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February 2021

electric panel 4 point home inspector

4 Point Inspection

Inspection Services /

4 Point Inspection

4 Point Inspection

I’d like to take a few minutes to talk about 4 Point Inspections. A 4-point inspection consists of completing a standardized form regarding the fundamental systems comprised in a structure. It is really a fairly inclusive inspection report in a format underwriters use to evaluate the risk when writing an insurance policy. In general, a 4-point inspection covers the four major cost expense systems: your electric, the plumbing, the roof, and the hvac. This also includes the damages that they have or may result from their current conditions. This typically does not and should not replace the buyer’s full home inspection that they would have prior to purchasing. That has a much more inclusive scope and a required inspection list.

How Did the Report Come About?

In the past years it was regularly requested on structures 25 years of age or older, but in recent years several insurance companies have begun requesting them on structures as young as 15 years. The first section of a 4 Point is regarding the home’s electrical system. It includes all electrical panels the wiring and any hazards noted with several specific questions asked on the form regarding if various hazards are present.

In the second section the HVAC or heat and air conditioning systems are covered and include any solid fuel and gas-fired equipment and the use of portable heat sources.

In the third section the home’s plumbing system is examined. This includes the pipes, the appliances, leakages, and water intrusions both past and present.

In the fourth and final section the roof and or roofs are considered again things such as style, type and conditions are reviewed, roof age, and existing damages are recorded and again asked in several specific questions.

All these answers must be verified and recorded with color photos that must be part of the finished form. Getting your 4 Point inspection form done correctly is extremely important to both policy coverage as much as the rates. This is not the place to go with the cheapest inspector in town, or the one provided by your insurance agent. To schedule your 4-point inspection press the call button or just use the phone number you see on the page .I look forward to speaking with you!

Thank you I’m Rick,  this is Trade Secrets Inspections .

239-537-1186

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new SW FL home construction

Do I Need a Home Inspection for New Builds?

Home Health Tips /
new SW FL home construction

Why Would A New Construction Home Require an Inspection?

You’re probably thinking, “But it’s a brand new build, why would I need a home inspection?” Because it would seem that new homes should be relatively error-free, according to many inspectors, they often have underlying issues at work.

What could possibly be wrong, you ask?

  • Structural defects, like foundation cracks, improper grading, and poor framing
  • Drainage and grading issues, which could cause water and structural damage later on
  • Window leaks
  • HVAC issues, including malfunctioning thermostats and loose connections
  • Electrical problems, such as improperly wired outlets, open grounds, and missing switch plates
  • Plumbing issues, including reversed hot/cold in faucets, improper piping, leaks, and more

Why Should I Call A Home Inspector?

Inspectors say they also often find incomplete projects. This could include insufficient insulation, half-installed handrails or fixtures, or missing pieces of hardware.

One common myth is that all construction defects are discovered through municipal building inspections. That is incorrect, not due to any shortcomings on the behalf of the inspectors, but the purpose, scope, time allotment and procedures for municipal inspections are not the same as for home inspections. Also keep in mind they are primarily looking at code compliance, not quality of workmanship.
While they can cite a builder for improper structural framing or for non compliant drain connections, a poorly fitted door or an uneven counter top are not included on their list of concerns.

Municipal inspectors rarely inspect an attic or a crawlspace. They come to the job site with a clipboard and a codebook, not with a ladder and overalls. Construction defects in such areas can escape detection. Municipal inspectors typically inspect a roof from the ground or possibly from the builder’s ladder. From these perspectives, defects can go undiscovered. Since final inspections are performed before the utilities are turned on, municipal inspectors cannot inspect appliances and fixtures. The lack of utilities also prevents the testing of plumbing fixtures such as sinks, showers, tubs, and dishwashers, and of gas fixtures such as furnaces, fireplaces and water heaters, which is part of the FABI Inspecting Standard. Without power, outlets can’t be tested for ground and polarity, nor can they test the performance of GFCI or AFCI safety breakers.

When buying a new construction home, you should not forego the benefits of a thorough home inspection.

Do I Need a Home Inspection for New Builds? Read More »

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