If you’re preparing to buy an older home or renew your insurance policy in Florida, you’ve probably been told you need a 4 point inspection. But what exactly does that mean—and how can you make sure your home passes?
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to pass a 4-point home inspection, what inspectors look for, and how to avoid the most common pitfalls that lead to insurance delays or denials.
What Is a 4-Point Home Inspection?
A 4 point inspection is an insurance-required assessment of the four most important systems in your home:
- Roof
- Electrical System
- Plumbing System
- HVAC (Heating & Cooling)
This inspection helps insurance companies evaluate the risk of covering your home, especially in high-risk states like Florida. Unlike a full home inspection, a 4 point inspection is limited in scope, but crucial for insurability.
How to Pass a 4-Point Home Inspection: What Inspectors Look For
Let’s break down what inspectors evaluate—and what you can do to prepare for your four point inspection:
1. Roof
The roof is one of the most important parts of your 4 point inspection.
What the inspector checks:
- Roof age and material
- Signs of damage or active leaks
- Patches, missing shingles, or soft spots
- Estimated remaining life
How to pass:
- Repair or replace damaged areas
- Ensure flashing is sealed properly
- Provide documentation if it’s been recently repaired
Tip: Most insurers require at least 3–5 years of remaining roof life to offer or renew a policy.
2. Electrical System
Electrical safety is a top priority during a 4 point home inspection.
What the inspector checks:
- Type and condition of wiring
- Panel brand (some older ones are flagged by insurers)
- Functionality of breakers and outlets
- GFCI/AFCI protection
How to pass:
- Replace outdated or hazardous panels (e.g., Federal Pacific, Zinsco)
- Ensure you don’t have common hazards like loose wiring or double taps
- Install GFCIs
Tip: Hire a licensed electrician to inspect your panel before the 4 point inspection if it’s more than 25 years old.
3. Plumbing System
Plumbing issues can lead to major water damage, something insurers want to avoid.
What the inspector checks:
- Pipe materials (copper, CPVC, polybutylene, galvanized, etc.)
- Water heater age and condition
- Signs of active leaks or corrosion
How to pass:
- Replace polybutylene or galvanized piping if possible
- Ensure your water heater is under 18 years old and installed to code
- Repair visible leaks under sinks or behind toilets
Tip: A small leak could lead to a failed inspection—fix it ahead of time!
4. HVAC (Heating & Cooling)
Your heating and cooling system needs to be both safe and functional.
What the inspector checks:
- Age and operation of the HVAC system
- Condition of ductwork and vents
- Any signs of deferred maintenance
How to pass:
- Ensure the AC and heat are fully operational
- Schedule a maintenance tune-up
- Replace filters and clean vents
Tip: Even if it’s an older unit, a well-maintained system that works can still “pass.”
Final Tips: How to Pass a 4 Point Inspection in Florida
Here are a few general tips to boost your chances of passing your 4 point home inspection:
- Fix obvious safety issues before your inspection date
- Document repairs or upgrades with photos and invoices
- Ask your inspector questions—they want to help you prepare
Remember, the goal of the 4 point inspection is to confirm your home is safe and insurable—not perfect.
What Happens If You Don’t Pass?
If your inspection uncovers issues, your insurance company might:
- Delay or deny coverage until repairs are made
- Issue a conditional policy with a repair deadline
- Require additional documentation or a reinspection
The good news? Once repairs are made, you can often resubmit your 4 point inspection report for reapproval.
Need a 4 Point Inspection? We Can Help.
Whether you’re preparing for a policy renewal or buying an older Florida home, our experienced inspectors make the process fast, easy, and insurance-ready.
At My Safe Home Inspection, we provide comprehensive 4 point inspections in Florida with next-day reports and clear recommendations to help you get insured faster.
Schedule your 4 point inspection or give us a call today and take the guesswork out of the process. Don’t forget, you can bundle and save when you add on a wind mitigation inspection, roof inspection, or full home inspection.