How Different Is A Full Home Inspection From A Four-Point Inspection?

If you’re in the process of purchasing a home or obtaining a homeowner’s insurance policy, the insurance may ask you to get your home inspected first. You have two options here - a four-point and a full home inspection.

Although both are designed to uncover any defects or hidden damage to properties, their scope is wildly different and they fulfill different roles. Unfortunately, many Florida citizens are unfamiliar with how these inspections work and will simply opt to conduct a cheaper service of the two, which often turns out to be detrimental. 

So, join us today as we explore the differences between a full home inspection and a four-point inspection, how they can benefit you, and in which contexts they’re essential. 

What is a four-point inspection?

A four-point inspection is legally required for older homes in Florida if you’re in the process of purchasing or renewing an existing insurance policy. 

An average definition of an “older home” in this context is 30 years. Keep in mind that this isn’t a rule, though. What constitutes “old” is purely subjective, and some insurers even require inspections for homes only a decade old. 

The four points in the name of the inspection refer to the key areas of the home:

• Electrical system

Considering most residential fires are caused by faulty electrical systems, insurance companies put a great emphasis on the condition of the electrical system when issuing a policy. The inspectors typically check the type of wiring in the home. Copper is preferred by most insurers, while single-strand aluminum wires will result in limited coverage.

• Plumbing system

Inspectors will confirm the types of pipes used and determine their risk of bursting. Some types of plumbing such as polybutylene will diminish your chances of receiving substantial coverage. 

• HVAC system

Most homes in Florida already have an HVAC system. Considering how heavily these appliances are used in the Sunshine State, insurance companies want to confirm everything checks out on this front. Inspectors will evaluate the system’s operation and look for signs of malfunctions. What constitutes acceptable in regards to an HVAC system is up to the individual insurer.

• Roof

Roofs are one of the most important structural components of a home, and as such, the inspector will examine not only the condition but also ascertain the age of the roof and evaluate its materials and construction. Most insurance companies won’t offer coverage for metal roofs older than 40 years and shingle roofs older than 20.

As you can see, a four-point inspection is very limited and covers only the areas of the home most susceptible to developing damage. Due to its narrower scope, it can be completed in under an hour. 

Similar logic applies to the price. You can schedule a four-point inspection for half of the price of the full home inspection. 

What is a full home inspection?

Just as the name implies, a full home inspection is a complete non-invasive evaluation of the home. It covers the same aspects as a four-point inspection but includes a lot more. Along with the roof and the main system, a full inspection will also involve evaluating the exterior of the home and its overall structural integrity. 

For example, inspectors may check the intersection of the walls, the foundation, and the drainage. 

A full inspection also includes determining the condition of the home’s safety systems such as stairs, safety glass, smoke detector alarms, and ground fault interrupters. In addition to this, home inspectors check the operation of fixtures such as sinks and toilets, openings like doors and windows, plumbing leaks, and water damage. 

Depending on the size of the property, a full home inspection may take up to a few hours, with the report being ready in 48 hours. 

Which of these inspections should you schedule?

It depends. 

If you need an inspection for insurance purposes, there’s nothing wrong with a four-point inspection. If you’re purchasing a home, everything is different. Buyers (and even agents) sometimes get a four-point inspection to save some money when in the process of buying a home. Sadly, this can be a costly mistake. 

Look at it this way.

Purchasing a home is perhaps the biggest purchase you’ll ever make. In the grand scheme of things, paying a hundred bucks extra for a full home inspection is a negligible expense, especially when you consider how much it can help you. 

A complete home inspection can save you from purchasing a money pit or at least help you negotiate a more reasonable price. Using the information the inspector uncovers, you have all the leverage you need to convince the seller to make the repairs before closing or adjust the price to accommodate the repairs. 

Either way, due to its comprehensive nature, a home inspection conducted by a qualified inspector can provide you with confidence that the property you’re looking to purchase is a worthy investment - and you can’t put a price on that.

Work with an inspector you can trust

A four-point inspection will suffice when an insurer hits you with a notification that you need to have your home inspected. For anything else, a full home inspection is the way to go. Even though you may pay slightly more, it’s an expense worth opening your wallet for as you’ll be receiving clear and objective data about the condition of the home. 

The last question is who will you choose to conduct the inspection?

If you’re located in Orlando, Palm Beach, Broward, Hendry, Saint Lucie, or Martin Counties, why not Guardian Angel Inspections?

While all home inspection companies must meet minimum state standards, our mission is to go above and beyond what’s expected of us. Each client we work with is treated like a family member, but even more importantly, our efficiency in the field is unmatched. 

The results speak for themselves:

We were voted the best inspection company by the largest realtor organization in Palm Beach County. Ask your realtor, and chances are, they’ll tell you what we can offer.

Schedule an inspection by filling out this contact form or dialing 561-512-7854.