What is a 4 Point Inspection?
Slide Guide to 4 Point Home Inspections for Florida Homeowners
If you own or are purchasing an older home in Florida, a 4-point home inspection is one of the most important steps to ensure insurance eligibility and peace of mind. This focused evaluation looks at the four critical systems most likely to cause costly damage or insurance issues in aging homes: the roof, electrical system, plumbing, and HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning). With Florida's intense heat, humidity, and storm activity accelerating wear and tear, insurance companies often require these inspections before issuing or renewing a policy.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about 4-point inspections in Florida—including what they cover, why they matter, how they impact your insurance, and how to get your home ready.
What is a 4-point home inspection?
A four-point inspection is a targeted assessment of your home’s roof, electrical system, plumbing, and HVAC. Unlike a full home inspection, which evaluates the entire property, this inspection zeroes in on the systems most closely tied to insurance claims and coverage eligibility. The goal is to confirm that these systems are in good working order and do not pose a significant risk.
An insurance company may require a four-point inspection before issuing a policy for homes over 20 years old, so it is important to identify outdated or failing systems early to avoid surprises that could delay closings, affect your premium, or result in declined coverage.
These inspections also provide homeowners with peace of mind by confirming that the property’s major systems are functioning safely and efficiently. In many cases, a four-point inspection may uncover early warning signs of wear or deterioration—issues that can be addressed before they escalate into more serious and expensive problems.
Who needs a 4-point inspection?
In Florida, four-point inspections are typically required for homes over 20 years old when applying for a new insurance policy or renewing an existing one. Insurance companies like Slide request four-point inspections to better understand a property’s condition and determine the risk if they write the policy. Even if your home was recently renovated, a four-point inspection may still be necessary to document those updates and qualify for coverage.
This inspection is essential for:
- Homebuyers purchasing older properties who need insurance to close on their mortgage.
- Homeowners who receive a request from their insurer for updated documentation for their upcoming renewal.
- Sellers who want to make their homes more attractive and insurable for buyers.
Getting a four-point inspection ahead of time can streamline the insurance process, highlight any issues that need fixing, and help you avoid delays during your home closing, new insurance policy purchase, or policy renewal.
Key Benefits of a 4-Point Inspection
- Faster Underwriting Approvals: Insurers use the inspection report to assess risk and determine if the home qualifies for coverage. In many cases, having this documentation ready can reduce underwriting review times and eliminate the need for additional paperwork.
- Unlock Discounts: A 4-point inspection report can unlock discounts by proving to the insurer that the systems are new or updated.
- Maintenance Insights: Inspections can uncover issues early, letting you address problems before they become expensive repairs. This proactive approach protects your investment and can prevent future insurance claims.
- Fast and Affordable: A 4-point inspection is typically faster and more affordable than a full home inspection, usually costing $75–$150 and taking under an hour.
- Added Transparency: A 4-point inspection adds a layer of transparency to real estate transactions. Buyers gain insight into the home’s major systems, and sellers can use the report to demonstrate that the property is well-maintained and insurable.
What Inspectors Look For in a 4-Point Inspection
| System | What Inspectors Check | Why It Matters | Common Issues |
|---|---|---|---|
| Roof | Age, material, condition, and signs of water damage | Roofs over 10-20 years may be rejected for coverage | Curling shingles, leaks, sagging, water stains |
| Electrical | Panel brand, wiring type, GFCI/AFCI protection | Outdated systems are a major fire risk | Faulty breaker panels, aluminum wiring |
| Plumbing | Pipe materials, leaks, water pressure | Old or defective pipes can lead to water damage | Polybutylene pipes, slow leaks, corrosion |
| HVAC | Age, functionality, drainage, humidity control | Florida's humidity requires effective systems | Inadequate cooling, mold risk, poor drainage |
Inspectors often document their findings with photos and detailed notes, which are submitted to the insurer as part of the policy review process.
How to Prepare for Your 4-Point Inspection
Getting your home ready for inspection ensures an accurate report and reduces the chance of delays. If you can safely do so:
- Clear access to attic entries, electrical panels, HVAC units, and under sinks.
- Turn on all utilities—power, water, and HVAC must be functional for proper inspection.
- Have a licensed professional fix minor issues like leaky faucets, damaged outlets, or exposed wiring.
- Gather documentation for upgrades or repairs—permits, receipts, and contractor information help prove the work was done professionally.
- Be transparent with your inspector about known issues - this helps them assess and document accurately.
- Schedule in advance—especially during peak real estate seasons or storm prep periods when inspectors are in high demand.
