What is a 4-Point Inspection?

What is a 4-Point inspection? A 4-Point inspection is basically a "mini home inspection" for home owner's insurance companies. Your insurance company may request this type inspection to help determine the condition and age of your home's electric, plumbing, HVAC and roof systems. They also want to know if there's any deficiencies with these four systems. If deficiencies are found during the inspection, your insurance company may want these items repaired before moving forward with your insurance coverage. Your insurance company may will request that you hire a licensed home inspector within your area to perform the inspection and produce a report with the information they need. Since you're the one hiring the inspector, the home inspector only delivers the report to you, not the insurance company. However, it's your responsibility to send the report to your insurance company within a certain timeframe.

Here's a quick break down on what we inspect:

• Plumbing. The inspector checks the water heater for leaks, corrosion and substandard plumbing installation. Pictures are taken of the water heater unit, pipe connections and manufacturer's label. The manufacturer's label will determine the age of the unit. Most insurance companies will not insure water heaters beyond 20 years of age, regardless of condition. The inspector checks plumbing pipes under all sinks for leaks, corrosion and substandard plumbing installation. Water at all sinks will be operated for several minutes in order to check for leaks. The inspector will identify and document the piping material at all visible plumbing. 
• Roof. The inspector will check the roof for damaged, deterioration and substandard installation. Basically anything that could cause a roof leak. The inspector will determine the last time the roof was installed. This information is usually found by the latest roof permit and/or roofing contractor's invoice. The inspector will also determine the life expectancy left of the roof surface. The life expectancy is usually determined by age and current condition. Most insurance companies will not cover a roof with less than 5 years left of life expectancy. 
• HVAC. The inspector will check the a/c and heating system. The cool air supply and gas furnace (if present) will be documented for functionality. Any leaks located at the air handler unit will also be reported. Most insurance companies will not insure HVAC systems that are over 20 years old, regardless of condition.
• Electrical. The inspector will check electrical panels for electrical hazards such as double tapped breakers, scorching or burnt wires, undersized wires and substandard wiring. Electrical components in and around the home will also be inspected for deficiencies including the attic space.

As a home inspector, we comment and document on these items during the inspection. Home inspectors are not affiliated with home owner's insurance companies or make decisions on  behalf of the insurance company's coverage or policies. It's the insurance company's responsibility to make their own determination with the information provided to them.

Regardless of deficiencies that are found during the inspection, it could also help the home owner aware of any potential problems that may exist within their home which could become bigger and more expensive problem if not addressed in a timely manner. 

If you would like to know more about 4-Point inspections or you would like to schedule an inspection, give us a call or email at J. Gregory Home Inspections.