4 – Point Inspections are becoming a very common inspection required by insurance companies on homes over 25 years old before writing homeowner coverage. The report is to be completed by a licensed engineer, architect, general or building contractor. The inspection documents the overall condition and upgrades of the basic mechanical / roofing features of the structure so the insurance can accurately adjust the insurance rate of the homeowner’s policy.

1. The overall condition, construction details and age of the roofing system.
2. The type of wiring and condition of the electrical system.
3. The type of pipe and the overall condition of the plumbing system.
4. The type, age and condition of the HVAC system. 

The insurance companies are expecting the condition of the components listed above to be working as intended within the manufacturer's specifications. The insurance companies are looking for the four systems to be in generally good working condition and fulfilling their intended function. If the home is an older home the insurance companies want to see that the systems have been updated. In most cases, the forms are provided by the insurance companies to their clients. The clients then ask the inspector to fill the form out during the course of the home inspection.

The criteria used to judge the components include:

• Current operating conditions
• Scheduled maintenance requirements
• Expected service life

There are other types of specialized programs that are similar in nature to this type of inspection and may exist in specific markets. For example, some states require low income buyers to obtain an inspection of a home prior to purchase to obtain a low interest loan. In Missouri, for example, the Missouri Housing Development Corporation (MHDC) has an inspection requirement that is similar to a Four Point Insurance Inspection. Another example would be in California where many homeowner insurance companies require verification of foundation attachment for homes built prior to 1965.

4 – Point Inspections cost $95.00 for a typical Pensacola area single family residential home. Call for pricing on commercial, condos or multi-family structures. Insurance companies want these forms filled out by certain qualified companies such as a licensed Professional Engineer, Electrician, General or Roofing Contractor, Certified Home Inspector or an ICC Certified Inspector. STB is a General/Roofing Contractor and is a Certified Home Inspector .