4 POINT INSPECTIONS CENTRAL & SOUTH FLORIDA

4 point inspection south florida

A “Four Point Inspection” focuses only on four main areas of interest in a home:

  • HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning)
  • Electrical wiring and panels
  • Plumbing connections and fixtures
  • Roof

Breaking News – New Changes to the 4 Point Inspection Form

Property Insurance corporations governed by the State of Florida have released new major changes on March 20, 2025. These changes add several new items to better evaluate risk to determine insurance policy eligibility. Some of these changes are outlined below.

  • Minimum Photo Requirements: Picture of temperature pressure relief (TPR) valve on the water heater must be included .
  • Electrical System: Single-strand aluminum wiring remediation must be provided and certified by a licensed electrician. Additional types of wiring have been added to the Supplemental Information section.
  • HVAC: Is a wood-burning stove or central gas fireplace present? Was it professionally installed?
  • Plumbing: Age of piping supply system, Age of water heater, Age of piping drain system, Original to home, Completely re-piped, Partially re-piped, Additional pipe types have been added, Year installed of PEX.
  • Roof: Any visible signs of leaks must be expanded if Yes is checked.

Summary

In summary, the recent updates to the 4 Point Inspection report introduce stricter evaluation criteria, which may lead to an increase in policy denials or require homeowners to complete necessary repairs before securing coverage. Additionally, you should expect a slight increase in the onsite inspection itself, as a more in-depth evaluation is now required. These changes aim to enhance risk assessment and ensure properties meet updated safety and compliance standards.

References

Citizens Property Insurance Corporation can be contacted for additional information.

A four-point home inspection is limited to a skilled inspection of the roof, the electrical system, plumbing, and the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. Though we (and you) are not given specific requirements that must be met by the insurance companies, we have deduced from experience specific system elements that are important — age and type of system and its essential parts, the condition of the system, and whether the system has been updated to more current standards and/or quality. It’s the underwriter’s job, not to qualify you for homeowners insurance, but to determine if there is a reason to disqualify you. Our experience and skills in the four-point home inspection mean we can help you know what you can perhaps do to rectify possible disqualifying issues in your major home systems.

four point inspector

WHY DO I NEED A FOUR-POINT INSPECTION?

Insurance companies have become increasingly reluctant to issue Homeowner Insurance Policies on older homes (usually 30 years old or more). Their common concern is that there may be conditions in an older home that could become a liability to them. For instance; a home with a roof nearing the end of its reliable service life may fail while under the policy and the homeowner may seek reimbursement from their insurance company for damages to the home or its contents. Similar concerns extend to the condition of the HVAC, electrical, and plumbing systems in an older home. If these elements are in poor condition, in need of being updated or replaced, or were improperly installed, they may fail and cause fire or water damage to a home. Newer homes are assumed (by the insurance companies) to not have these problems as frequently as older homes.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

  • What is a 4-point inspection?

    A 4-point inspection is an insurance-mandated assessment of an older home. The goal behind it is to ascertain the condition of major systems for the purpose of issuing an insurance policy.

  • What does a 4-point inspection cover?

    A 4-point inspection covers the following:


    Roof: determining the age of the roof and which type of roof covering is present, and evaluating the overall condition

    Electrical system: determining the condition and the type of the electrical system

    Plumbing system: checking what type of drain and supply lines are installed and finding evidence of leaks, as well as determining the condition of the water heater

    HVAC system: if there is an HVAC system, the inspectors will assess its condition and try to rule out the presence of any defects

  • How do I prepare for a 4-point inspection?

    Since you now know which systems are covered by the inspection, you have an opportunity to do a few small things before the inspectors perform the appraisal. 


    Check the condition of the roof by accessing the attic - if you find any signs of water damage or missing shingles, you can resolve it by contacting a roofing professional. 


    When it comes to electrical systems, your hands are tied. Still, you can address visible damage such as exposed wiring with the help of an electrician. The same applies to your plumbing system - any signs of water damage may disqualify you from homeowners insurance, so get in touch with a professional plumber.


    Lastly, with your HVAC system, you can clean the ductwork and replace the filter, which may result in a higher score on your inspection report.

  • Who can perform a 4-point inspection in Florida?

    Generally speaking, only state-licensed professionals such as home inspectors, architects, building contractors, or building code inspectors are able to perform a 4-point inspection.

  • What is 4-point inspection requirement Florida?

    A 4-point inspection is required for all homes older than 40 years before purchasing a valid insurance policy. Alternatively, for rental properties, the age requirement is 30 years.