What Is A 4-Point Inspection

Usually when a 4-point inspection is mentioned, the general belief is that it must relate to automobiles. But the term applies also to homes. It is basically a quickly done assessment of a proper. This kind of inspection is applied in cases when a full scale assessment is not absolutely necessary and in cases when it will be too much to wait for in view of the work at hand.

As its name implies, a 4-point inspection focuses on 4 main areas of the property.

1. HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning).
2. Electrical wiring and panels.
3. Plumbing connections and fixtures.
4.  Roof.

This kind of test is hardly ever required except for insurance purposes. Insurance companies require homeowners to have it done before their property can be covered especially if it is an older building.

A 4-point inspection is very important to homeowners who are seeking insurance on their properties, and the forms – although readily available – cannot be filled by anyone.

The most common concern they harbor is that there may be untold issues beleaguering older homes that could in the near future turn into a liability to them. For example; if the roof of a home is close to the end of its reliable service life, it is very likely to fail within the duration of the insurance policy causing damages to the homeowner’s properties and other contents within the house.

The homeowners will of course seek reimbursement from the insurance company for such damages. Same is also applicable to the condition of the HVAC, plumbing and electrical systems in an older property.

If any of these 4 elements of the 4-point inspection are in need of being replaced or updated, found to be in a state of disrepair or discovered to have been improperly installed, they are assumed to fail fairly possibly in the near future and their possible failure increases the risk of damage to the home through fire or water – damage for which the insurance company may end up paying.

Although many insurance companies have their own standardized 4-point inspection report forms, they also accept reports compiled by trusted home inspection companies like South Country Home inspection. The catch however, is that they may want it filled on a form produced by themselves (the insurance company) in opposition to one provided by the inspectors.

Homeowners who have already paid for full inspections can have the company convert their findings into a 4-point report. The paperwork involved in full home inspections is not just unnecessary for insurance companies, but they are also cumbersome and constitute hindrance to the speed with which they can discharge their duties.

A 4-point inspection is very important to homeowners who are seeking insurance on their properties, and the forms – although readily available – cannot be filled by anyone. The insurance companies require certain professionals.

It must also be noted as a final point to check with individual insurance companies if a chosen home inspection company is on their approved list.