How do I pay for a sinkhole inspection?
Sinkhole inspections must be performed by a Citizens-approved inspection company. When a sinkhole inspection is required, Citizens will order the inspection. You will be responsible for paying half of the inspection fee. Citizens will pay the other half.
What happens after a sinkhole inspection?
Once the sinkhole inspection has been performed, the inspection company will provide Citizens and you with a copy of the report. Citizens will review the inspection findings and determine whether the property is eligible for Sinkhole Loss coverage. In most cases, you will receive a decision within 45 days of the date the inspection was ordered.
Do you have to test for sinkholes when building a house?
The State of Florida does not enforce any rules requiring builders to test for sinkhole activity prior to new construction, however, sinkholes are not difficult to find! When touring the home, look out for cracks in the home.
How do I request sinkhole loss coverage?
Contact your agent to request Sinkhole Loss coverage. When an inspection is required, Sinkhole Loss coverage will not be issued until the inspection has been conducted and Citizens reviews and approves the inspections results.
Is there a way to test for sinkholes?
It is possible, in some cases, to perform geological tests on a piece of property and assess the potential for sinkhole development. Some of the geological tests may include ground-penetrating radar or resistivity surveys and soil borings. These methods require experts and are costly to perform.
How much is a sinkhole inspection in Florida?
They first require you to buy at your expense an inspection to determine if there is any sinkhole activity on your property. This generally runs around $200.
What happens if your house is on a sinkhole?
If a sinkhole threatens your house, get out immediately, and call your local emergency management organization, then your insurance company. 2. If you suspect a sinkhole is beginning, call your insurance company, which will send an adjuster to determine if the hole or depression needs further investigation.
Who do you call to investigate a sinkhole?
Contact your State Geological Survey. They are the experts on the geology of your area and they might be able to explain why a sinkhole is forming at your location. Some states have extensive online information about sinkholes, including a place to report them.
Are sinkholes covered by homeowners insurance in Florida?
Florida is currently the only state that requires catastrophic ground cover collapse to be included in a standard homeowners policy. Insurance companies in the Sunshine State are also required to offer sinkhole coverage as an add-on or endorsement.
How much does it cost to fix a sinkhole in Florida?
Underpinning a home with sinkhole damage may cost $10,000 to $20,000. Compaction grouting, a more durable and costly method, could cost up to $100,000. Translation: With a 10 percent deductible, a homeowner would have to pay $30,000 out of pocket to fix a house valued at $300,000 before any insurance kicks in.
Do you need to report a sinkhole?
If a sinkhole appears which could threaten a house or a large structure, individuals must leave surrounding properties immediately and report the problem to the emergency services.
What are the warning signs that a sinkhole is forming?
Here are the 7 most common signs a sinkhole may appear:A round circular depression in the earth: ... Localized subsidence or depression anywhere on the property: ... A circular lake (or a large, deep puddle): ... A foundation settling: ... Cracks in roads or pavement: ... A sudden drop of well water levels on a site:More items...•
Can sinkholes be fixed?
If the sinkhole is not affecting a house or other structure, and has a reasonable size — 2 to 5 feet in both diameter and depth — then you can repair it yourself. A large sinkhole will most likely require excavation and a more complex filling operation.
What can I do about sinkholes in my yard?
8 Actions To Take if You Believe You Have a SinkholeStep #1: Keep Away. ... Step #2: Leave Your Impacted House Immediately. ... Step #3: Fence or Rope Off the Area. ... Step #4: Contact Your Insurance Company. ... Step #5: Consult with a Soil Testing Firm or Engineering Company. ... Step #6: Monitor the Sinkhole for Signs of Growth.More items...
What are the 3 types of sinkholes?
The three major types of sinkholes know to us are Solution, Cover Collapse and Cover Subsidence.
What to do after sinkhole occurs?
If you are in a public area:If you are in a public area:Evacuate immediately.Do not get too close to the sinkhole.Call emergency services if the hole is large and a risk to others.Raise awareness of other members of the public and ensure that others do not enter the area of and around the sinkhole.More items...
How much does a sinkhole cost?
A small sinkhole with minimal damage to the structure may cost anywhere from $10,000 to $15,000. However, sinkholes that cause extensive damage and need a significant amount of work to repair or revive the structure, may be much pricier, costing anywhere from $20,000 to $100,000, or more.
What is the best way to alleviate costs associated with sinkhole repair?
The best way to alleviate costs associated with sinkhole repair is for homeowners to hire professional, experienced engineers to inspect their home if they suspect any damage, no matter how small.
