How To Pass A 4-Point Home Inspection

Homeowners can schedule all sorts of inspections: termite, home, and wind mitigation, to name a few. Yet, none of these are mandated by the state or insurance companies.

A 4 point inspection, on the other hand, is typically required by an insurer. Regardless of whether you’re buying a new home or your insurer suddenly demands one, continue reading to learn everything you need to know on how to pass a 4-point home inspection. 

What is a 4 Point Home Inspection?

This inspection is a comprehensive evaluation of four main systems in your home, such as the roof, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC. Generally speaking, this particular assessment is required by all insurance companies before issuing or renewing insurance policies for homes older than 20 years. 

But why these four systems exactly?

The answer is that they’re usually the most expensive to repair and replace, and as bad luck would have it, they’re also the most vulnerable. This is even more true for roofs in Florida, which are exposed to extreme heat, fast winds, and a constant barrage of rain. The reason why insurers require an evaluation of these systems is that they want to determine the risk level of issuing an insurance policy for a specific property.

Why The Results of a 4 Point Inspection Matter

High marks on this inspection will result in an approval of an insurance policy. Keep in mind that the benefits of this inspection go beyond just ensuring minimal risk for the insurer. By passing the 4 point inspection, you’ll have a clear understanding of the safety of your roof and other systems, which can lower the possibility of dealing with accidents and property damage at a later date. 

This gives you peace of mind, but it also helps you secure better insurance rates - a huge plus if you ask us.

Can You Fail a 4 Point Inspection?

While you may wonder how to pass a 4-point home inspection, in actuality, these inspections are not performed on a pass/fall basis. They’ll simply determine the condition of the home to help the insurance company make a decision. 

So if the insurer denies or refuses to extend your coverage, that could be considered failing the 4 point inspection in a way. 

In the event you’re purchasing a property, you can’t do anything to increase the marks on the inspection since the seller is still responsible for bringing the home up to standards. This is why we’ll focus on homeowners whose homes are approaching the 20-year mark and are looking to prepare for a 4 point inspection. 

How To Increase Your Marks On The Inspection

First things first, take care of all the major issues in the four main areas that the inspection will cover. You can also update older appliances. 

Since you may not know what upgrades you need to make, it’s very useful to schedule a preliminary four point inspection South Florida. With this report in hand, you’ll know exactly which areas require attention, thus allowing you to improve the chances of getting high marks with your insurer. 

With that said, here are the exact things you need to do before an inspection:

1. Inspect the roof

You should check for the obvious sounds of damage, such as leaks, sagging areas, or missing shingles. You can then clear any debris from drainage and downspout to ensure that the drainage is working as intended.

2. Check your electrical system

Confirm if all electrical outlets, appliances, and switches are working properly. If they’re damaged, feel free to replace them. 

If you have the money, it may also be useful to hire an electrician to inspect and address any kinks with the electrical system for you.

3. Check the plumbing

Inspect all aspects of the plumbing system and fix any faucets, toilets, and pipes. You should also verify if the water heater is functioning as intended.

We also recommend you look for signs of mold or water damage, because most inspectors note these down as an indication of plumbing issues. 

4. Inspect the HVAC system

Ensure optimal airflow by changing the air filter. This may help resolve other problems with the HVAC equipment, such as frozen evaporator coils. 

It’s best that you call a professional who can evaluate the condition of the HVAC system, fix small issues, and recommend how to improve the overall efficiency of the equipment. 

Lastly, if your system is over 15 years old and beyond repair, consider upgrading to a newer HVAC - if you have the funds to do so, that is. 

Reasons Why an Insurer May Deny You Coverage

Insurance companies are very strict on some matters and may deny you coverage if you have any of the following issues:

• Roof damage or excessive wear
• Unsafe electrical wiring
• Deteriorating pipes and plumbing problems such as leaks
• Outdated or poorly maintained HVAC system
• Presence of mold
• Structural issues such as a compromised foundation or a sagging roof
• DIY modifications to the main home systems that aren’t up to code
• Homes built in the 70s may contain lead paint, which poses a significant risk, so make sure to remediate this problem before scheduling a 4 point inspection South Florida

Pass The Inspection With Flying Colors

To secure your insurance coverage, ensure safety, and save quite a bit of money on repair costs, you must “pass” the four point inspection. By using the tips provided above and taking extra care when preparing your home, you can pass with flying colors.

The key is to address everything you can and maintain your property, and if there’s anything that’s outside of your skillset, seek professional help to keep all the main systems in proper working order. While this may seem like you’re investing too much money to make your insurance company happy, you will also benefit from doing this. After all, knowing that your home is well-maintained and safe as can be will provide you with the necessary peace of mind. 

For the most reliable 4 point inspection South Florida, hit up Guardian Angel Inspections. We’re fast and efficient with our approach, and can even provide you with the report on the same day.

Since we want our clients to be happy, we strive to deliver the highest level of service possible in the inspection industry. Also, we know that an inspection is a stressful ordeal, so we’ll try our best to make the inspection an informative and overall positive experience for your family. 

Fill out our contact form or call 561-512-7854 to schedule an inspection.