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 WINDOWS
CEILINGS
Kitchen & Bathrooms
Appliances
Laundry Room &/or Garage / Carport
Irrigation System
Chinese Drywall
Pest Inspection
Miscellaneous
ALSO (if applicable)
Well Equipment
Pool, Deck, Enclosure & Equipment
Sea Wall, Dock, Boat Lift
Good to know. I was wondering the difference because I was told to get just the 4 Point. Glad I saw this, because now I know better.
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Big difference, glad I saw this before we hire a Home Inspector
We’re in the process of looking & I will be sure to call you once we find something!!!
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I am very thankful to you for this post. My realtor tried to say that all I needed was a 4 Point Inspection. I sure am glad I saw this first.
Home Inspection = for the buyer / 4 point = for insurance Co.
My stupid Realtor said to just get a 4 point.
I sure wish I would have done my own research sooner.
Every home buyer needs to see this!!!
I see now. I think my Realtor was trying to save me a few bucks on a home inspection, but if i would have taken his advice, i would not have known about several issues with the property. This is a MUST READ for anyone buying a home.
Now I get it.
My Realtor was saying to just get a 4 Point, but I see now why that is not a good idea.
Thank you for sharing!
Its like you read my thoughts!
I had spoken to my Realtor, a friend, and a few inspectors, and was wondering the difference.
Magnificent blog.
A great read.
I’ll certainly be back.
This makes sense.
Thanks for explaining.
Now i see why my Realtor was suggesting a 4 Point.
Dirty Rotten Scoundrel chaps my ass!
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