Last updated on August 14th, 2023 at 12:27 pm
A four-point home inspection is an inspection that examines the four main systems of your house and evaluates the risk to your home [and its cheaper than a regular inspection].
A 4 point home inspection helps to ensure the safety of a home by examining the four main areas of the home that are most likely to experience problems.
This includes the roof, plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems. By identifying any existing or potential safety hazards, homeowners can take the necessary steps to address any issues that are found and ensure that their home is safe and secure.
The inspector will also check for any signs of water damage, mold, or pests.
The 4 point home inspection report should include detailed information about the condition of the four primary areas of the home, including any deficiencies or potential issues.
The inspection won’t cover things like the driveway, landscaping, decks, and gutters.
It is possible your homeowners insurance company might require this inspection if you have an older house. The good thing is that it’s typically quick and can provide more coverage options.
This type of home inspection will give the lender a good idea of any liability they make take on, especially if your getting a loan on the property.
Who could use a 4-point check
Any homeowner with an older house may require an inspection of four points prior to obtaining insurance coverage for their home.
In a four-point inspection a home inspector will assess how current the four main systems within your house, specifically the following:
- Electricity wiring, panels and wiring.
- Heating as well as ventilation as well as cooling (HVAC).
- Plumbing.
- Roof
Four-point inspections highlight the most important areas that often cause insurance claims.
If a house does not pass all or a portion of the inspection, the inspector will review the things that must be repaired or replaced in order to remedy the issues. It is possible that the fixes are required for insurance purposes.
It is important to note that a four-point inspection is not able to substitute for a complete house inspection.
If your insurance company for your home requires an inspection, make certain to inquire which type of inspection you require..
Are inspections required
If you have an older property and you’re due to renew in you homeowner’s insurance coverage in Texas, or you are buying an older house, it is likely that you will be required to provide a four-point survey to be part of the underwriting procedure.
This is the most frequent practice in Florida as well as other states along the coast.
There’s a general outline of what’s covered by the four-point inspection. However every insurance company has its own set of guidelines concerning who is eligible for an inspection.
It is the International Association of Certified Home Inspections (NACHI) has a four-point inspection that is universally available on a form, but the use of this form isn’t required under the law.
Home Inspection vs. 4 Point Inspection
Four-point inspections are designed specifically to be used for homeowners insurance and should not get confused with brand new home inspection (also called a buyers ‘ inspection or real estate inspection home inspection, or full inspection, depending on the area you reside in).
This distinction is crucial since the home inspection is needed to finish closing on a property and satisfy the eligibility requirements for mortgage.
A four-point inspection can take between 1 and 2 hours to finish. and is purely visually. However, if you purchase an older house, you may be required to undergo two inspections.
Remember four-point inspections are more frequent within coastal areas such as Houston and Galveston, and are prone to more severe weather conditions that lead to a catastrophic loss of life (loss of life and entire towns destroyed and power grids that have been destroyed roadways, airports, etc.).
These are the reasons why legislators often change the building codes.
Homes constructed 40 or more years ago were constructed according with different requirements than homes constructed today.
This is why they might not be considered to be as safe as homes built to modern standards.
A full inspection will cover additional areas including:
- Windows, Doors, and Framing
- Insulation
- Appliances
- Floors
- Ceilings
- Stairs
Wind mitigation inspection vs. 4-point
The assessment of wind damage evaluates the degree to which your home is protected from winds by examining specific building characteristics including:
- The roof shape.
- Roof cover.
- Roof-deck attachment.
- Protections for opening.
Like a four-point check This type of inspection is the time to look closely at the roof.
However, a wind mitigation inspection can also include other elements of the structure of your home and may help you obtain the reduction on home insurance.
How much does the inspection cost
According to Get Jerry, the average cost is between $50-$150, making it extremely affordable. Costs vary depending on the location and inspection firm.
The majority of 4 point home inspections are conducted by professional home inspectors who are licensed and certified.
What are the benefits of this inspection
- 1. Increased safety: A 4 point home inspection examines the four main areas of the home that are most likely to experience problems, helping to identify any existing or potential safety hazards.
- 2. Lower insurance premiums: A 4 point home inspection can help to lower insurance premiums because insurance companies are more willing to provide coverage if they know that the home has been inspected and its major systems are in good condition.
- 3. Increased home value: A 4 point home inspection can help to increase the value of a home by ensuring that it is in good condition and identifying any necessary repairs or improvements.
- 4. Peace of mind: A 4 point home inspection provides homeowners with peace of mind that their home is safe and sound, which can help to reduce stress and worry.
What Does this type of house Inspection Cover
Four-point inspections look at your home’s main systems however, what exactly does the inspector examine? Here’s a useful checklist in preparation for your four-point examination.
Wires and electrical panels
Which kind of wire are you using present in your house? If your house has copper or aluminum wiring, they will not be insured due to the risk of fire hazards.
The inspector will also examine to determine if there is an recall on your electric panel. Double tapped breakers are an unsafe condition too!
Faulty wiring causes 90% of fires in residential areas This is a matter that insurance companies consider very seriously.
If your home is declared insurable because of wiring issues It is essential to plan for the necessary repairs. If you don’t, the risk of fire will be significantly increased.
Are all outlets grounded? This will be noted on the inspectors report.
The HVAC system
Does your house has central heating or air conditioning? What condition are your units in?
Do they show any indications of damage that is obvious, such as leaks? Keep in mind that each insurance company determines what is “acceptable” when it comes to insuring older properties, however, it is not unusual to have insurance denied because of the absence of central air or heat.
Plumbing system in the house
Inspectors examine the kind of pipes within your house to determine if they might break.
If they find that the plumbing is polybutylene, the coverage may be denied because they are more susceptible to rupture. Any type of leakage could foreshadows signs of a bigger underlying issue.
However, certain insurance companies might still cover you, but they will not cover water damage.
If you suffer an emergency flood caused by ruptured pipes, you will be 100 % accountable for the entire cost.
The home inspector will also survey the hot water heater and look for any potential warning signs.
The Roof
What’s in a roofing? Roof age, roof material and condition are what inspectors are looking for.
In general, insurance companies do not cover shingles older that 20 years of age, nor tiles or metal roofs that are more that 40 years of age.
If your roof is older however it has obvious damages to the exterior or water leaks in your home, this could cause a denial of insurance coverage.
House buyers in San Antonio, TX will buy properties that need a roof replaced.
Getting a home Inspection for your homeowners insurance
You may not know that some homeowners insurance companies require one of these home inspections before they will issue a policy.
Sometimes when renewing your policy, you will be asked that a 4 point inspection be performed. This can save you money on costs and catch problems before they become a much bigger issue!
Some sellers get an inspection before they sell the home they are in because they know they will have many repairs to make.