Florida Four Point Inspection

Charley, Frances, Ivan, and Jeanne are the names of the hurricanes that hit Florida in August and September 2004. These devastating hurricanes have caused huge damages to the entire state. As an effect, insurance companies have spent a lot of money paying the loss of the policyholders. Right then, insurers have required homeowners to undergo different home inspections. One of these inspections is the Four-Point Inspection. 

Home Inspection

Even though the Four Point Inspection has been established in 1992, this has become popular only after the four hurricanes slam the state in 2004. Insurance companies and the JUA (Joint Underwriting Association) in Florida have now realized the significance of a Four Point Inspection. A Four Point Inspection is conducted to examine the strength, condition, and age of the four main systems of a house – HVAC ((Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning), Electrical wiring and panels, Plumbing connections & fixtures, and Roof. This is often required in getting and renewing a homeowner’s insurance policy. It is also a necessity for those houses built 20 or more years ago to ensure that the four systems have been updated. This inspection focuses in the main parts of a house. 

A house in Florida

For instance, a home having a roof nearing the end of its service life may destabilize. Eventually, the homeowner will surely ask for a reimbursement from the insurer for the damages it has brought. Another is the HVAC or the electrical systems; if these components are not properly installed and fail, it may cause a fire accident and will inevitably destroy the house. Likewise, if the plumbing systems are not doing well, it may affect the water system of the place and may even cause a accidents. After examining the house, a signed document from a licensed engineer together with other authorized persons (Roofing Constructor, Electrician, Plumbing and Mechanical Code Inspector) will then certify that the home has passed the Four-Point Inspection. It means that the Roofing Construction, Electrical and Plumbing Systems and HVAC are in the condition and are working as intended within the manufacturer’s specification.  Additionally, the said inspection will let the homeowner understand the current operating conditions of these systems, as well as it expected service life and scheduled maintenance requirements.

For new homeowners who already had a standard home inspection which is more comprehensive and all parts of the house are being examined, they can still use those data (roofing, plumbing and electrical systems, and HVAC) for the Four-Point Inspection depending on the rules of Insurance Company.  Florida Four-Point Inspection fees may start at $165.00 or up depending on the location of the house. It includes the inspection, the report, and photos.  The inspection only takes 50- 70 minutes.  Mostly, It does require the homeowner to  be in the house during the inspection.

The Four-Point Inspection is just one of the many inspections in Florida that will certainly ensure the safety of its residents.

Watch this video to know more about Florida Four Point Inspections: