What Is a 4-Point Inspection?

You might need a 4-Point Inspection if you are looking to insure a home over 10 years old. 4-Point Inspections may open up more home insurance company options for you, potentially saving you money.

The 4-Point Inspection looks at the four major systems of your home, including:

Electrical
Roof
HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning)
Plumbing

There is a basic outline of what’s covered under a 4-Point Inspection. However, each insurance company has its own set of rules regarding what needs an inspection.

A 4-Point Inspection is specifically for homeowners insurance, and should not be confused with a Full Home Inspection. This distinction is important because the Full Home Inspection may be required to close on a home and meet eligibility criteria for your mortgage. It usually takes two to three hours to complete, depending on the size and features of the home. A 4-Point Inspection usually takes about 30 minutes and is only visual. However, if you buy an older home you might be required to have both inspections.

Our inspectors at All Integrity Home Inspections LLC will not submit a failed 4-Point Inspection without giving you the chance to correct any deficiencies which we may find. Once the corrections have been made, simply call us back out and we can give you our stamp of approval.

4-Point Inspection vs. Full Home Inspection

Keep in mind that a 4-Point Inspection is not the same as a Full Home Inspection. Insurance underwriters and insurance companies use the information from a 4-Point Inspection when putting together an insurance policy, but it can leave out critical areas of the home.

If you’re considering a home purchase, a Full Home Inspection can reveal potential concerns important to new homeowners, including but not limited to:

Appliances
Structural integrity
Site conditions
Outlets
Plumbing fixtures
Toilet and sink operation
Doors and windows
Insulation

A Full Home Inspection can help you decide whether to buy a particular house, but your insurance company does not generally require all the extra information a Home Inspection includes.