When Is a 4 Point Home Inspection Required?

Homeowners insurance companies want to know about your property, especially older homes, before they can generate a quote. They often require this information in the form of a 4 point inspection report. A 4 point home inspection is an abbreviated inspection performed by a professional home inspector. Read on to learn more about this service.

What Does a 4 Point Home Inspection Include?

As the name suggests, a 4 point home inspection examines four major systems in a home. Insurance companies are concerned with these components because they are often the most expensive to repair and replace. The systems inspected are the roof, HVAC, electrical system, and plumbing.

Roof

Problems with the roof can be very serious. The roof’s purpose is to protect the rest of the house, and if the roof needs to be replaced, damage to the structure may have already occurred. The inspector will assess the roof, noting the apparent age and the condition of the shingles, gutters, and flashing.

HVAC

In some cases, insurance companies will deny coverage to homes that don’t have an HVAC system. If the home does have an HVAC system, the insurance provider wants to know the age and condition so they won’t be covering a system that is about to fail.

Electrical System

The electrical system is included in this type of inspection because it can be a fire hazard if it’s damaged or not wired correctly. The inspector will test and inspect the electrical panel, circuitry, and outlets to make sure the components of the system are safe.

Plumbing

Faulty plumbing and water leaks can cause serious damage leading to mold and deterioration of building materials. Insurance companies want to know the type and condition of plumbing pipes and the age and condition of the water heater.

Prudent Home Inspections offers 4 point inspections to Maryland, Washington DC, and Virginia. If you’re buying a new home or need an inspection for your insurance company, contact us to schedule an appointment.