Welcome to the 4‑point inspection page for By Builder Home Inspections. This article explains what a 4‑point inspection is, why insurers in Florida often require it, how we perform it, what common issues arise, how to prepare, and next steps for homeowners.
What Is a 4‑Point Inspection?
A 4‑point inspection is a focused home inspection that evaluates the condition of four critical systems:
- Roof
- Electrical
- Plumbing
- HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning)
Its scope is narrower than a full home inspection. It is not intended to assess every detail in the home, but rather to give insurance underwriters a snapshot of key risk areas.
In Florida, especially for older homes, many insurance companies require a 4‑point inspection before issuing or renewing coverage.
It helps insurers understand how likely serious failures might be in a home.
Why Insurance Companies Request It in Florida
Florida’s climate and evolving housing stock make it especially important to assess aging systems. Homes in Florida commonly face:
- High humidity and salt air that accelerate deterioration
- Strong storms and hurricanes that stress structures
- Older electrical, plumbing, or roofing systems in need of repair
To mitigate risk, insurers often require a 4‑point inspection for homes beyond a certain age (commonly 20 to 30 years).
Some insurers may accept a full home inspection instead, but frequently they prefer a dedicated 4‑point form to avoid seeing extraneous issues.
Insurers use the 4‑point report to assess:
- Whether systems are safe and up to acceptable standards
- If repairs or replacements are needed before coverage
- The liability they would assume
How By Builder Home Inspections Performs a 4‑Point Inspection
When you hire us for a 4‑point inspection, our licensed inspectors follow professional standards and insurance requirements to deliver a clear, documented report.
Steps in the Process
- Pre‑Inspection Review
We review property age, history, and any system updates you’ve done. - Onsite Inspection of the Four Systems
- Roof: We inspect type, age, condition, visible damage, leaks, patching, and remaining life expectancy.
- Electrical: We check wiring type (copper, aluminum, etc.), the panel, breakers, grounding, and visible hazards.
- Plumbing: We inspect supply lines, drain lines, water heater, leaks, pipe material, and shutoffs.
- HVAC: We evaluate the heating and cooling equipment, ductwork, condition, functionality, and evidence of leaks or damage.
- Documentation & Photographs
We document each system with narratives and photographs, especially of defects or key components. - Form Completion & Signature
We complete the required insurance inspection form and sign, as required by Florida regulations. - Delivery
We supply you with the report in a format ready for submission to your insurer or agent.
Typical Duration and Cost
- A 4‑point inspection usually takes less time than a full home inspection — often under one hour.
- In Florida, the cost typically ranges from $75 to $150, depending on property size, complexity, and location.
Chart: Comparison — 4‑Point Inspection vs Full Home Inspection
| Feature / Aspect | 4‑Point Inspection | Full Home Inspection |
|---|---|---|
| Systems evaluated | Roof, Electrical, Plumbing, HVAC only | Entire home: structure, exterior, interior, systems, safety, etc. |
| Typical time | ~ 45 minutes to 1 hour | 2–3 hours (or more, depending on home) |
| Cost range | $185 | Several hundred dollars (varies by size & region) |
| Purpose | Insurance eligibility / underwriting | Buyer due diligence, sale prep |
| Depth of detail | Focused on critical risk areas | Broad and detailed, covers many components |
This comparison helps homeowners understand when a 4‑point inspection suffices and when a full inspection is more appropriate.
Common Issues That Cause “Flags” During a 4‑Point Inspection
During the inspection, certain findings often alarm insurance underwriters. Some of the most common “red flags” include:
- Roofs older than accepted limits — e.g. asphalt shingle roofs over ~20 years.
- Roofs with visible leaks, patching, or missing shingles
- Electrical systems using outdated or risky materials (e.g., aluminum wiring, knob‑and‑tube wiring) or electrical panels known for problems (e.g., Federal Pacific, Zinsco)
- Plumbing systems using materials like polybutylene or galvanized piping that are prone to failure
- Water heaters that are old or leaking
- HVAC units that are not working, are aged, or show signs of leaks or damage
If the inspection reveals serious issues, the insurer may require repairs or impose exclusions, or in some cases decline coverage until conditions improve.
How to Prepare for Your 4‑Point Inspection
Here are steps homeowners can take to improve their chance of a clear inspection:
- Gather documentation: Have records of any recent repairs or upgrades (with receipts or permits).
- Clean and provide access: Ensure that access to key systems (panels, attic, HVAC, water heater) is clear.
- Address obvious issues: If you already know certain systems are problematic (e.g. leaks, old wiring), get them looked at by a licensed contractor beforehand.
- Replace filters & maintain HVAC: A well-maintained HVAC looks better during inspection.
- Inspect plumbing for visible leaks or corrosion and fix minor issues.
By taking these steps, you reduce surprises and may avoid insurer pushback.
If major problems remain, we can help you plan repairs and schedule a reinspection once fixed.
After the Inspection: What You Should Do
- Review the report carefully
Understand any flagged issues. Ask us if you want clarification or repair recommendations. - Submit to your insurer
Use the completed 4‑point inspection form (with photos) when applying for or renewing your homeowners policy. - Address defects
If the insurer requires certain repairs, hire licensed professionals to correct them. Once work is done, request a reinspection if needed. - Retain records
Save all inspection and repair documents — they may be useful for future coverage, resale, or claims. - Periodic reevaluation
Some insurers require updated inspections every few years, especially in Florida.
Why Choose By Builder Home Inspections
- Our inspectors carry valid Florida licensing and are familiar with state insurance requirements.
- We complete the inspection with transparent documentation including photos, ready for your insurer.
- Turnaround is prompt — we aim to deliver your report quickly so you can move forward with your insurance process.
- We can also help you interpret findings and, if needed, advise on how to correct defects.
If you’d like to schedule a 4‑point inspection or have questions, visit our Contact page.
