Who Does Home Safety Assessments?

SafeWise experts have years of firsthand experience testing the products we recommend. Learn how we test and review

There are two general types of home safety assessments: a general assessment of all facets of safely living in a home, and a safety and accessibility assessment geared toward individuals with limited abilities and mobility.

General home safety assessments are often performed by insurance agents or security consultants. Safety and accessibility assessments are typically conducted by licensed occupational therapists.

Make your home safer with one easy step.
From wild weather to fire hazards, our newsletter provides tips for protecting everything (and everyone) you love. Sign up now!

By signing up, you agree to our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

What is a general home safety and security assessment?

A home safety assessment pinpoints potential safety and security issues. These are common things you might look for.

  • Properly functioning door locks
  • Adequate front door lighting
  • Properly functioning smoke alarms
  • Secure stair handrails

A general home safety assessment might be done by insurance agents when you’re attempting to get homeowners insurance. You can also have one done by a qualified security consultant who can not only look for home safety hazards but also assess security risks—including things that might make your home seem like an easy target for burglars.

Any consultant who you hire to perform a home safety evaluation should be certified in their field, and you’ll want to have a grasp of general home safety beforehand. This way, you will know if the person is being forthright or attempting to scam you.

What is a safety and accessibility assessment?

A safety and accessibility assessment reviews a home for possible fall risks and makes sure it is accessible and convenient for anyone who has impaired vision, who uses a wheelchair, or who may be at greater risk of injuring themselves. This type of home safety assessment is typically conducted by a licensed occupational therapist.

Can I perform my own home safety assessment?

You can use our detailed home assessment checklist to do your own general home safety assessment. This home evaluation checklist walks you through the process room by room, pointing out potential safety and security risks and providing advice on correcting any issues. When conducting a safety assessment, always use a checklist like this that is put together by someone who knows what they’re doing—this may seem obvious in hindsight, but it is easy to overlook when you’re walking through and conducting the evaluation.

You can also do a safety evaluation for accessibility yourself, as they’re very similar to general home evaluations. However, due to the potentially greater risk, it may be better to have a qualified professional perform this assessment for you so you can be sure all bases are covered.



Compare top home safety products

Product
Best for
Price
Specifications
Standout feature
Learn more
Read review
Best smoke and CO detectorBattery-powered and wired optionsSpeaks to you
Best fire extinguisherABC fires
9.5 lbs.
14-sec. discharge
Firefighter recommended
Best emergency kitSustains 2 people for 3 daysSleeping bags

Hand-crank radio

Best radon detectorBattery-powered

Digital display

Results in 24 hours
Best gas leak detector18-inch probeDetects 18 gases
Best water leak sensor-30°F to 150°FConnects to Wi-Fi
Best portable generator1,800 wattsRuns for up 8.1 hours
Best fire escape ladderHolds up to 1,000 lbsDeploys quickly

Amazon.com price as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. Read full disclaimer.
Google and Google Nest Secure are trademarks of Google LLC.

Celeste Tholen
Written by
Celeste Tholen
Celeste has dedicated her decade-long career to reporting and reviews that help people make well-informed decisions. She oversees editorial strategy and production for SafeWise, with a goal to help everyone find the information they need to make their homes and lives safer. Prior to SafeWise, she worked as an editor and reporter for KSL and Deseret News. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Journalism. In her free time, she volunteers at the local botanical garden and writers for the community newspaper.

Recent Articles

woman adjusting thermostat in bright home
The Best Home Security Systems of 2024
After thousands of hours of tests and research, we picked Vivint and SimpliSafe as the...
Man and woman couple wife husband set up surveillance security camera
Best Apartment Security Systems
These renter-friendly apartment security systems help keep you safe and require less commitment than your...
diy-security-system-on-ipad
Best DIY Home Security Systems of 2024
SimpliSafe is the best DIY home security system because it's cost-efficient, effective, and easy to...
happy older women sitting together
Best Medical Alert Necklaces
If you find yourself in an emergency, a medical alert necklace can contact trained professionals...