If you want to make sure your home is updated and safe, you need to get an inspection done by a professional. A four-point home inspection takes a look at four major systems in your home to verify they are all in good condition.
The systems are your roof, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC. This is a helpful inspection because it can often dictate the price of your homeowners insurance policy. Insurers like to know that the home is well kept and at minimal risk of experiencing a loss.
- 4-point home inspection covers the four main systems in your home
- The four systems include your roof, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC
- Getting this inspection is specifically for the purpose of homeowners insurance
What is a four point home inspection?
When you get a four point home inspection, a professional will come to the home and take a look at the roof, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC. During the inspection, the home is assessed for risks.
This is important for insurance purposes because insurance companies like to know that homes are safe and protected as much as possible. It will highlight the strong points of the home and make it more likely for an insurer to cover damages because they will not be seen as preventable by the homeowner.
- 4-point inspection differs from a new home inspection. It is designed to take a look at the four main systems and is completed visually. A new home inspection takes hours and is designed to help the mortgage company rather than the insurance company.
- Four point inspections are very common in areas that experience more natural disasters. These inspections can alert the homeowner if any necessary repairs or upgrades are needed before an incident occurs.
- Homeowners insurance companies might request a four point inspection to determine eligibility for insurance or renewal purposes. This will alert them of the current condition of the home so it can properly be assessed.
Why is a four point home inspection necessary?
If you have an older home, a four point inspection could be deemed necessary. There are many risks associated with older homes, and this can make insurance companies reluctant to provide coverage without an inspection.
After you get an inspection on an older home, you will receive documents declaring the condition of your home that you can present to your insurance company. This will confirm that the main systems of the home are suitable for insurance purposes.
Even if your home is not older and you are not located in a state that is at risk of experiencing natural disasters, it is still beneficial to get a four point inspection done.
- The inspections are fast and inexpensive. This means they present minimal hassle for the homeowner to obtain one. Having this information about your home is beneficial because you will understand what work should be done on the home to make it strong and durable before any incident occurs.
- If you ever want to sell your home in the future, having this inspection done will confirm the condition of the home for the next buyers. This will make it more likely that you will sell the home quickly and without issues. Buyers will not be interested in choosing a home that is hard to insure and is in poor condition.
- Unexpected issues can happen to any home, and these issues become even worse when they are not covered by homeowners insurance. Homeowners insurance policies exclude damage that is seen as preventable, so getting an inspection done will highlight what you can do for the home ahead of time.
What to expect during a four point home inspection
Once you schedule the inspection, the licensed professional will come out to your home and begin looking at all four areas.
Roof
The inspector will consider the age of your roof, what it is made of, and the condition it is currently in. Many insurance companies are not willing to provide coverage if the roof has shingles that are 20+ years old, so it is important to find out where yours stand.
If you have a tile or metal roof, insurance companies are typically not going to insure the home if the roof is 40+ years old. This is seen as outdated and will require an upgrade. Getting the inspection will become a helpful way for you to learn more about your roof.
Even if your roof is newer, it must be checked for susceptibility to leaks and cracking. If there is any apparent damage on the interior or exterior of the roof, this can cause an insurance company to deny coverage.
Electrical
There are certain types of electrical wiring seen as fire hazards to insurance companies. These include knob-and-tube, copper, and aluminum. The inspector will verify the type of wiring your home is equipped with.
In 90% of residential fires, the cause is due to faulty or out-of-date wiring. This is why it is extremely important to get this system inspected. You will be able to figure out which updates are required to make the electrical system safer.
Plumbing
During this portion of the inspection, the professional will take a look at the type of pipes used in your plumbing system. Polybutylene piping is known for bursting, so this can often require replacement as insurance companies do not like to cover this type.
Some insurance companies will still provide coverage but will exclude water damage. Since this is a typical incident that occurs in many homeowners insurance claims, it is important to get adequate coverage by updating your plumbing system.
HVAC
This system controls your heating and air conditioning. The inspector will be looking at the furnace and a/c units to ensure they are all in working order. They will also take note of any obvious damage that already exists.
You will find out how well these units work and if they need to be replaced. The inspector can verify the information for you, which will allow you to budget the repairs efficiently.
Also read: Top 8 things agents check during a home inspection
Getting your home into top shape is already a priority, but it becomes even more important when you consider your homeowners insurance. After getting a four point inspection, you will have all the information necessary to move forward with helpful repairs and upgrades.
