Hurricane season doesn’t end when the wind dies down. Some of the most expensive damage to a Tampa Bay home shows up days or weeks after a storm — a slow roof leak, a cracked slab, moisture trapped inside a wall cavity. If you own a home in Hillsborough, Pinellas, or Pasco County, knowing what to check (and when to call a professional) can be the difference between a quick insurance claim and a much bigger repair bill down the road.
This checklist builds on the fundamentals we covered in our 4-Point and Wind Mitigation 101 post — but where that guide focused on preparing before a storm, this one is about what to do once it has passed.
1. Start With a Visual Walkthrough — From the Ground
Before you climb anything, walk the perimeter of your home and look up. You’re checking for:
- Missing, curled, or displaced shingles or tiles
- Dented or dislodged gutters and downspouts
- Debris caught on the roofline or around vents and flashing
- Visible gaps around windows, doors, or the garage door seal
Never get on a wet or storm-damaged roof yourself. If anything looks off, that’s a sign it’s time to bring in a professional.
2. Check for Water Intrusion Inside
Water doesn’t always announce itself with a puddle. Walk each room and look for:
- Discoloration or staining on ceilings, especially near light fixtures
- A musty smell in closets, attics, or under sinks
- Soft or spongy spots in flooring near exterior walls
- Peeling paint or bubbling drywall
Florida’s heat and humidity accelerate mold growth, so even a small, unnoticed leak can become a health and structural issue within days.
3. Inspect the Exterior and Grading
Heavy rain reshapes yards. Standing water near the foundation, eroded soil, or new low spots in the yard can direct future water toward your home instead of away from it. Also check fencing, screened enclosures, and any detached structures for wind stress or shifted footings.
4. Test Electrical and HVAC Systems Carefully
If your home lost power or took on any water near the electrical panel, don’t simply flip the breaker back on and assume everything is fine. Surges and moisture intrusion can damage panels, outlets, and HVAC components in ways that aren’t visible from the outside. An electrical or 4-point inspection after a major storm gives you documentation your insurer will want to see.
5. Document Everything Before You Clean Up
Photograph and date-stamp any damage before you begin repairs or remove debris. Insurance adjusters and inspectors both work faster — and more accurately — with a clear “before” record.
When to Call a Professional Inspector
A post-storm inspection isn’t just for damage you can already see. A Certified Master Inspector can identify issues hidden in the attic, behind walls, or in the crawlspace that aren’t obvious from a homeowner’s walkthrough — and provide a report that supports your insurance claim if you need one.
Schedule Your Inspection
Building Inspection Pros has served the Tampa Bay area — Hillsborough, Pinellas, and Pasco counties — since 1998. Whether you need a buyer’s inspection, a 4-point and wind mitigation report, or a phase inspection on new construction, our Certified Master Inspectors are ready to help you make confident decisions.
Call (813) 243-4332 or schedule online to book your inspection. Appointments are available seven days a week with a 24-hour turnaround on reports.