Common 4-Point Findings (and How to Stay Ahead of Them)
While a four-point inspection is a standard part of the insurance process for older homes, certain findings may require extra attention before coverage is finalized. Knowing what to expect can help you prepare, avoid surprises, and keep everything moving forward easily.
Roof Condition Concerns
The insurance company may request further evaluation if you have an older roof. Even if a roof looks fine from the ground, signs like missing or damaged shingles or tiles, soft spots, or prior patchwork repairs may indicate underlying vulnerabilities.
Electrical System Red Flags
Outdated electrical panels, such as Federal Pacific or Zinsco brands, are known for increasing fire risks. Homes with aluminum wiring, cloth wiring, or missing GFCI protection in key areas may also benefit from targeted upgrades.
Plumbing System Challenges
Materials like polybutylene piping, often found in older homes, are more prone to leaks over time. Inspectors also check for corrosion, slow leaks under sinks, and unusual water pressure—all of which can cause costly water damage.
HVAC System Health
Having a well-maintained HVAC system is critical in Florida’s humid climate. Systems over 15 years old or that show signs of poor drainage or humidity control may need to be serviced or replaced. Keeping your HVAC system efficient ensures comfort and also helps protect your home against moisture-related risks.
Missing or Outdated Permits
If past upgrades to your roof, plumbing, or electrical systems were completed without permits, insurers may request verification that the work meets local building codes. Keeping organized records of permitted work makes the process smoother and supports long-term protection for your home.
💡Pro Tip: If you know your home has any of these issues, consider having the work completed by a licensed contractor before scheduling your 4-point inspection. This will ensure a smoother insurance underwriting process and will strengthen your home for the future.
Insurance Impact: Why Inspections Matter
Your four-point inspection results play a significant role in helping your insurer provide the right coverage at the best possible rate. Homes that pass easily often qualify for lower premiums. If the inspection reveals areas that need attention—such as an aging roof or outdated wiring—your insurer may request upgrades to ensure your home is fully protected.
Some insurers may offer conditional coverage while updates are made, giving you time to complete improvements without a lapse in protection. A four-point inspection provides the insight you need to plan, address any vulnerabilities, and secure reliable coverage for years to come.
4-Point vs. Full Home Inspection
While a full home inspection covers everything from foundation to finishes, a four-point inspection strictly focuses on the four systems tied to insurance eligibility. Full inspections are ideal during home purchases, but a four-point inspection is faster, cheaper, and more focused for insurance purposes.
| Feature | 4-Point Inspection | Full Home Inspection |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Roof, Electrical, Plumbing, HVAC | Entire property |
| Time | ~45 minutes | 2–3 hours |
| Cost | $75–$150 | $400–$600 |
| Purpose | Insurance eligibility | Buyer decision-making |
A four-point inspection gives buyers the documentation needed for insurance eligibility and it’s separate from a full home inspection.
How to Choose a 4-Point Inspector in Florida
Not all home inspectors are qualified. Make sure your inspector is:
- Licensed in Florida – Verify credentials with the Department of Business and Professional Regulation.
- Experienced in 4-Point Inspections – These differ from buyer inspections and require special knowledge and forms.
- Clear on Insurer Requirements – Some insurers prefer specific formats or inspection forms.
- Well-Reviewed – Look for feedback on the inspector, specifically reviews mentioning insurance inspections.
- Thorough and Communicative – Ask for sample reports to ensure detail and clarity.
- Responsive and Available – Timely communication can help you meet closing or renewal deadlines.
Choosing the right inspector can prevent unnecessary delays and ensure that all relevant features are properly documented—saving you time, stress, and potentially hundreds of dollars in premiums.
Permits, Codes & Documentation
Work completed without permits can complicate the insurance underwriting process, so it is important to always secure proper permits and keep your documentation current. This is especially true for roofing, plumbing, or electrical upgrades.
If past work was completed without a permit, your inspector or agent can help you address it. If you are buying a home, you can try to request documentation of the work from the seller.
Keeping thorough records of home improvements, inspections, and repairs helps with insurance and strengthens your protection if a claim arises.
Are You Ready for Your 4-Point Inspection?
You can avoid delays, reduce stress, and save money if you know what to expect. Whether buying, renewing, or just wanting peace of mind, getting a four-point inspection is smart for Florida homeowners with older homes.
This simple inspection becomes a powerful tool for protecting your home, investment, and insurance options when paired with proper maintenance, proactive repairs, and good documentation.
Protect Your Home with Confidence
At Slide, we believe protecting your home should be simple, personal, and built around you. Whether navigating insurance after a 4-point inspection or preparing for Florida's next storm season, we're here to help you feel confident every step of the way.
Get started today with a personalized quote on our website or through your local insurance agent and learn how easy it is to protect what matters most with Slide by your side.