4 Point vs Standard Home Inspection

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