4 Pt Insurance Inspection: Safeguard Your Home and Your Wallet

 

As a homeowner, it's vital to keep your property in excellent condition—not just for comfort, but to save money on insurance premiums. One effective way to do this is through a 4 Point Inspection, a detailed evaluation designed to satisfy the requirements of numerous insurance providers. If you’re navigating homeowners' insurance in Deltona, Orange City, or throughout Volusia and Seminole counties, understanding this essential step can truly impact your finances. From assessing your roof's integrity to checking electrical systems and HVAC efficiency, let’s explore what a 4 Point Inspection includes and how it can benefit both your home and budget.

 

What Exactly is a 4 Point Inspection?

 

A 4 Point Inspection is a focused evaluation that examines four key systems in your home: electrical systems, plumbing, roof condition, and HVAC units. Each area is crucial for maintaining the safety and functionality of your property.

During the inspection, experienced professionals assess the age and condition of these vital systems. They identify potential hazards or maintenance needs that could lead to more significant problems later on.

Insurance companies often mandate this type of inspection before approving or renewing homeowners' insurance policies. By uncovering existing issues early, you can tackle them head-on—ensuring your home is safe and keeping your insurance premiums affordable.

The goal goes beyond merely meeting requirements; it's about achieving peace of mind, knowing that critical elements of your home are working effectively. A comprehensive 4 Point Inspection keeps you informed about what’s hidden behind your walls and ceilings.

 

Why Do Insurance Companies Require a 4 Point Inspection?

 

Insurance providers require a 4 Point Inspection to evaluate the condition of your home’s essential systems: electrical, plumbing, roofing, and HVAC. Each plays a vital role in ensuring safety and functionality.

 

Understanding the age and condition of these components helps insurers assess risk. Older systems could pose higher risks for failures or hazards that may lead to claims. Through this evaluation, insurance companies can make informed coverage decisions.

Moreover, a thorough inspection can lead to potential savings on premiums. If your home is in good repair with updated systems, you might qualify for discounts on homeowners' insurance.

Being proactive about inspections benefits both homeowners and insurers by minimizing unexpected costs in the future while ensuring property safety.

 

Why First Choice is Your Best Option for a 4 Pt Inspection?

 

When it comes to protecting your homeowner's insurance and saving money on premiums, trust First Choice Home Inspections. We work for the homeowner and not the insurance companies. Specializing in insurance inspections, 4 Pt, Wind Mitigation, and Roof Condition Certification Insurance Inspections throughout Volusia and Seminole Counties, including the cities of Deltona, Orange City, Sanford, Lake Mary, DeLand, and DeBary.

 

Our skilled team is equipped to evaluate critical aspects of your home: electrical systems, plumbing conditions, roofing, and HVAC efficiency. Each component significantly influences your insurance rates. With our meticulous inspections, we help pinpoint potential concerns before they evolve into costly repairs.

 

Choosing First Choice means you’re getting more than an inspection; you’re investing in peace of mind. Our reports offer the clarity many insurance companies need for coverage approval or renewal. We work for the homeowner and can help you in areas that may become expensive repairs or insurance concerns in the future. And who wouldn’t want to save money? The 4 Pt and Wind Mitigation Inspections could qualify you for significant discounts on homeowner’s insurance, leading to substantial savings over time.

 

Don’t let rising insurance premiums stress you out any longer. Contact us today at (386) 624-3893 for trusted service from a company committed to helping homeowners like you navigate their insurance needs effortlessly while keeping your home safe and sound.

 

 

 

Frank Carr, Florida Licensed Home
Inspector

Frank Carr is the Owner / Inspector at First Choice Home Inspections in Deltona, FL serving Volusia, Seminole, Orange and Lake Counties. Formerly in the building trades, Frank’s focus is a safe home in the Orlando Metro and Daytona Beach areas of Central Florida and building FCHI. We believe that consumers have the right to expect the highest standards of thoroughness, fairness and effectiveness from their home inspector and that is exactly what we provide.
 

First Choice Home Inspections

Residential Home Inspections in Central Florida

(386) 624-3893 

Website:  http://1homeinspector.com

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/FirstChoiceHomeInspectionsLlc

LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/first-choice-home-inspections

Twitter: https://twitter.com/1stChoiceHomeIn

Save Money on Homeowners Insurance Premiums with Wind Mitigation Inspection

Wind Mitigation Inspection: A Smart Way to Save Money on Your Home Insurance

Homeowners in Seminole or Volusia Counties of Central Florida may be eligible for a significant discount on their home insurance premium. How? By getting a wind mitigation inspection from First Choice Home Inspections.

