Windforce Blog

Finished work that was never inspected during construction can still get a Texas windstorm certificate. It goes through post-construction certification that works like this: a Texas-licensed professional engineer evaluates the completed work, documents that it meets the windstorm code that applied when construction began, and submits an application (Form WPI-2E) with a sealed report to the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI). If TDI approves, it issues a WPI-8-E, which is the certificate for completed improvements.

There’s a catch, of course: Wind-resisting details, like fasteners, straps, connections, and product labels, are usually covered up by the time anyone asks for a certificate. So the engineer needs evidence. Sometimes that means paperwork, but it could also mean opening up selected areas of the building for investigation.

If you’re new to windstorm certificates, start with what a WPI-8 is and what each form means. If you’re not sure whether your property already has a certificate, see how to look up a Texas windstorm certificate first.

When does work count as ‘completed’?

TDI separates “ongoing” improvements from “completed” ones, and the difference decides which process you’re in. Per TDI’s definitions on the WPI-2E form:

• New construction is completed once the builder has transferred the original title to the first owner.
• Work with no title transfer, like a reroof, repair, or alteration, is completed once the final framing stage is done. That includes attaching the components and cladding, installing any impact-resistant glazing, or delivering any wood structural panels.

If the work isn’t completed yet, it’s an ongoing improvement. In that case, TDI requires a WPI-1 to be filed before the work begins and inspections during construction, which is the standard path covered in our WPI-8 article.

Who can do a post-construction windstorm inspection?

According to TDI, any professional engineer licensed by the Texas Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors can inspect completed construction. That includes two groups:

• TDI-appointed engineers (AQIs) can inspect both ongoing and completed construction, and they submit applications directly through TDI’s Windstorm system.
• Licensed engineers who aren’t appointed by TDI can inspect completed construction only. They request access to TDI’s Windstorm system to submit applications.

TDI inspectors don’t perform post-construction inspections. TDI publishes its list of appointed engineers, and you can confirm any engineer’s license on the Texas Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors roster.

What are the two ways to certify completed work?

TDI accepts either of two things with a WPI-2E application:

1. A sealed design: A Texas-licensed engineer affirms that they designed the improvement, sealed the design, that the design meets the applicable windstorm code, and that the improvement was built to it.
2. A sealed post-construction evaluation report: A Texas-licensed engineer evaluates the finished work and, in a sealed report, confirms it complies with the applicable code (with supporting evidence attached).

The first route depends on an engineer having designed the work and being able to vouch for how it was built. When that isn’t the situation (a reroof nobody inspected or a house bought after the fact, for example), the work generally goes through the second route.

What does the engineer need to see?

TDI’s rules call it “supporting evidence,” and they list the documentation that counts: product evaluations, manufacturer installation instructions, test data, inspection reports, photographs, video recordings, and plans, including as-built drawings, design drawings, shop drawings, or sketches.

What the engineer has to show depends on what’s being certified. Per TDI’s rules:

Documents you may be able to gather before the visit

The more of this you can find, the less the engineer may need to open up:

• Plans or drawings for the work, including any engineer-sealed plans
• The contractor’s invoices and scope of work, with product names
• Product documentation, such as roofing system specs, window and door approvals, or manufacturer instructions
• Photos or video taken while the work was in progress
• Any permits or prior inspection reports

If the original labels are still on windows or doors, leave them in place until the inspection.

When the paperwork runs out

The more of the original construction the engineer can see on paper, the less of the home has to be opened up. The most useful records are:

• Photos taken while the home was being built, especially of anything that’s now covered up, such as the concrete, the roof underlayment, and the framing
• Plans and specifications sealed by a professional engineer

Where documents can’t establish how something was built, the engineer must verify it directly. Depending on the structure, that may include:

• Removing some roofing so the deck, underlayment, and fastening can be checked
• Removing trim at a window and a door to see how they were fastened
• Opening a small section of siding
• Opening a section of drywall to see framing connections
• Exposing part of the foundation to confirm its dimensions
• Going into the attic to see the roof framing

Roofing, siding, and other components and cladding don’t need plans. Anything that involves structural framing, like an addition, needs sealed plans and specifications before the report can go to TDI. If none exist, WindForce can have them prepared. That is separate work and adds to the overall cost, so finding the original plans usually saves money.

