A 4 Point Insurance Inspection is an inspection for the insurance company. It only determines whether or not the house is “insurable.” Besides being a less thorough inspection of the (1) Roof, (2) Electrical, (3) Plumbing, & (4) A/C system, a 4 Point inspection also leaves out SEVERAL areas of the home (see below). Obviously, recommending this inspection in lieu of a Standard Home Inspection would be doing your client a dis-service & could cause liability issues.
WHEN TO ORDER A 4 POINT
Insurance companies usually require a 4 Point Inspection for homes over 20 years old. While some companies may allow a home to be 30 or even 50 years old, their premiums are usually much higher. Others may require a 4 Point Inspection on a home that’s only a few years old, especially if it was a bank foreclosure &/or if it has been vacant for a while.
If you need a 4 Point Insurance Inspection, it should be done
IN ADDITION TO (not in lieu of) a Standard Home Inspection.
THE GOOD NEWS
Many inspectors will charge their clients for an inspection even if it doesn’t benefit them.
WE DON’T DO THAT!
If we are conducting a Standard Home Inspection & we determine that the home won’t pass a 4 Point Insurance Inspection, then we’ll explain why & skip that inspection, rather than charging for an inspection that isn’t going to do our client any good.
HERE’S WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED IN A 4 POINT
Site Grounds & Grading
- FOUNDATION
- PORCHES, DECKS, AND PATIOS
Exterior & Structure
Attic
Inspection of the attic space during a 4 Point Inspection is merely an examination of the under-side of the roof
Interior Components
- FLOORS
- WALLS
- DOORS AND WINDOW
- CEILINGS
Kitchen & Bathrooms
Appliances
Laundry Room &/or Garage / Carport
Irrigation System
Chinese Drywall
Pest Inspection
Infrared Scan (Thermal Imaging)
Miscellaneous
ALSO (if applicable)
Well Equipment
Pool, Deck, Enclosure & Equipment
Sea Wall, Dock, Boat Lift