A wind mitigation inspection is an examination of your home's protective features that can reduce the damage caused by strong winds, such as hurricanes. These features include the type and age of your roof, the way your roof is attached to the walls, the type and spacing of the nails used to secure the roof sheathing, the type of underlayment that protects the roof sheathing, and the type and quality of the openings, such as windows, doors, skylights, and garage doors.



Insurance companies are required by law to offer discounts to homeowners who have these wind-resistant features in their homes. The wind credit discounts can range from 10% to 70% depending; on the level of protection your home already has. The only way to get these discounts is by having a certified wind mitigation inspector provide a report that verifies your home's features.

Wind Mitigation Inspector in Seminole and Volusia Counties

That's where First Choice Home Inspections comes in. We are a licensed and insured home inspection company that offers wind mitigation inspections in Seminole and Volusia Counties. Our inspectors are trained and experienced in identifying and documenting the wind mitigation features of your home. We use state-of-the-art equipment and software to produce a detailed and accurate report that you will submit to your insurance company.

Our wind mitigation inspection takes about 45 minutes to complete and costs $150.00. It can save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars on your home insurance premium every year. It can also give you peace of mind knowing that your home is better prepared for severe weather events.

Don't let the insurance companies charge you more than you need to pay. Contact First Choice Home Inspections today at (386) 624-3893 to schedule your wind mitigation inspection and start saving money on your home insurance.

 

Frank Carr, Florida Licensed Home
Inspector

Frank Carr is the Owner / Inspector at First Choice Home Inspections in Deltona, FL serving Volusia, Seminole, Orange and Lake Counties. Formerly in the building trades, Frank’s focus is a safe home in the Orlando Metro and Daytona Beach areas of Central Florida and building FCHI. We believe that consumers have the right to expect the highest standards of thoroughness, fairness and effectiveness from their home inspector and that is exactly what we provide.
 

First Choice Home Inspections

Residential Home Inspections in Central Florida

(386) 624-3893 

Website:  http://1homeinspector.com

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/FirstChoiceHomeInspectionsLlc

LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/first-choice-home-inspections

Twitter: https://twitter.com/1stChoiceHomeIn

Deltona 4 Point Insurance Inspection required for new insurance policies

Need new insurance?

What is a 4 Pt Inspection and why is it required?

A Four Point Insurance Inspection is often required when obtaining a new homeowners insurance policy or renewing an existing policy in Florida. The inspection includes a limited scope evaluation of the following four systems:

• Roof Inspection
• Electrical Inspection
• HVAC (Heat, Ventilation & A/C)
• Plumbing

 

The focus of the 4-point insurance inspection is to determine the approximate age, components, and general condition of these systems. A Deltona 4 Pt insurance inspection is NOT a comprehensive home inspection and can take less than an hour to complete. This type of insurance inspection should not be confused with a residential home inspection, which is more comprehensive in detail and scope.

 

4 Point Insurance Inspection History

The Four Point or 4 Pt Inspection is completed by a trained, licensed, and qualified inspector. The inspectors are required to be State of Florida Licensed Home Inspectors.

 

The 4 Point Insurance Inspection was developed after Hurricane Andrew struck Florida in 1992. The inspection is performed on behalf of the insurance companies; it is a requirement for the insurer to issue insurance to the new homeowner. Insurance companies may also require four-point inspections on homes that have reached 15, 20 years, or more. After the 2004 round of hurricanes in Orlando and Central Florida, the Four Point Insurance Inspection has renewed importance.

 

Insurance companies see the benefit of the inspection; the program is extending to other areas of the United States. The insurance company desired result is reduced loss on homeowner’s insurance policies. Most Insurance companies require a 4 Pt Inspection on homes 20 - 30 years and older. Some require a four-point inspection for homes as new as ten years old.

New 4 Pt home requirements for writing an insurance policy

Insurance companies have new strict changes that the homeowner needs to meet. Insurance underwriters require insurance agents verify the homes meet particular standards. 

 

Roofs

Shingle roof must be less than 20 years old.

Flat roof must be less than 10 years old.

Tile roof must be less than 25 years old.

Metal roof must be less than 30 years old.

All roof must be free of signs of damage.

A Wind Mitigation Inspection is required.

If the roof age is over the age limit; only non-standard companies are available, and the roof may be excluded from coverage.

Plumbing

The plumbing should have been updated in the last 20 years.  

No polybutelyne plumbing, poly is ineligible and must by replaced.

Water Heater

The water heater must be 14 years or newer.

Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning

The HVAC system must be in working order and updated within the last 20 years.

Electrical

Wiring

Aluminum wiring ineligible for most companies. Aluminum wiring with AlumiConns/Copper pigtails are accepted by one company.

All cloth wiring must be replaced.