If TDI has sent you a letter saying the work wasn’t properly certified, send us a copy of the notice itself. It shows exactly what TDI is asking for, so there’s no confusion about what needs to be done.

How does post-construction certification work, step by step?

1. Confirm the work is completed: Use TDI’s definitions above. If the work is still ongoing, it should be inspected during construction instead.
2. Hire a Texas-licensed professional engineer: This can be an AQI from TDI’s list, or another licensed engineer who will request access to TDI’s Windstorm system.
3. Gather what documentation you have: Plans, invoices, product information, and photos.
4. Schedule the site evaluation: The engineer reviews the work and, where the documents don’t cover it, opens selected areas to verify how it was built. You’ll be told in advance what will be opened. Openings are kept as small as possible and, where they can be, placed somewhere out of sight (like in a garage or attic).
5. The engineer verifies the connections: The metal straps that tie the wood framing together are a big part of the evaluation. The engineer doesn’t need to see every junction. They check enough locations to confirm the strapping was done properly and photograph what they find.
6. The engineer prepares the sealed report and WPI-2E: The application identifies the code edition, design wind speed, and exposure category that applied when construction began. The engineer certifies whether the work complies.
7. The application goes to TDI: It’s submitted through TDI’s Windstorm system, along with the photos from the site evaluation. TDI didn’t always require photos, so if you’ve been through this process before, this extra step may be new to you. TDI can request additional evidence, and it may deny an application if the evaluation report isn’t fully documented.
8. TDI issues the WPI-8-E: Once issued, the certificate can be found in TDI’s online Certificate Search.

What if the work doesn’t meet the code?

The WPI-2E gives the engineer two options: certify that the work complies, or state that it doesn’t and explain why. An engineer can’t certify work that the evidence doesn’t support.

If something doesn’t comply, the report will say what and why. The next step is typically a conversation about what it would take to bring that part of the work up to code so it can be evaluated again.

The solution usually builds on what’s already there. Depending on the problem, that may include:

• Adding stiffeners or straps to the existing framing
• Adding framing in the roof
• Adding concrete footings to an existing foundation
• Replacing drip edge that isn’t the right size

Tearing the work out and starting over is rarely the answer.

If the repairs need plans and specifications, WindForce can prepare them, aiming for the simplest fix that brings the work up to code. A qualified contractor does the repairs. WindForce then provides an as-built set of drawings showing that the structure now meets the code.

Why is it easier to inspect during construction?

TDI says it plainly: Performing an inspection during construction “is often less invasive and could be less expensive.” When the inspector can see the work before it’s covered, there’s nothing to open up.

So if you’re planning a new roof, new windows, an addition, or new construction on the coast, line up the inspection before the work starts. A WPI-1 gets filed with TDI before construction begins, and the inspections happen while the details are still visible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a post-construction windstorm inspection have to be done by an AQI?

No. TDI says any professional engineer licensed in Texas can inspect completed construction. TDI-appointed engineers (AQIs) can inspect both completed and ongoing work, and they submit applications directly through TDI’s Windstorm system. Engineers who aren’t appointed can inspect completed work only. However, as a practical matter generally only engineers that are TDI appointed accept post-construction assignments for TDI certification.

Will a post-construction inspection damage my house?

It may involve opening selected areas, such as removing some roofing, trim, siding, or drywall, so the engineer can see how the work was built. How much depends on the structure and on how much documentation exists. Ask the engineer up front what will need to be opened and how it will be closed back up. WindForce always seeks to minimize demolition and limit it to non-conspicuous areas such as attics and garages.

Is a WPI-8-E as good as a WPI-8?

Both are TDI Certificates of Compliance. The WPI-8 is issued for work inspected during construction, and the WPI-8-E for completed work certified afterward. TWIA lists both as certificates of compliance. For questions about a specific policy, talk to your insurance agent.

Need completed work certified?

WindForce can certify completed work for homeowners, buyers, and agents on the Texas Gulf Coast. Get in touch to request a windstorm inspection, or call us at 409-422-9463.

11/2/2026