built or reroofed under a newer wind code (e.g., post-2001 in Florida), note the effective date. Permits and compliance with the Florida Building Code (FBC) or local ordinances can directly impact scoring and insurance credits.

❻   Take Photos as You Go

Photos are critical — not just for your records, but for insurers verifying the report. Capture:

• Nail patterns and fastener type
• Hurricane clips or wraps from multiple angles
• Labels on windows, doors, shutters, and roofing materials

Clear, well-labeled images help avoid questions later and streamline approval.

❼   Complete the Report

Fill out your state-specific wind mitigation form (e.g., Florida’s OIR-B1-1802) or use your own branded template. Be specific but concise in your notes. Attach labeled photos and clearly mark each system’s protection level.

❽   Client Wrap-Up & Recommendations

Explain the findings and next steps in plain terms — what qualifies for credits, what doesn’t, and which low-cost upgrades might help. While you can’t guarantee discounts, you can explain what insurers typically look for. If the client’s garage door is a weak point, or they’re missing SWR, now’s the time to mention it.

💡 Workyard Tip

Need a quick way to organize your findings? Download a free inspection report template from Workyard. Available in Word, Excel, PDF, and Google Docs — customize it, print it, or fill it out digitally to streamline your report process.

Writing the Wind Mitigation Inspection Report: Quick Checklist

• Use the Correct Form: In Florida, that’s the OIR-B1-1802. Elsewhere, use your own report or inspection checklist.
• Be Clear & Specific: Write “deck attached with 3″ nails at 6″ spacing,” not “nails look fine.”
• Complete Every Field: Don’t skip sections — even “N/A” is better than leaving it blank.
• Add Photos: Show roof clips, window labels, nail patterns — anything that earns credit. Photos = proof.
• Include Permit Dates or Upgrades: If a new roof was installed in 2020, document it. It helps verify code compliance.
• Don’t Guess: Can’t verify the secondary water barrier? Say so. Inaccurate info = denied credits.
• Stay Professional: Stick to neutral language — “No impact-rated openings found,” not “Bad setup.”
• Name & Store Reports Properly: Use consistent file names. Remind clients that reports are valid for 5 years — great for future follow-up!

💡 Pro Tip

A clear, well-organized report can earn you referrals and repeat clients. And if they upgrade their roof or shutters later? You’re their go-to for the next inspection.

Licensing and Certification for Wind Mitigation

If you’re planning to offer wind mitigation inspections, licensing rules vary by state, but most require at least a valid home inspector license. Some states go further:

• Florida (Strictest): You must be a licensed home inspector, contractor, architect, or engineer and complete a state-approved hurricane mitigation training and exam. Florida uses the official OIR-B1-1802 form, and only qualified professionals can sign it.
• Gulf States (Looser Requirements): Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama allow inspections by licensed contractors, adjusters, or inspectors. But insurers may still expect credentials — training matters even where it’s not required.
• Add-On Certifications: Even in less regulated states, you’ll want to show training. InterNACHI offers a free online wind mitigation course approved by Florida and widely accepted elsewhere. The ICC also provides certifications if you want to add extra credibility.

🛠️ Pro Tip

Even if your state doesn’t require certification, insurers and clients often do. Take the course, list it on your site, and show that you know your wind zones from your wrap clips.

Pricing Tips for Wind Mitigation Inspectors

Wind mitigation inspections can be a quick win for your bottom line. They’re faster than full home inspections, easy to bundle with other services, and often required for insurance, making them an ideal add-on for any inspection business.

Typical Rates (and What Affects Them)

Most inspectors charge $75–$150 for a stand-alone wind mitigation report. In states like Florida, the sweet spot is around $100, but larger or complex properties might justify higher pricing. Here’s what can affect your rate:

• Location & Demand: In hurricane-prone areas, demand is high, andso are expectations. Urban markets often support higher fees than rural zones.
• Home Size & Complexity: More levels, larger roofs, or extra structures = more time.
• Documentation & Forms: State forms like Florida’s OIR-B1-1802 take longer to complete than a basic checklist.
• Travel Distance: If the property is far from your base, don’t forget to factor in mileage or minimum fees.
• Bundling: Offering wind mitigation with a general home or roof inspection? Consider a package price ($50–$75 add-on) or seasonal promo to encourage uptake.
• Rush Requests: Right before hurricane season, urgency can boost pricing—but so can competition.

Boosting Profitability

Want to make this service work harder for you? Try these strategies:

• Bundle It Smart: Offer wind mitigation as a natural add-on to HCAV or roof inspections. Clients love one-stop convenience.
• Market the ROI: Let clients know their $100 inspection could unlock $500–$1,000 in annual insurance savings. That’s a great hook.
• Sell the Value, Not Just the Form: Clients often think you’re “just checking a box.” Explain what you’re looking for—roof clips, barriers, attachment strength—and how that earns them real discounts.
• Streamline Your Workflow: Use tools like Workyard’s Smart Form to speed up form-filling and reduce admin time. More efficiency = more inspections per day = higher hourly earnings.
• Cross-Market with Partners: Team up with realtors, roofers, and insurers. Referrals go both ways, and if someone just replaced a roof, they need a new wind inspection to update their discount.

👉 Pro Tip

Offer seasonal incentives. Spring “early bird” discounts or pre-hurricane urgency promos can fill your calendar during slower months.

Marketing & Packaging Wind Mitigation Services

Smart marketing can turn a niche inspection into a core offering:

• Educational Content: Share blogs or flyers that explain benefits in plain language. Speak at local forums before hurricane season to raise visibility.
• Online Listings: Add “wind mitigation inspections” to your Google and Yelp profiles. Homeowners often search directly for this service, especially in coastal areas.
• Partner with Agents: Build referral networks with insurance agents and realtors who frequently need these inspections for their clients.
• Bundle Services: Offer combos like “Wind + Roof” or “Home Inspection + Wind Add-On.” Pitch bulk deals to HOAs or property managers.
• Go Digital: Send neatly formatted reports via PDF or link using Workyard’s tools. It’s a fast, professional way to stand out.
• Highlight Savings: Use messages like “Unlock insurance discounts” or “Boost your home’s storm readiness.” Share client testimonials when possible.

When you package wind mitigation with other inspections, you boost value for clients and increase your revenue per visit.

Ready to Streamline Your Inspections?

Wind mitigation inspections are quick to perform, easy to bundle, and packed with ROI potential, especially in storm-prone regions. Whether you’re helping a homeowner score insurance credits or adding a high-demand service to your inspection business, this is a smart offering to have on your roster.

Want to streamline your process even more?

Use Workyard Smart Work Forms to stay organized, document inspections on the go, and generate clean, professional reports your clients (and insurers) will appreciate.

👉 Try Workyard for free today and see how easy it is to turn storm-season demand into year-round revenue.