Apartment Living: Finding the Right Place to Call Home

If you're going to be moving to a hurricane zone, you'll want to take some precautions before you buy a home. While major hurricanes don't blow through towns every year, when they do, they're generally a force to be reckoned with. The last thing you want is to buy a home in a hurricane zone before you do your homework. It's important to note that you don't need to avoid purchasing a home that's located in a hurricane zone, but you do need to make sure that the home you choose a safe choice for you and your family. Here are three things to consider before purchasing a home that's built in a hurricane zone.

Request an Insurance Claims Report

Once hurricanes blow through, and the damage is repaired, it can be difficult to identify problems. While most homeowners will be forthcoming about previous storm damage, not all of them will. That's where an insurance claims report will come in handy. When you're shopping for a home in a hurricane zone, it's important that you request an insurance claims report on any property you're considering. This report will provide detailed information regarding past insurance claims, the extent of the damage being reported, as well as whether the damage was repaired properly. If a home you're looking at has had frequent storm damage claims, claims that required extensive repairs, or damage that has not be repaired, you should consider looking at other properties.

Check for Building Code Issues

When looking at homes in hurricane zones, it's important to check for building code issues. Most newer homes have been built following stricter code requirements. In addition, many older homes have been updated to meet those stricter codes. However, there are still many older homes that have not been updated, which means they don't meet current building codes. Before you sign a contract for an older home, have a building inspector come out and take a look to make sure that the home meets current safety standards.

Identify Additional Safety Features

In addition to looking for current building code updates, you should also be on the lookout for additional safety features, such as storm windows, reinforced doors and garage doors, and roof straps. These additional safety features will provide structural security for your home during a hurricane.

If you're looking for a home in a hurricane zone, take your time, and use the tips provided here, to make sure you buy one that will keep you and your family safe during a storm. To learn more, contact a company like real estate.