4-Point Inspection
What Is A 4-Point Inspection?
A 4-point inspection examines the following systems in a house or condominium: roofing, electrical, plumbing and HVAC. A home inspector tests and reviews the systems to verify that they either work or they must be repaired or replaced.
A homeowners insurance company typically requires a 4-point inspection before approving a new policy or renewing a homeowners insurance coverage. Insurance companies may be more selective about providing coverage to homes over 4 years old because they’re more likely to need costly repairs.
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New homeowners can also use a 4-point inspection to gauge whether the property is worth investing in before fully committing to a mortgage. Noticeable issues found during the inspection can indicate future problems.
Benefits Of A 4-Point Inspection
A 4-point inspection provides several benefits:
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Fast and inexpensive: A 4-point inspection can be completed quickly at a low cost. A trained, licensed professional can inspect a property within a few hours.
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Guarantee the condition of your real estate: If you plan on selling your home, you can use the inspection to see what issues you’ll need to address in your home before listing.
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Avoid future headaches: Whether you’re a homeowner or a prospective homeowner, an inspection can help you avoid unexpected repairs, upgrades or replacements because you’ve checked the major systems in the home preemptively.
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What Does A 4-Point Inspection Cover?
When a licensed inspector visits a home to conduct a 4-point inspection, they examine the following systems:
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HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning): The inspector will look for obvious signs of leakage and issues with the ventilation system and check to make sure hot and cold air comes out of the vents.
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Electrical: Homes with aluminum, knob-and-tube and copper wiring present increased fire hazard risks and are commonly uninsurable.
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Plumbing: The inspector will examine pipes to gauge their likelihood of bursting, which could lead to water damage.
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Roofing: Inspectors will determine the age, material and life expectancy of the roofing system.
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4-Point Home Inspection Costs
The cost of a 4-point inspection will vary from state to state and by insurer. It’s safe to estimate that you’ll pay anywhere from $100 to $200 to have a 4-point inspection completed on your home.
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