Understanding 4-Point Inspections
A 4-point inspection is often required to insure a home that’s more than 25 years old. 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 your home. You may also need a periodic 4-point inspection for your insurer to continue extending your policy.
What Are The “Four Points” Of The Inspection?
The points of a 4-point inspection refer to the four most expensive and hard-to-replace systems in your home:
- The HVAC system, including the furnace, air conditioner, ducting, and other such systems
- Electrical wiring and panels, including outlets, switches, circuit breakers, etc.
- Plumbing connections and fixtures
- The roof
An easy way to remember the 4-Points of this inspection is to use the acronym P.E.R.M. (Plumbing, Electrical, Roof, Mechanical).
If one of these systems is in poor condition, or has serious flaws, an insurer may refuse to cover the home until the problem is remedied. If your home was built in the early 20th century and has “knob-and-tube” wiring, for example, 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, a furnace, etc.
- Damage or obvious defects
If you need a 4-point inspection in Lakeland, FL or the surrounding areas, contact Whitt Inspections, LLC today and schedule a consultation with one of our experienced, highly-qualified team members. We look forward to hearing from you!