Understanding 4-Point Inspections
A 4-point inspection is an insurance inspection that is often required to insure a home that’s at least 30 years old. There are some exceptions, and we’ve seen a few insurance companies require them on homes much newer than this.
Without a 4-point inspection, you may find that you’re not able to find an insurance company who is willing to issue a policy for you. You may also need a periodic 4-point inspection for your insurer to continue extending your policy. These are not to be confused with Wind Mitigation inspections, although they are often performed at the same time.
These are both insurance inspections, which may be performed at the same time as a full General Home Inspection. However, these are not suitable for use alone when you’re purchasing a home, as they are not nearly as comprehensive. Read our article explaining some of the differences between a 4-Point and a Full General Home Inspection.
What Are The “Four Points” Of The Inspection?
The points of a 4-point inspection refer to the following four (4) systems your home:
- Plumbing: Piping, drains, connections, fixtures, etc.
- Electrical: Wiring, panels, circuit breakers, grounding, and fixtures (including outlets, switches, and lights).
- Roof: Coverings (i.e. shingles, membranes, tiles, etc.), attachments, penetrations, flashings, etc.
- HVAC (Mechanical) systems: including the furnace/heater, air conditioner, ducting, and other such systems.
These are often the most expensive components that result in the largest number of claims for insurance companies.
An easy way to remember the 4-Points of this inspection is to use the acronym P.E.R.M. (Plumbing, Electrical, Roof, and Mechanical).
If one of these systems is in poor condition, has serious defects, or is beyond its expected useful life, an insurer may refuse to cover the home until the problem is remedied. For example, if your home was built in the early 20th century and has “knob-and-tube” wiring (also see our cloth wiring article), you may not be able to get a policy until this system has been replaced with modern wiring.
What Are Inspectors Looking For In A 4-Point Inspection?
As a rule, a 4-point inspection covers only the visible components of each of the aforementioned systems. The inspector will look for:
- The overall condition of the system in question
- Any repairs that have been made or must be made
- Wear & tear
- Age of a particular component, such as shingles, AC units, water heaters, etc.
- Damage or obvious defects
- Materials in use
If you need a 4-point inspection in Polk County, FL including Lakeland, Bartow, Mulberry, Winter Haven, Auburndale, Haines City, or any surrounding areas, contact Whitt Inspections, LLC today to schedule an inspection with our experienced, highly-qualified inspectors. We look forward to hearing from you!
