What is the cost of 4 point inspection in Florida and is it worth it

As a Florida homeowner, getting homeowners insurance on your property is crucial. However, most insurance providers in the state require a four point inspection report before they can insure a home. Since every insurance provider has a unique set of requirements, the guidelines of a four point inspection can be different. Most homeowners consider the cost of a 4 point inspection in Florida to be a waste of money, but it can actually help you insure your home and uncover any unforeseen future repair jobs that could easily break your bank.

 

What is a 4 point inspection?

Unlike a regular home inspection, a four point inspection only considers four primary systems of a home, namely, roof, electrical, HVAC, and plumbing systems. However, new homes rarely require a 4-point inspection, while it is necessary to insure an older home. Although this type of inspection is not done from the point of view of safety, it has to be conducted by a licensed inspector or building contractor.

 

What does a 4 point inspection cover?

A typical home inspection from a licensed inspector covers the four major systems of a home. Here is an insight into everything that is inspected.

 

• HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) System

If your home has heating or central air conditioning, it needs to be thoroughly inspected. Typically, an inspector looks at the condition of the cooling and heating systems, followed by the functionality. Additionally, they also look for any water damage around the plenum and determine the lifespan of your heating or cooling systems.

 

• Roof

The roof of a home received a significant amount of wear and tear as a result of constantly braving harsh weather conditions. To inspect the roof of a home, the inspector will determine the age and type of roof, allowing them to decide on its approximate lifespan. Furthermore, they check for any signs of damage or any issues that may be of concern. As a general rule, an inspector looks for at least five more years of lifespan remaining for your roofs.

 

Here are the most commonly found issues with your roof:

• Granule loss.
• Loose or lifting shingles.
• Cracked tiles.
• Missing or damaged tiles or shingles.
• Missing fasteners.
• Leaks on the roof.
• Repair patches that are not up to code.

 

• Plumbing System

The plumbing system can cause significant damage to the structural integrity of your home. A professional inspector will thoroughly examine your water heater, its age, the type of plumbing used, and if there are any leaks.

 

The most commonly found plumbing issues in homes are:

• Polybutylene piping and joints.
• Improper TPR discharge tubing.
• Improper traps.
• Water leaks.
• The water heater lifespan has been completed.

 

• Electrical System

Electrical issues can be a major threat to safety around your household as a majority of house fires result from poor wiring or short circuits. During the inspection, the inspector will thoroughly assess any repair jobs, the type of panels and wiring used, and their age and condition. Finding issues with the electrical systems of a home is pretty common, and here are some of the most prevalent issues found in most households.

• Aluminum wiring
• Cloth wiring
• Double tapped breakers
• Knob and tube wiring
• Outdated fuse boxes
• Neutrals and grounds on the same bar in subpanels.
• Improper grounding
• Missing GFCI’s

 

The Cost of a 4 Point Inspection in Florida

The cost of a four point inspection can vary broadly, from state to state, due to changing homeowners insurance policies. Typically, a four point inspection can cost you as little as $50 or as high as $150. You can ask your home insurance provider or agent for a recommendation on which inspector to hire. However, some home inspectors also perform a four point inspection when conducting a complete home inspection, saving you the additional cost.

You should also be aware that a four point inspection report holds ground for up to 3 years. This means that when you switch your insurance providers, you can re-use your four point inspection report as long as it is less than 3 (three) years old.

The outcome of a 4 point inspection does not affect the cost of your homeowners insurance, as it is only used to determine whether your home can be insured or not.

 

Read More: What is the difference between a 4-point inspection and a full house inspection

Benefits of a 4 Point Home Inspection

Unlike a complete home inspection, a four point inspection only focuses on four major systems of a home and their condition (roof, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC). The reports generated from these findings are used to secure homeowners insurance. Besides these, here are some of the benefits of getting one.

• Quick and Inexpensive

These inspections are performed by certified inspectors who can complete them within a few hours. Furthermore, these inspections are fairly inexpensive due to their highly minimal nature.

 

• Avoid Unforeseen Repair Bills

Having a major issue suddenly rear its head can have a significant impact on your finances, especially if they garner massive repair bills. Getting your home inspected allows you to get ahead of these issues while they are still manageable and get them corrected before it becomes a major headache.

 

• Understand Your Home’s Condition Better

If you want to put your property up for sale, getting an inspection report will help you address any issues before proceeding with a deal, or use the home’s excellent condition to justify your prices and make higher profits.

 

A four point inspection is a requirement to insure your home, as all insurance providers use its report to determine the liability of a property. These inspections can be beneficial to homebuyers and sellers alike. The cost of a 4 point inspection in Florida is insignificant compared to securing insurance and the downsides of not having one.