Buying a Home in a Tornado Zone: What to Look For in Your Next Home

Texas is a state that is prone to the occasional tornado, meaning that the homes and areas are subject to damage. Because tornadoes can happen anywhere, any time of the year, it can be difficult for prospective homebuyers in the area to buy a tornado-proof home. Don't fret, as there are plenty of wonderful home features and construction that is capable of weathering the storm.

In this article, we will take a look at features in a prospective home that you might want to check for when buying a home in a tornado zone to feel safe about doing so.

Features of a Home to Look For in a Tornado Zone

When you are living in an area that is prone to tornadoes, you should take into consideration unusual alternatives to a safe home option, such as the following:

• Homes that have been built partially or wholly into the earth.
• Dome-style homes that are made of concrete and designed to shed high winds.
• Concrete exterior homes that are capable of withstanding category 5 winds.

Homes in tornado zones in Texas don't often feature basements as the soil features bedrock, which requires expensive blasting to carve a hole for a basement during the construction phase. Other areas in Texas have high water tables, which can lead to mold and mildew problems down the road. Instead, homes in Texas can feature other desirable features, such as the following:

• Homes that exceed or meet the 2912 International Residential Code in construction details. Often, tornadoes don't exceed EF-2, meaning that homes in the area meet strict codes that make all the difference.
• Homes that feature a safe room–either a steel or concrete reinforced tornado shelter above ground, or a safe room built inside the house.

There are great buys that prospective homeowners in Texas can find, particularly ones where a home has already seen a tornado and sustained minor damage.

Will Insurance Cover Damage to a House Caused by a Tornado?

When relocating to an area like Texas that sees its fair share of tornadoes a season, it is important to review your homeowner's policy and get in touch with an experienced agent in the area who can inform you about what is covered and what is not covered.

Is Getting a Mortgage for a Home in a Tornado Zone Difficult?

Hail and wind damage are covered by standard homeowners' policies. However, prospective homeowners might have a higher mortgage payment for things such as meeting building code requirements or paying for higher insurance premiums. Because hail damage is a risk, tornadoes and flooding are a higher risk in tornado zones, your mortgage, insurance, and other costs might be higher as well, making securing a mortgage all the more difficult if you are working on a tight budget.

How Much Insurance is Enough in a Tornado-Prone Area?

Homebuyers living in Texas carry enough insurance to cover the loss of their homes, but often fail to include the loss of their possessions. This is why it is essential to take time to review your homeowners' policy to see what is and is not covered. We recommend creating an inventory of your possessions and filing it somewhere safe where it won't be lost if your home gets damaged. Store it in a secure location online, on the cloud, or in a safe deposit bank. This inventory might include photographs of every item, serial numbers for electronics, including computers, televisions, tablets, etc...

Bottom Line

In a tornado-prone area, when you are looking for a home, it is important to prioritize structural integrity and safety features in its construction. Work closely with a trusted real estate agent and look for homes with strong, wind-resistant construction, a basement or safe room, and windows that are capable of withstanding debris. Consider the home's location relative to potential debris paths and assess the surrounding environment for potential hazards. Trust the real estate professionals at Benchmark Realty to guide you in finding and settling down in the home of your dreams in the many historic suburban neighborhoods that make up Nashville, TN, today.