FAQ
Straight answers before you book.
If your question isn't here, call or send a note — we answer these personally.
What happens during an assessment?
A SOAR consultant walks your entire property — roof and vents, eaves and siding, decks and fencing, vegetation zones, fuel storage, utilities, water sources, access, and interior readiness. We photograph findings, measure defensible space zones, review your household plan, and discuss how your family would actually respond to a Level 2 evacuation notice.
How long does it take?
Most residential assessments take two to four hours on site, depending on lot size and structure complexity. Larger acreage properties with outbuildings, livestock, or wells can take a full day. Your digital report is delivered within five to seven business days.
Do you perform repairs?
No. SOAR is intentionally vendor-neutral — we do not sell equipment, cut vegetation, or perform construction. That independence keeps the recommendations honest. We can help you scope the work and evaluate bids from qualified local contractors.
Can you help after a wildfire?
Yes. We assist with post-event property review, documentation for insurance conversations, rebuild hardening guidance, and re-establishing defensible space and utility resilience during recovery.
Do I need a generator?
Not necessarily. It depends on your well dependency, medical equipment, heating source, refrigeration needs, and how long outages typically last in your area. Some households are better served by a battery system or a targeted circuit plan than by a whole-home standby generator. We model your actual load before recommending anything.
Can I improve my insurance eligibility?
Often, yes. Carriers increasingly evaluate roof class, vent screening, defensible space, and documented mitigation. A SOAR report gives you photographed, dated evidence of the work you have completed, which is frequently useful in underwriting and renewal conversations. We cannot guarantee a carrier's decision.
How often should assessments be updated?
Annually. Vegetation regrows, households change, equipment ages, and standards evolve. Annual reassessment re-scores the property, documents completed recommendations, and keeps the plan current.