At By Builder Home Inspections, we perform 4-point home inspections across Florida for homeowners, buyers, and property managers who need to meet insurance requirements. This specialized inspection looks at four critical systems in your home—roofing, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC—because these are the components most likely to impact your eligibility for insurance coverage.
If your home is 25 years or older, your insurance carrier will likely ask for this documentation before approving or renewing your policy. That’s where we come in. Our inspections are designed to give insurance companies exactly what they’re asking for—nothing more, nothing less—so you can move forward with confidence.
What Is a 4-Point Home Inspection?
A 4-point home inspection is a focused evaluation of four core areas:
- The roof
- The electrical system
- The plumbing system
- The heating and cooling system
Unlike a full home inspection, which looks at every part of the house, the 4-point inspection concentrates on systems that insurers consider high-risk. They want to know: are these systems in working order? Are they safe? Have they been updated?
When we conduct a 4-point inspection, we answer those questions in a clear, straightforward format that insurance underwriters can quickly review.
Who Needs a 4-Point Inspection in Florida?
Insurance companies commonly request a 4-point inspection when a home:
- Was built over 25 years ago
- Has outdated or unknown system upgrades
- Is undergoing a policy renewal or switch to a new insurer
We serve both homeowners and real estate agents who are preparing homes for sale or insurance underwriting. Whether you’re maintaining your current property or purchasing a new one, our licensed house inspectors are ready to help you meet requirements quickly.
What We Look For: System-by-System Breakdown
1. Roofing
We evaluate the roof’s age, condition, material type, and visible damage. Roofs with worn shingles, soft spots, or active leaks may trigger a denial or request for replacement from your insurance company.
During the inspection, we document:
- Visible wear and tear
- Water stains or signs of previous leaks
- Roof type (shingle, tile, metal, flat)
- Approximate remaining life span
2. Electrical System
Electrical components must meet current safety standards. We look at the electrical panel, wiring type, and overall condition of the system.
Issues that may raise concern:
- Aluminum wiring
- Double taps at breakers
- Cloth-covered wiring
- Outdated panels (e.g., Zinsco, Federal Pacific)
The presence of outdated components doesn’t always mean an automatic denial, but insurers typically want repairs made before approving coverage.
3. Plumbing System
We review the plumbing infrastructure and check for signs of corrosion, leaks, or problematic pipe materials. Older materials like polybutylene or galvanized steel may prompt a request for replacement.
We report on:
- Pipe material and condition
- Water heater age and functionality
- Evidence of leaks or repairs
- General flow and drainage performance
4. HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning)
Insurers expect your HVAC system to be functional and maintained. We verify that heating and cooling systems operate as intended and don’t pose a safety or efficiency risk.
This includes:
- Age of the system
- Cooling and heating output
- Ductwork condition
- Signs of rust or damage
Sample Report: What Insurers See
When we complete your 4-point home inspection, we provide a detailed report with photos, system data, and insurance-specific language. Here’s an example of what a portion of the report might look like:
| System | Condition | Age (Approx.) | Insurance Concern |
|---|---|---|---|
| Roof | Good | 12 years | No |
| Electrical | Fair | 30 years | Yes – cloth wiring |
| Plumbing | Good | 18 years | No |
| HVAC | Poor | 20 years | Yes – not cooling |
We make our reports easy to read and insurer-friendly so you can avoid delays or back-and-forth with your provider. If you’re unsure how this process fits into your insurance application, visit our FAQ page for answers to the most common questions.
Pricing for 4-Point Home Inspections
We offer flat-rate pricing and affordable add-ons, so you get exactly what you need without paying for extras.
| Service Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| 4-Point Inspection | $185 |
| Wind Mitigation Inspection | $185 |
| Both Services Combined | Discounted Package |
| Homes Over 40 Years Old | +$100 |
| Pool Inspection (Add-On) | +$75 |
| Re-Inspection | 50% of Original Fee |
We also include thermal imaging and irrigation system checks at no extra cost. For a detailed list of inspection costs, visit our home inspection cost breakdown.
Military, EMS, firefighters, and veterans receive 10% off all services.
Where We Work
We serve homeowners and agents throughout Florida. Some of our most common service areas include:
- Tampa
- Clearwater
- St. Petersburg
- Trinity
- Spring Hill
- Wesley Chapel
- Palm Harbor
- Riverview
- New Port Richey
- Tarpon Springs
Not sure if we come to you? Check our full Florida service area listing to find out.
4-Point vs. Full Home Inspection
A common question we get is whether the 4-point inspection is enough when buying a home. The short answer: it depends on your goal.
A 4-point inspection is for insurance approval only. It does not check windows, appliances, structural components, or exterior grading. If you want a full picture of the home’s condition, you’ll need a full home inspection, which we also offer.
If you’re unsure which service you need, contact our team and we’ll help you figure out the best fit.
What to Do Before Your Inspection
You can help us complete the inspection faster and more efficiently by:
- Clearing access to the electrical panel and water heater
- Ensuring the HVAC unit is powered on and accessible
- Providing documents for any recent system upgrades or replacements
Even if you’re not sure how old your roof or plumbing is, we’ll estimate based on manufacturer tags, materials, and our experience.
Why Homeowners Choose Us
Our goal is to make the 4-point inspection process simple, fast, and accurate. We know what insurance companies are looking for, and we build our reports to align with their expectations.
Here’s what you can expect when working with us:
- Licensed and experienced home inspectors
- Fast turnaround—usually within 24 hours
- Clear, photo-rich reports designed for insurance
- Competitive pricing with bundled options
- Service across dozens of Florida counties and cities
We also offer flexible scheduling and re-inspection discounts if you need a follow-up after repairs.
Book a 4-Point Home Inspection Today
We make it easy to schedule an inspection. Whether you’re preparing to buy a home, renew a policy, or meet insurance requirements, our team is ready to help.
- Phone: 727-207-0903
- Email: Inspectbybuilder@gmail.com
- Location: 1009 Arlinbrook Dr, Trinity, FL 34655
- Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Use our contact form to book now, or give us a call to speak directly with a licensed inspector.
By Builder Home Inspections is committed to providing accurate, efficient, and insurer-approved 4-point home inspections throughout Florida. Whether you’re a homeowner or a real estate professional, we’re here to make the process smooth and straightforward.
