Home Safety & Insurability Checklist | Falcon West

Reviewed January 2025 | Privacy and Editorial

If you’re building or remodeling your home, we’ve compiled a checklist of 18 items to improve safety and insurability, to review with your architect and contractor.

These ideas are from insurance carriers and leading custom home builders, intended to improve the safety and insurability of your home.

 

Items frequently advised by carriers:

  1. Brush and Vegetation Clearance: At least 10 feet of clearance reduces fuel near the home to prevent fire spread.
  2. Enclosed Eaves and Ember-Resistant Vents Prevent embers from entering and igniting the attic space through cracks or ventilation openings.
  3. Dry Sprinkler System for Interior: The system will fill with water only until it detects a heightened heat level, preventing a water discharge in error.
  4. Exterior Sprinkler System: A sprinkler system built into the home’s exterior will wet the materials, making ignition more difficult.
  5. Automatic Seismic Shut-off Valve: Broken gas lines caused by an earthquake commonly lead to fires. This feature reduces gas flow in the home, preventing significant damage.
  6. Water & Gas Lines: Braided Stainless Steel water supply lines and Black Iron Gas Pipes are more reliable and durable.
  7. Water Shut-Off Device: A system that monitors water pressure at all times can prevent damage by shutting off the water flow. Immediate alerts via a Centrally Monitored System can further limit damage.
  8. Central Fire Alarm with Heat Sensors: Permanently installed heat sensors and smoke detectors that can communicate with first responders via cell/radio signals can decrease response time and the amount of damage to the home.

 

Additional considerations:

  1. Whole-House Generator: The convenience of uninterrupted electricity during an outage goes hand in hand with the potential to decrease loss exposures from an insurance perspective.
  2. Windows & Doors: Carriers favor double-pane and impact-rated glass or doors to mitigate wind and water losses.
  3. Tankless Water Heater: Energy efficient and durable, a tankless water heater does not store water, preventing it from bursting and damaging the home.
  4. Roof Shape: If not modified to be more resilient against wind and water, a roof shape can often be a leading cause of insurance losses. Many carriers prefer a Hip-Shaped Roof, which is both aerodynamic and resilient.
  5. Solid Wood Building Materials: Solid wood materials are more resistant to fire and are more durable in general.
  6. Roof Material: When possible, Class A fire-rated roofing materials are recommended. Asphalt shingles are a reliable option if properly installed.
  7. Secure Safe: A TL-15 or better solid steel safe built into a home’s structure can prevent burglars from removing it and the homeowner’s valuables.
  8. Cameras & Lighting: Motion-sensor lighting and cameras around the exterior of the home can deter theft.
  9. Centrally Monitored Alarm: A professionally monitored alarm system reduces police response time in the event of a break-in.
  10. Deadbolts: Deadbolts are the most reliable way to prevent unauthorized entry and are often a requirement for personal property coverage with many carriers.

Reviewed by Peter Brecht, Falcon West Insurance Brokers

For the latest on insuring your California home, see our California homeowners insurance 2026.

If a carrier has still issued a notice, learn what to do about a non-renewal letter.

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