Many homeowners are starting to plan their spring home improvement projects.  Patio covers and arbors are just a few of the common projects. Just remember that if your contractor is going to tie it into your primary structure, whatever the reason may be, it has to be certified and a Windstorm Certificate issued! This allows you to maintain the certification standard on your home.

More importantly, the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA) modified their acceptance criteria, any alterations or repairs made since 2009 and not certified will prevent you from obtaining coverage or renewing coverage through the TWIA. (They re-inspect homes every 5 years)

You may have a policy that has grandfathered in your windstorm. You may have an alternate carrier that provides your windstorm. It may not be an issue at this time. Consider the future and should you sell your home, or your current windstorm carries appetite changes. Having options is important and at least having the option to get coverage through the TWIA as a backup will be beneficial.

As a suggestion, make sure that a section of your contract includes getting the windstorm certification (WPI-8). The project is not done until the certification is complete. By making it part of the contract if there becomes a certificate issue it is not YOUR problem – it is the CONTRACTORS problem.