What are sinkholes in Florida?
Sinkholes are one of the natural components in Florida’s geological landscape and can cause extensive property damage. Homeowners should proactively safeguard their home from sinkholes and be aware of the associated costs for a sinkhole repair.
Can you get insurance for a sinkhole?
Theoretically, yes. If your home presents the sign of a sinkhole, your insurance company should be obligated to provide testing. However, some insurance companies blur this law and deny your claim based on the lack of structural damage from sinkhole loss. Therefore, you may not get the support you deserve if your home isn’t damaged enough, essentially.
Can I get a sinkhole test if my house is not damaged?
Now, if your insurance company states that they will not be providing a sinkhole test because your house is not experiencing structural damage, you may be looking at hiring an engineer yourself and footing that several thousand dollar bill, or maybe just heading straight for an attorney.
How much does a sinkhole inspection cost?
Unfortunately, the cost for a certified sinkhole inspection makes it difficult to pay for one unless absolutely necessary – a sinkhole investigation can run you $6,000-$8,000. This is a steep fee for a buyer who hasn’t even purchased the home yet, with all the costs that go with that first step.
Can you test for sinkholes before buying a home in Florida?
If you’re considering purchasing a home in Florida and are concerned about the threat of a sinkhole, you are ahead of the game! Sinkholes are incredibly common in Florida, and while we wouldn’t suggest you be too anxious, it is worth being prepared. Prior to purchasing your Florida home, you might ...
Do you have to disclose sinkhole activity to potential buyers?
If a homeowner knows there is sinkhole activity present in their home, they will be obligated to disclose it to any potential buyers; if they don’t know, they don’t need to mention it! Therefore, asking your seller to provide you with a sinkhole investigation is more risk than it’s worth for the seller.
Can sinkhole loss be added to a policy?
Because sinkhole Loss coverage may not be added after a policy term has begun, policyholders who want to add this coverage at renewal are encouraged to inform their agent as soon as possible prior to their policy renewal.
Does Citizens require a sinkhole inspection?
Citizens requires a sinkhole inspection for home and business owners seeking optional Sinkhole Loss coverage* who meet either of the following criteria: Answers Yes to any of the application’s sinkhole-related questions on the Sinkhole Loss Coverage Renewal Endorsement Request form. Property is located in the following counties: Alachua. Manatee.
Can you get a copy of a sinkhole report from Citizens?
Once the sinkhole inspection has been performed, the inspection company will provide Citizens and you with a copy of the report. Citizens will review the inspection findings and determine whether the property is eligible for Sinkhole Loss coverage.
What is a home inspection?
As a potential buyer, a home inspection is your authoritative proof of property problems. Most home purchase agreements are contingent upon the results of a home inspection, including a pest inspection.
How long does it take to get a home inspection?
How long do home inspections take? An inspection of a typical house takes two to three hours; inspections for larger homes with more square footage or, for example, with two or three HVAC systems will take longer and cost more. A home inspector may be able to inspect a small condo or mobile home in less time.
What is a specialty home inspection?
Specialty inspections go beyond the typical scope of a home inspection. A specialty home inspector can give you an inspection on anything from radon to well water to termite issues.
What should be included in a home inspection report?
Be aware that not all items on an inspection report are mandatory fixes or should be a cause to walk away from a deal. A home inspector may include cosmetic items, or note that something will cost money to repair in the future. For example, the inspector may note that the house will need a new roof at some point.
What do home inspectors look for in a house?
A home inspector uses noninvasive methods to look primarily at the following: 1 Grounds for possible water or septic problems 2 Structure for foundation, window, or door problems 3 Exterior for rot, decay, and excavation problems 4 Roof for shingle, flashing, and fascia problems 5 Interior for framing, insulation, HVAC, plumbing, and electrical issues 6 Kitchen for electrical code compliance, operating cabinets, and plumbing problems
Can a home inspector inspect a mobile home?
A home inspector may be able to inspect a small condo or mobile home in less time. A home inspection may cost more or less, depending on the square footage of the home and the items that must be covered in the inspection. “There’s a lot more to inspect in bigger homes,” McGavic says. “The house may have two or more heating systems, ...
Do you have to get a third party inspection?
As a buyer, your lender may not require you to get a third-party inspection in order to qualify for a loan. But most real estate agents recommend you get an inspection, for your own protection. You may be required to pay the home inspection fee at the time of service, or it may be included in your closing costs.