A 4-point home inspection is an inspection that insurers typically request to ensure that a home’s important systems are in working order and don’t have any serious issues. The inspection isn’t as thorough as the one required to sell your home and often costs less, too. After a negative 4-point inspection, your insurer may ask you to make repairs before it issues your policy, but there are steps you can take to improve your chances of a positive inspection.
When do you need a 4-point inspection?
Generally speaking, you’ll need a 4-point inspection when a homeowners insurance company is writing a new policy for your home, which includes the first time you buy homeowners insurance and any time you switch insurers. The inspection allows your insurer to verify that your home’s major systems function properly and aren’t at risk of costly repairs in the near future.
You may also receive a request for a 4-point inspection from your insurer if your home has reached a certain age, such as 30 or 40 years old.
Components of a 4-point inspection
The four points of a four-point inspection are the roof, electrical system, plumbing system, and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system.
Roof
Your insurance company wants to see that your roof doesn’t have any glaring issues, since it’s a critical part of protecting your home from leaks and storm damage. In some states, such as Florida, your home’s roof can be one of the most critical parts of your inspection.
Electrical
This generally consists of the four main components of your electrical systems: its panels, wiring, outlets, and switches. Your inspector will determine if the system is up to code and may look for issues such as exposed wiring, improper breaker size, empty sockets, or loose wiring.
Plumbing
When an inspector reviews your plumbing system, they’re looking for any red flags in your pipes, fixtures, drainage, and water heater. Generally speaking, plumbing can hurt your inspection outcome if there are issues with piping, such as leaks, corrosion or other instances of damage.
HVAC
Your inspector will look over your heating and cooling system to ensure that it’s in working order and that there aren’t any obvious red flags. Red flags can include visible damage, incorrect installation, or signs of neglect.
How to prepare for a 4-point inspection
A great way to prepare for your 4-point inspection is to order a pre-inspection that could potentially catch any issues that might make your home fail a 4-point inspection. Here are a few steps to help you get ready:
Consider a pre-inspection.
Hiring a licensed professional to conduct a pre-inspection can help identify any issues that may cause your home ot fail the actual 4-point inspection. This proactive step gives you time to address problems before your insurer sets foot on the property.
Do a DIY system check
If a pre-inspection isn’t in your budget, a simple walkthrough can still help. Take time to inspect the four major systems in your home and look for any visible issues. Focus on small but impactful items like:
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Rust or corrosion on your water heater
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Leaky pipes or fixtures
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Exposed or outdated wiring
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Dirty or poorly maintained HVAC filters
Addressing these early can reduce red flags during an official inspection and ensure you get the coverage you need.
Service major systems
Scheduling routine maintenance, especially for an HVAC system, ensures systems are operating safely and efficiently. This not only improves your chances of a positive inspection outcome, but it also helps extend the life of those integral systems.
Gather documentation
If you’ve recently made updates or repairs to one of the four major systems, have documentation ready. Receipts, permits, or service records can demonstrate your home’s insurability and speed up the approval process.
What happens if your home fails the inspection?
Failing a four-point inspection isn’t the end of the road for your home insurance options—it just means your home may need some attention before coverage can be secured.
Most insurers require that your home’s four critical systems (e.g., roof, plumbing, electrical, and HVAC) be in acceptable condition. If one or more of these systems doesn’t meet their standards, your insurer will typically give you a chance to make the necessary repairs. This could involve hiring licensed contractors or completing DIY fixes, as long as the work is up to code and meets your insurer’s guidelines.
After the issues are addressed, you can usually request a reinspection to demonstrate that the deficiencies have been resolved. In certain cases, some insurance companies may still offer coverage but with exclusions for the problematic system(s). That means damage related to those components wouldn’t be covered until they’re brought up to standard.
A failed inspection isn’t a deal-breaker — it’s a roadmap for what needs to be improved to qualify for full or conditional coverage.
Cost of a 4-point home inspection
In general, a four-point inspection will cost anywhere from $50 to $150 or more. The exact cost you’ll pay will depend on several factors,
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Location. Inspection fees may be higher in urban or high-cost-of-living areas.
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Age of the Home. Older homes often take longer to inspect due to outdated or more complex systems.
Square Footage. Larger homes may require more time and a more detailed inspection. -
Inspector Experience. Seasoned or highly certified inspectors may charge more for their expertise.
In some cases, the cost of a four-point inspection may be bundled with other services, like a full home inspection, especially during the homebuying process. It’s always a good idea to compare quotes from licensed inspectors in your area to ensure you're getting both quality and value.