Have you been told that your home requires a four-point inspection to get an insurance policy? This kind of home inspection is different from a full inspection. Read on to learn about what a four-point inspection is and why you may need one for homeowners insurance.

Why You Need a Four-Point Inspection

Typically, you’ll need this type of home inspection because you’re buying an older house or renewing the insurance policy on your aging home. A four-point inspection is usually required when a home is 25 years or older. Any problems discovered during the inspection will have to be fixed before you can secure homeowners insurance on the property.

What is Examined During This Inspection?

An insurance company wants to know that the main systems of the home are in good working order. Specifically, a four-point inspection examines these major home systems:

• HVAC
• Roofing
• Plumbing
• Electrical wiring

The major parts of the HVAC system (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) are inspected. This includes the air conditioner and furnace. If your home doesn’t have central air conditioning, then you might not be able to secure an insurance policy.

The roof is inspected to make sure there aren’t any major problems. An insurer may require a new roof if the existing one is too old and is failing or shows significant damage.

All plumbing components are inspected during a four-point inspection. Polybutylene pipes are a red flag because they are prone to bursting. You may still get a policy that excludes water damage protection after a burst pipe.

Your home’s electrical system includes the electrical panel, circuits, and wiring. The inspection documents for the insurer that the house is wired properly and complies with building codes. An insurance company wants to know this because faulty or outdated wiring is a leading cause of house fires.

How a Four-Point Inspection Differs from a Regular Inspection

A full home inspection is far more in-depth than a four-point inspection. A regular inspection looks at ceilings, windows, doors, walls, foundation issues, etc. A report on all these items isn’t necessary in this case. The insurance company simply wants to understand the overall condition of the four main systems listed in the previous section.

This is because defects in these areas often result in costly damage and insurance claims by homeowners. For example, a collapsed roof would likely result in a large insurance payout to cover damage to the home and its contents. The same applies to damage caused by problems with the HVAC, wiring, or plumbing systems.

Finding out the true condition of these systems allows insurers to decide whether they want to take on the risk involved when providing coverage.

How Long Will the Inspection Take?

A four-point inspection will take less time than a full home inspection. Once the inspector completes the inspection, he or she will write up the report and submit it to the insurance company. 4-point inspections also cost less than a full inspection.

Your home inspector will be able to guide you through the four-point inspection process.

Sevens Property Inspections provides four-point inspections and other inspection services to New York City. Contact us to schedule an appointment.