What Is a 4 Point Inspection

by Abhinav G. Movie Enthusiast

Before I go into the distinctions between an 4-point inspection and the buyer's inspection we must first understand them.

Four-point examinations are the tools insurance underwriters as well as insurance companies utilize to evaluate the level of risk. You may have already guessed, there are four major things that are assessed during a four-point inspection:

Electrical system
Plumbing,
Roof and Structural Integrity, and
HVAC System (heating air conditioning, ventilation as well as cooling).

An inspector of homes is able to record the condition, age material, basic characteristics in each category. For instance is the roof made of tiles or shingles? Does the electrical wiring come from either aluminum or copper? What is the age of this HVAC system? Who made this electrical panel?

Like any other inspection, certified inspectors prepare an account of their findings that you can provide an insurance claim.

Why Do I Need a 4 Point Inspection?

Four-point inspections can help your insurance company to determine the amount of risk they take on in providing coverage. Underwriters gather a variety of information to predict the amount of claims homeowners make (and consequently how much they'll have to pay).

One illustration of one "high risk" factor is polybutylene plumbing because it was discovered to be fragile upon being exposed to the elements within water supplies (therefore creating the possibility of more water leaks). Polybutylene pipes even were involved in a class-action lawsuit that resulted in the material being omitted from the "acceptable plumbing" list in 1994.

But contractors were permitted to use up their inventory, and I've seen it on houses constructed as late as 1998. Polybutylene pipe 3rd Generation have no failures that were known, but insurance underwriters won't make concessions in that regard.

The plumbing in your polybutylene pipe could be in good condition and has no leaks in the past. It could even provide many years of use out of it. If you're having trouble finding a reasonable homeowner coverage, it's usually easier to replace your insurance policy.

How Does It Differ From a Buyer/Seller Inspection?

A complete inspection or buyer's inspection, is much more thorough.

If a house is on contract, there's an option for buyers to have a complete home inspection. If an inspection reveals an issue that the buyer isn't at ease with This clause permits buyers to cancel the contract and claim the earnest money.

Since 4 point inspections only focus on four points (the ones above) isn't legal to meet the requirements of the clause. Thus, even if the four-point inspection shows that the building is more than 20 years old and the buyer is not be able get out of their agreement.

It's best not to see the buyer's inspections as legal obligations rather than as a buyer who is relying on a qualified home inspector's professional and educated capability to protect the buyer's interests with the house.

It's part of the infamous phrase, "buyer beware."

4 Point Inspection as opposed to. Full Inspection

What is the difference between a four points inspection and an buyer's?

A complete buyer's inspection can take approximately two and a half to three hours. A four-point inspection typically lasts between 20 and 30 minutes. Although a four-point inspection is limited to four items, a complete inspection is it is an examination of your whole house.

The items that are examined include:

exterior,
interior,
appliances,
Structural strength,
garage,
plumbing,
HVAC System,
electrical system,
roofing coverings,
Conditions of the site,
outlets,
plumbing fixtures,
Water intrusion, plumbing leaks,
water damage,
use of sinks and toilets,
Grading of the site (which can impact drainage),
operation of windows and doors,
issues with the exterior problems with the exterior (siding),
Fascias that have rotted,
and much more.

Another significant distinction is that buyer/seller inspections usually occur when selling an apartment, while four points inspections are more frequent.

Since it is your insurance provider that is requesting an inspection, you could require one after buying your home or changing carriers. Even if you have the same homeowner's policy for a long time, you could be required to submit an inspection report of 4 points in the event that your home is between 30 and 40 years old.

What Does a 4 Point Inspection Cost?

We are Hildreth Home Inspections, we try our best to ensure that we maintain the highest quality standards while keeping the cost reasonable.

Four-point inspections cost approximately $125 for homes within our area of service. For comparison, a complete Orlando home inspection begins at about $350.

We always advise homeowners to consider the credentials and expertise of their inspector, not the price. When you buy anything you can return it under a policy however, real estate is an exception. Being aware of what you're purchasing will prevent you from having unpleasant (and costly) surprise later.

Conclusion

If the insurance underwriter from insurance companies is requiring you to have a four points inspection, don't believe that it's going to substitute for an inspection of your home in full. Buyers must employ an experienced house inspector to complete a full inspection prior to buying a house. It's a minimal cost to pay to be sure that you're investing in the right way and are aware of what's happening to your house.

While all home inspections have to be performed according to state-mandated standards but there aren't all home inspectors identical. In the case of Hildreth Home Inspections, we surpass the state's standards to complete the most thorough inspection feasible. We examine every home as if we were to live there This means that you receive unbeatable customer service when you book a 4 Point Inspection in Jacksonville, FL.