When Do I Need a 4-Point Inspection?

When Do I Need a 4-Point Inspection? Among the various requirements that a buyer needs to fulfill when acquiring a property is the so-called four-point inspection or 4-point inspection, which aims to examine the four main systems of the house: electrical, roof, plumbing, and ventilation.

Through this inspection, insurance companies can better understand the house they are going to insure and the potential problems that may arise.

It is most common for insurers to require a 4-point inspection for all properties over 10 years old. The inspector will assess the condition of each system, approving or disapproving them, and will also recommend if anything needs to be replaced or repaired.

They will review the type and condition of the wiring, observe how the air conditioning unit functions, check for leaks or any signs of damage. They will also inspect the pipes to verify if they are PVC or if there are any leaks. The material and condition of the roof will also be taken into account. Generally, companies do not insure tile roofs that are over 20 years old.

If you are buying a property and it does not pass the four-point inspection, this can be a reason for the transaction to be blocked. To resolve this, you can negotiate with the seller to have the damages indicated in the inspection repaired. Another possible solution is to convince the insurer that you will repair the existing damages within the first two months after purchase, or you can also choose to undertake the difficult task of finding an insurer that does not require a four-point inspection.

Do not confuse this inspection with the Wind Mitigation inspection, which aims to assess your home’s resistance to potential storms, nor with the inspection conducted by the buyer to know exactly what they are purchasing.

If you are buying a property, it is advisable to involve the insurance agent during the purchase process. This will help prevent potential delays in the closing process due to insurance requirements. When do I need a 4-point inspection?

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