During a 4 point inspection, we take a very close look at the:
- Roof (noting the age and quality of materials/installation)
- Plumbing system
- Electrical panel & wiring
- HVAC system
What Do We Evaluate During a 4 Point Inspection?
The primary purpose of a 4 point inspection is to help insurance companies decide whether or not a home is safe to insure – and how to price the premiums based on the carrier’s risk.
It won’t tell you everything you need to make a purchasing decision — for that, you need a full home inspection. However, a 4 point inspection does yield valuable information.
The Roof
If the roof is a home’s primary structural and interior protection, we take the roof’s age and condition into account during the inspection, looking for:
- Any signs of roof leaks
- Sagging spots
- Signs of water damage
- Damaged or missing shingles
- Roof shape and slope (some shapes are better suited for high winds and severe rain, and the same goes for roof slopes)
Keep in mind that most Florida insurance companies will not provide home insurance for roofs that are 15 years old or older. And, if your roof is close to the 15-year mark, you may have to pay higher-than-normal premium rates.
Electrical Panel & Wiring
During the inspection of your home’s electrical system, we’ll examine the type of wiring and electrical panels used. Some older panels from brands like Federal Pacific and Zinsco are known to cause issues, and outdated electrical wiring is another red flag—not to mention a major fire hazard.
We’ll note any after-construction modifications made to the electrical system. Amateur repairs are fairly standard in older homes and can cause major issues.
Plumbing
A significant portion of insurance claims are related to water damage, so it makes sense that plumbing would be a concern for prospective insurers.
During a home’s plumbing system inspection, we assess the pipes’ condition, noting the type of piping used and any signs of leaks.
Acceptable plumbing materials include:
- PVC
- Copper
- Galvanized steel
- Certain types of PEX
- Cast Iron
Polybutylene and lead piping are outdated and can compromise insurance coverage. If your home contains either of these, you will probably be required to replace them before obtaining an insurance policy.
The plumbing inspection also covers the hot water heater, which should be in good working condition with at least five years of life left. Depending on the quality and condition of the unit, we typically don’t recommend replacement until it is more than 10 years old.
HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, & Air Conditioning)
Your HVAC is usually the final portion of the inspection, and it’s also the least likely to pose a threat. Here, we’re looking to ensure the HVAC is sufficient for the size of the home and in good working condition.
If your HVAC has been replaced, but you live in an older home, you may want to have the HVAC company inspect the ducts the next time you schedule a service appointment to ensure they’re in good working order and to optimize energy efficiency.
Schedule A 4 Point Inspection With Super Inspection Pros
A 4 point isn’t a pass-or-fail situation. Instead, insurance companies review everything in the inspection report and decide whether or not the home qualifies for a policy and what the premium price should be.
Are you looking for someone to perform a 4 point inspection so that you can get home insurance? Contact us at Super Inspection Pros, and we’ll add you to our calendar within the next 72 hours.