Double tapped wiring must be repaired.

Electrical panels

Challenger, Sylvania, Zinsco, and Federal Pacific electrical panels are not acceptable panels for new or renewing insurance policies.

 

To schedule an Insurance Inspection; Wind Mitigation, 4 Pt Insurance, or Roof Condition Certification in Seminole or Volusia county contact our office at (386) 624-3893.

 

 

 

Frank Carr, Florida Licensed Home
Inspector

Frank Carr is the Owner / Inspector at First Choice Home Inspections in Deltona, FL serving Volusia, Seminole, Orange and Lake Counties. Formerly in the building trades, Frank’s focus is a safe home in the Orlando Metro and Daytona Beach areas of Central Florida and building FCHI. We believe that consumers have the right to expect the highest standards of thoroughness, fairness and effectiveness from their home inspector and that is exactly what we provide.
 

First Choice Home Inspections

Residential Home Inspections in Central Florida

(386) 624-3893 

Website:  http://1homeinspector.com

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/FirstChoiceHomeInspectionsLlc

LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/first-choice-home-inspections

Twitter: https://twitter.com/1stChoiceHomeIn

The home inspection and who should be in attendance

 

The home inspection is a detailed and meticulous evaluation of a structure. The home inspector should be allocated the utmost consideration while allowing them to concentrate during inspection of the property or future home. To safely inspect a house requires a thorough understanding of the components and how they function and relate to one another. Before the inspection, we like to enquire if the buyer has any concerns with the property. Buyers often feel uneasy if the seller or the agent follows the inspector and injects their opinion or disputes their discoveries. We have had several clients walkout at this point because they feel the seller or their agents are trying to hide or conceal defects.

Should the home seller be at the inspection? What about their real estate agent?

 

Who should attend the home inspection?

A home buyer hires the home inspector because the inspection is for their sole benefit. Often the real estate agent will recommend an inspector. An agent is required to offer several inspectors for the buyer to choose from and not present only their inspector. The choice of the inspector is ultimately the home buyer's choice.  

The buyer's agent usually coordinates the home inspection with the homeowner's agent once the inspection is scheduled. The agents should also ensure access to areas of the home like the attic, garage, electrical panel, water heater, gates, and keys for locked doors. The areas that are locked or inaccessible will not be inspected.

The buyer can bring friends, relatives, and an agent to the inspection. We recommend limiting the number to three or less. Fewer people ensure the inspector can concentrate on the inspecting and not what else is going on during the inspection. During COVID, we have also required masks for all who attend the inspection. The inspectors are not responsible for damage caused to the home by pets and children in attendance. The seller may limit the number of people a buyer can bring with them or insist on being present during the inspection. The inspector is there for the buyer and will not interact or discuss the property with the seller or their agent. You should avoid having the seller or their agent interact with your home inspector.

 

When the buyer cannot attend

Often only the homebuyer’s agent is present at the inspection. A buyer is not required to attend and may
have to work, be out of state, or not want to be present.

When the buyer attends the inspection, we can visually and verbally convey the findings before writing the report.  

 

Should the Sellers attend the inspection?

It is not advisable the sellers or their agents are present during the inspection. The homeowner or their agent that follows the inspector and prevents him or distracts him from inspecting should be a red flag for the buyer. We have an inspection agreement; we enter into with the buyer that prohibits our interaction with the sellers or their agents. Sellers may prevent or interfere with private conversations between the inspector and the buyer. Some homeowners have intentionally shadowed the inspectors or tried to distract the inspector. This type of interaction or interference often leads to the buyers pulling out of the deal.

 

Hiring your inspector

When hiring a home inspector, you should seek a highly recommended inspector. Verify their licenses and insurance. Look out for inspectors that have too many reviews. 

Often inspectors that have been in business for twenty years have only one or two reviews a year. Some new inspectors have hundreds of reviews, but are they legit? After completing your research and being confident in your decision, hire the best inspector you can find.

 

 

Frank Carr, Florida Licensed Home
Inspector

Frank Carr is the Owner / Inspector at First Choice Home Inspections in Deltona, FL serving Volusia, Seminole, Orange and Lake Counties. Formerly in the building trades, Frank’s focus is a safe home in the Orlando Metro and Daytona Beach areas of Central Florida and building FCHI. We believe that consumers have the right to expect the highest standards of thoroughness, fairness and effectiveness from their home inspector and that is exactly what we provide.
 

First Choice Home Inspections

Residential Home Inspections in Central Florida

(386) 624-3893 

Website:  http://1homeinspector.com

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/FirstChoiceHomeInspectionsLlc

LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/first-choice-home-inspections

Twitter: https://twitter.com/1stChoiceHomeIn