Four Point Inspection

A four point inspection is usually required once your home reaches a certain age.

Homeowners insurance underwriters use four point inspections to determine if the home is currently insurable.

Damaged shingles discovered during a four point inspection

What is a Four Point Inspection?

  • Unlike a full home inspection, the 4-point is limited to the roof, plumbing, HVAC and electrical.
  • The 4-point is not completed within the scope of the FL Home Inspectors Standards of Practice.
  • The purpose of the 4-point is so that underwriters can determine if the home is insurable, according to their particular standards.
  • A blank 4-point form can be viewed here.

In summary, the form requires specific photographs and particular information, so the insurance company can determine if the home is currently able to be insured.

Some examples of the required information are:

  • The condition, type and age of the roof covering.
  • The brand of the electrical panel and the type of the electrical wiring.
  • The type and age of the water piping and drain piping.
  • The age of the water heater.
  • The age and condition of the HVAC system.

Some examples of concerns the insurance company may have are:

  • Certain brands of electrical panels are known to be problematic.
  • Some types of water piping and drain piping are known to fail or leak.
  • Water heaters that are too old.
  • Damaged or missing shingles.
  • HVAC system drain clogs.

Should the insurance company have concerns with a particular system or component, they may require updates be completed, prior to writing a new policy.