4-Point Inspections
When purchasing an older home or renewing your homeowner’s insurance, a 4-Point Inspection can be an essential step in ensuring your property meets safety and insurance requirements. At SWF Home Inspections, we offer comprehensive 4-Point Inspections that focus on four critical systems in your home: the roof, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems. This inspection provides a thorough evaluation of these areas, offering valuable insights into the condition of your home and helping you make informed decisions.
Why a 4-Point Inspection is Important
A 4-Point Inspection is commonly required by insurance companies, especially for older homes, to qualify for homeowner’s insurance or to renew an existing policy. Insurance providers use the results of the inspection to assess the risk of insuring the property. Homes with outdated or faulty systems may be considered a higher risk, leading to higher premiums or, in some cases, the inability to secure coverage. A 4-Point Inspection helps identify potential issues and provides an opportunity for homeowners to address them before they become costly problems.
WHAT ARE THE 4-POINTS?
Roof
Is there apparent shingle damage or cracked tiling on your roof? Inspectors will be looking to determine the age, material and life expectancy of the roofing system.
HVAC
Does your home have air conditioning and central heating? If so, what condition are the units in and are there obvious signs of leakage?
Plumbing
Are the pipes in your home made of polybutylene, which is known to cause leakage problems? Inspectors will examine your plumbing for leaks which could lead to water damage.
Electrical
Do you know the type of wiring running throughout your house? Homes with aluminum, knob-and-tube and copper wiring present increased fire hazard risks and are commonly uninsurable.
HVAC System Inspection: Heating and Cooling Equipment
HVAC, which stands for heating, ventilation and air conditioning, can be considered one of the most integral systems, as it regulates the climate control within your home. Improperly installed or outdated HVAC systems elevate the risk of poor air quality and dust accumulation, potentially leading to unwanted health complications if left unchecked.
As the licensed inspector examines the HVAC unit, they will be looking for the following:
- Fully Functioning Heating And Cooling Unit
A homeowner must have an appropriately-sized, fully functioning heating and cooling unit installed in their home. Ductwork, thermostats, and other HVAC components may be inspected if access is available. It’s important to note that fireplaces, oil furnaces and window AC units are not considered primary heating and cooling units for a home due to safety concerns and energy inefficiency.
- Condition And Age Of The HVAC System
Although not seen as pass/fail criteria for the inspection, the condition and age of the HVAC unit is reviewed during the inspection. The inspector will be able to get a better idea of the life expectancy of the unit when examining these factors, while also gauging how well-maintained the system is. As long as there are no apparent system issues, you should be fine.
Note: If an HVAC unit is over 20 years old, you will likely be advised to replace the system for an updated model.
Electrical System Evaluation: Panel, Wiring, and Safety
When it comes to the inspection of your electrical system, inspectors will mainly be looking to make sure that all electrical outlets are properly grounded, that the system’s size is appropriate for the size of the house, and the overall safety of the setup. Outdated electrical panels or faulty wiring can pose significant safety risks, such as electrical fires or short circuits.
If an inspector discovers an issue with your electrical system, your insurance company may still accept the inspection. It is really dependent on the severity of the violation and the potential risk associated with it. However, there are some components of an electrical system that may make it uninsurable. These include:
- Aluminum branch wiring
- Knob-and-tube wiring
- Fuses/fuse boxes
- A double-tapped breaker
- Cloth and sheath wiring
Plumbing System Check: Pipes, Fixtures, and Leaks
During the inspection of the home’s plumbing system, the licensed inspector will evaluate the material, age, and condition of the drains, supply lines, and fixtures throughout the house, looking for signs of leakage. Older homes may have pipes made of materials like galvanized steel or cast iron, which are more prone to corrosion and leaks. They will also look at the current condition of the water heater, ensuring it effectively distributes water throughout the home.
Identifying potential plumbing issues early can prevent future problems such as water damage, mold growth, or low water pressure.
Roof Assessment: Age, Condition, and Integrity
The roof inspection is known for being the most comprehensive portion. The roof design of a home is not only integral to the entire building structure, but it also impacts factors like energy efficiency and mold accumulation. Inspectors look closely for potential health and safety risks that may compromise the structure of the home and the safety of those living within.
The following are factors evaluated during the roofing inspection:
- Age: Roofs have life spans just like every other component of a house. Whether your roof has shingles or tiles, or is made of metal, there are recommended life expectancies and various factors that contribute to that expectancy. Inspectors will take into consideration the weathering, care, and age of the roof.
- Signs of deterioration: Poorly designed or older roofs will allow pools of water to form on the surface, leading to water damage. Inspectors will look for apparent signs of roofing damage that would compromise the safety of the home.
- Leakage: Inspectors will be sure to check for potential leakage issues. Roof deterioration can lead to leakage in your home, causing even more costly damage.
- Roof shaping: The shape of your roof affects your home’s ability to withstand common weather conditions. Today, hip roofs are most common for protection against high winds.
WHAT'S NEXT?
After we conduct your 4-point inspection, our licensed home inspectors create a comprehensive report on the very same day. This report includes:
Photos documenting the inspection
Easy-to-understand notes
Thorough information regarding any areas of concern
How do I pass a 4-point inspection?
A 4-point inspection is not a pass or fail, however, an insurance company may request repairs after a 4-point inspection is completed in order to qualify for insurance. Some insurance companies may provide a grace period of about 30 days after a home purchase to repair/fix items noted in the 4-point inspection.
How long is a 4-point inspection good for?
A 4-point inspection is generally good for the life of the policy or until the insurance underwriter wants to request a new inspection (which is rare). That being said, a new 4-point inspection may be requested if a home is sold regardless if the seller has a previous 4-point available.
How long does a 4-point inspection take?
It depends on the home’s age, size, and complexity, but they usually don’t take longer than an hour to an hour and a half.
Does an inspector need to come back out to re-inspect after repairs have been completed?
Most insurance companies will want a “clean” report before they are willing to insure the home. If deficiencies are noted on the 4-point report and the seller makes repairs, an inspector will need to return to the home to verify that the repairs have been completed. Then an updated 4-point report will be created to send back to your insurance company.
There is a trip charge if the inspector needs to go back to a home to verify repairs have been completed.
WHY CHOOSE SWF?
Whether you’re buying or selling a home or examining one you already own, the certified home inspectors of SWF Home Inspections have the expertise and tools to get the information you need. All of our inspectors utilize the latest technologies like thermal cameras, and as a company, we offer guarantees for Same or Next-Day Inspections, Same-Day Reports, and 200% Satisfaction.
Tens of thousands of home inspections completed each year
We provide unparalleled communication and service before, during, and after the inspection
All Inspection Reports come with a detailed analysis of the home and digital photos of areas of concern
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A 4-point inspection is a homeowner’s insurance requirement that evaluates the current condition of a property’s four major systems: roofing, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC.
