A 4-Point Inspection is comprised of four main components: (1) Roof, (2) Plumbing, (3) Electrical and (4) Heating/Cooling (HVAC).
This blog will expand on some of the basic information about 4-point inspections and our upcoming blogs will provide further details on each of the four components of the inspection.
When is a 4-point inspection required?
Depending on the insurance company,4- point inspections are required for homeowner’s insurance policies (HO-3) and rental properties (DP-3) for older (30+ years) properties.. 4-point inspections are not required for renter’s insurance policies (HO-4) or condominium policies (HO-6), regardless of the age of the property.
A 4-Point Inspection must be performed by either a Florida licensed general or building contractor, a building inspector, architect or engineer, OR a member of the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI), the Florida Association of Building Inspectors (FABI), or the National Association of Certified Home Inspectors (NACHI)
Four point inspections sometimes include specific photos and details regarding the condition and materials used for the home’s electrical, heating/cooling, roof and plumbing systems. Typically, 4-point inspections must have been completed within the last 12 months to be accepted. Exceptions are sometimes made for inspections less than 3 years old, assuming that the inspection is favorable and current photos are provided.
Photos of the roof, water heater with temperature pressure relief (TPR) valve visible, washing machine hoses, plumbing under the sink, electrical panel with the door open, and heating ventilation/air conditioning (HVAC) systems are often included with the 4-point inspection.
BIG Thanks to Gainesville Realtors, Kristen Rabell & Rebecca Johnson, for sharing some common questions they are asked by their customers regarding 4-point inspections:
Q: What causes the insurance company to request a 4-point inspection? From our experience, it seems to be related to the age of the home. If it is age, what is that age? A: Depending on the insurance company, 4-point inspections are generally requested for homes 30 years and older. Some companies are more lenient and request a 4-point inspection for homes 40 or 50 years of age. Additionally, if the home is a foreclosure some companies will request a 4-point inspection regardless of age.
Q: We also hear from certain inspectors that a 4-point will help lower your insurance costs. Can you please debunk this myth? A: FALSE. 4-Point inspections, regardless of the outcome, will not alter the cost of your homeowners insurance. Four-point inspections simply determine your home’s eligibility for insurance.
Visit our blog for more information on the roofing, plumbing, electrical and heating/cooling (HVAC) portions of a 4-point inspection.