What is the Windstorm Inspection Process?
Inspection Process
1. When is an inspection needed?
Some types of repairs may be minor or involve only a small part of the structure, which makes full inspections unnecessary. The Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) website has a list of items called No Inspection Required or you can call the local windstorm field office for information.
2. Who makes the inspections?
Construction and repair work must be inspected by a TDI inspector or by an appointed Texas licensed professional engineer. TDI inspectors can inspect all non-engineered structures.
3. Where are your field offices and how may I contact them?
The address, phone numbers and fax listings for the Windstorm field offices are listed on TDI’s website www.tdi.state.tx.us/wind/index.html or call 1-800-248-6032.
4. How can I find an appointed Texas licensed professional engineer?
The list of appointed Texas licensed professional engineers is available on TDI’s website at www.tdi.state.tx.us/wind/index.html or call 1-800-248-6032 to request a copy be mailed or faxed to you.
5. When is the inspection performed?
It is important for the inspections to be made during – not prior to or after – the construction or repair. All inspectors must see the work as it is being done instead of after completion.
6. Do you inspect our structure before we start work?
No, inspections should always be performed while the work is in progress; however, the TDI inspectors are available to meet and/or discuss the work that is to be performed in an effort to educate and inform all parties of our compliance requirements.
7. What if the new structure, addition to an existing structure, alteration, repair or re-roof has already been completed and no inspections were conducted?
If a new structure, addition to an existing structure, alteration, repair or re-roof has already been completed, then an appointed Texas licensed professional engineer must perform the inspections.
8. How do I apply for an inspection?
If you plan to build, add to, alter or repair a structure, either you or your builder should notify TDI right away. You can submit Form WPI-1 Application for Windstorm Building Inspection to inform TDI of your project. You or your builder should contact TDI each time an inspection is needed for a new phase of construction. You should be sure to contact your local field office if you have any questions and as soon as you know a date that the first inspection will be needed. If inspections are performed by an appointed Texas licensed professional engineer, make sure the proper certification forms are filed with TDI by the engineer. It is essential to make an application with TDI before the commencement of construction.
9. How long will I have to wait?
The inspection will be conducted by TDI within 48 hours of the requested date of inspection, excluding weekends, state, federal or national holidays.
10. How much do inspections cost?
TDI does not charge any fees for inspections.
11. What if the inspector finds deficiencies?
If the structure does not comply with applicable construction requirements, the TDI inspector will post a notice at the job site describing problems that have been identified. Inspectors will return to the job site for a reinspection after the problems have been corrected for reinspection.
12. What do I do when my inspection is turned down by a TDI inspector? May I employ a Texas licensed professional engineer to finish the inspections?
Yes, an appointed Texas licensed professional engineer may be employed to finish the inspection.
13. My engineer gave me a WPI-1 and WPI-2-BC-1(2, 3, or 4) upon his final inspection. What do I do with these forms?
Although the engineer should submit these forms to TDI, you may mail or fax the forms to our Austin office address for processing.
14. What happens after an inspection?
After all inspections are complete and approved, TDI will issue a WPI-8 Certificate of Compliance, making your building eligible for windstorm and hail insurance through TWIA. You should immediately contact your insurance agent and advise them of the work. A copy of the WPI-8 can be printed from TDI’s website www.tdi.state.tx.us/wind/index.html. Please keep the WPI-8 with other important papers so it can be transferred to subsequent owners should you sell your property.
15. Who is responsible for making sure my WPI-8 is forwarded to TWIA to ensure my windstorm and hail coverage is in force?
Your local insurance agent is responsible for forwarding the WPI-8 to TWIA.
16. I am an insurance agent and need to know the procedure once I receive a WPI-8 Certificate of Compliance from the TDI.
The WPI-8 should be forwarded to the TWIA, along with the renewal or new application for windstorm and hail insurance.
17. What do I do if the WPI-8 has the wrong address?
If the inspections were made by a TDI inspector, a written request must be forwarded to TDI in order to change official records. Once this request is received and verified by a TDI inspector, a revised WPI-8 will be issued. If the inspections were conducted by an appointed Texas licensed professional engineer, you must request that the engineer submit revised forms WPI-1 Application for Windstorm Building Inspection and the applicable WPI-2-BC Inspection Verification.
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Last updated: 01/23/2012
