Four-Point Inspections

Get Your Four-Point Inspection in The Villages, Florida

A Four Point Inspection is typically required by your insurance company based on the age of your home.

What is a four-point inspection?

A Four Point Inspection is a visual inspection of the Four Major Components of your home:

  • Roof

  • Electrical

  • HVAC

  • Plumbing

Your insurance carrier wants to know the age and condition of the Four major and most costly components of your home before they offer your coverage.

Some insurance carriers require the Four Point Inspection on homes 10 years old so it’s always best to check with your insurance agent to see if one is needed when purchasing a home or obtaining homeowners insurance from a new carrier.

When Is A Four Point Inspection Required?

A four-point inspection is required typically when your home reaches 30 years old. However, it entirely depends on the insurance company.

For instance, State Farm Insurance might require a four-point inspection when your home reaches 5 years old to see how well you are maintaining the home.

What Is Included In The Four Point Inspection?

As mentioned, the four-point inspection looks at the roof, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems. Let’s look into each section a little bit more to see how you can better prepare for the inspection and pass the four-point inspection.

ROOF

For the roof part of the inspection, the inspector will report on the roof type, roof age, approximate life left, and any damage/concerns.

The insurance underwriters typically want 5 years of life left on your roof.

If you have any of the following, it could affect your home insurance. So you might need to perform repairs before you can obtain insurance.

  • Excessive granule loss

  • Loose Shingles

  • Lifting Shingles

  • Cracked Tiles

  • Missing Tiles/Shingles

  • Damaged Tiles/Shingles

  • Missing fasteners

  • Roof Leaks

  • Previous unprofessional repairs

Electrical

For the electrical system, the inspector will note any repairs, the type of wiring/panel, the age, the condition, and any safety hazards.

We have blogged about a few different electrical-specific issues that could arise. If you have any of the following you can expect to have to complete repairs:

  • Federal Pacific Electrical Panels

  • Challenger Electrical Panels

  • Sylvania Zinsco Electrical Panels

  • Cloth Wiring

  • Double Tapped Breakers

  • Knob & Tube Wiring

  • Two-Prong Outlets

  • Fuse Boxes

  • Aluminum Wiring

  • Neutrals & Grounds On The Same Bar in Subpanels

PLUMBING

The inspector will inspect and report on the water heater, water heater age, type of plumbing, and if there are any leaks.

Here are some common issues that appear on the plumbing section:

  • Polybutylene Piping

  • Improper TPR Discharge Tube

  • Water Heater Age

  • Improper Traps

  • Any Water Leaks

HVAC

The HVAC section will include an inspection and report on the condition of the air conditioning and heating systems.

The inspector will look for functionality, any water damage around the plenum, and the approximate life left on the A/C system.

How To Pass A Four-Point Inspection

A four-point inspection is not a pass/fail. The inspection only notes what is at the home. Then, it is up to the individual underwriters to say what is and what is not allowed.

Some insurance underwriters can provide home insurance for 30 days while some items are fixed. Additionally, some underwriters will be okay with items in your home for a higher premium.

Ultimately, passing a four-point inspection is case by case and depends on the insurance company, not the home inspector.