Do You Need a 4-Point Inspection? A Guide for Palm Coast Homeowners

Juan Brea

Oct 14

2 min read

If you are buying or insuring an older home in Palm Coast, your insurance agent may ask for a 4-point inspection. It's common here because so much of the city was built in the 1970s through the 1990s.

What a 4-point inspection is

A 4-point inspection looks at four systems: the roof, electrical, plumbing and heating and air conditioning. According to the Florida Department of Financial Services, its main purpose is to help the insurance company decide whether the home is insurable. It's not a full home inspection, so it doesn't replace one when you are buying.

Which homes usually need one

Each insurer sets its own rules, but homes about 20 years or older are commonly asked for one. Some carriers ask at a younger age. Your agent can tell you what your carrier needs.

What insurers look for

Roof: the type, age, condition and remaining life. Shingle roofs over 15 years old and tile or metal roofs over 20 may need proof of at least five more years of life.
Electrical: the panel brand and condition, the wiring type, and any hazards like exposed wiring.
Plumbing: the type of pipe, the water heater's age, and any leaks. Polybutylene pipe is a common problem.
Heating and air: the system's age, whether it works, and signs of leaks at the drain line or pan.

What the report must include

The form must be signed by a Florida-licensed professional, such as a licensed home inspector. It needs photos of each side of the house, each roof slope, the water heater, the plumbing under the sinks, the open electrical panel, the AC data plate and any problems found.

Timing matters too. The Florida Department of Financial Services says the report generally has to be dated within 30 days before the insurance application, but each insurer sets its own window. Check with your agent before you schedule.

How to prepare

Clear a path to the electrical panel, water heater and attic access.
Gather receipts or permits for any roof, plumbing, electrical or AC replacement.
Make sure the utilities are on so systems can be tested.

Schedule your inspection with Pointer

Pointer Home Inspections is owned by John Brea, a Florida-licensed home inspector (HI16531) and InterNACHI Certified Professional Inspector with more than 30 years in construction. Every full home inspection includes a free whole-house infrared scan, a free wind mitigation report and a free 4-point report, and your report arrives the next morning. We serve Palm Coast, Flagler Beach, Bunnell, Ormond Beach and the rest of Flagler and Volusia counties, in English or Spanish.

Call (386) 414-7500, email jbrea@pointerhomeinspections.com, or book on our Schedule Now page.