Florida homeowners must always ensure their homes are covered with a comprehensive insurance policy. Part of obtaining this coverage may involve providing the insurance company with a 4-point inspection. This report provides your insurance company with critical information about the home’s vital systems. This article will cover what those systems are and what to expect from the process.
Everything You Need to Know About Getting a 4-Point Inspection for Your Home
What It Consists Of
This inspection consists of the overall status of four of the most critical components of your home. These are the electrical system, plumbing, HVAC, and roof. The inspection will consider the home’s age and the systems, any safety issues the inspector uncovers, and other insurance issues that the company would want to know about. Let’s take a closer look at each component and some of the warning signs inspectors look for.
Electrical
As it pertains to your home’s electrical system, inspectors will look closely to ensure all wiring and panels are correctly installed and in line with code regulations. Specifically, they will ensure that electrical outlets are correctly grounded and that the electrical system’s size corresponds with the home’s size.
Not all code violations result in failing a 4 point inspection. These vary from case to case, depending on how severe the violation is. Here are some examples of non-negotiable violations that will result in a failed inspection:
- Faulty aluminum branch wiring
- Faulty knob-and-tube wiring
- Damaged or compromised fuses/fuse boxes
- A double-tapped breaker
- Cloth or sheath wiring
Plumbing
During the plumbing inspection, a qualified inspector will analyze the age and condition of plumbing materials and equipment throughout the home. This includes exposing leaks in drains and supply lines and ensuring the water heater is in good condition and can efficiently distribute water throughout the home.
HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning)
Not surprisingly, HVAC is considered one of the most essential systems in a home due to its function of regulating interior temperatures and climate. An outdated HVAC system or faulty installation puts homeowners at risk of dust accumulation, poor air quality, subsequent electrical problems, and potential health hazards.
To ensure a passed inspection, cooling units must function optimally and be the appropriate size for a home. Inspectors will also consider the age of an HVAC system; if it exceeds 20 years, there’s a good chance you’ll be required to replace it with a newer model.
Roof
A home’s roof is the first line of defense against the elements, so it makes perfect sense that an insurance company will want to know the condition of your roof before approving a policy. Inspectors will check to see that shingles are not damaged in a way that causes leaks to occur. Older roofs often show signs of deterioration, which also contributes to leaks and additional costly damage and another factor inspectors will take into account. Finally, the shape of your roof will also be analyzed to ensure it doesn’t allow for the build-up of water pools.
This type of inspection is typically requested by potential homebuyers and insurance companies when a home is 20 years or older. It provides them with key information to let them know if the risk of taking on the property is a reasonable one.