Secure Your Florida Home Insurance: What the 4-Point Inspection Covers and Why It Matters

Essential Systems Review for Older Homes in South Florida: Roof, Electrical, Plumbing, and HVAC.

If you own an older home in South Florida—especially one built before 2000—you've likely heard of the 4-Point Inspection. This specific inspection isn't usually for the buyer's peace of mind; it's a critical requirement mandated by most homeowner's insurance companies in Florida when a property reaches a certain age (typically 30 years or older).

At Primesant Home Inspection, we specialize in providing the concise, accurate 4-Point reports your insurer needs to issue or renew your policy, ensuring your home remains protected.

What Makes the 4-Point Inspection Different?

Unlike the comprehensive Full Home Inspection (which examines everything from appliances to foundations), the 4-Point inspection is highly focused and limited to evaluating four major systems that are most likely to fail or cause catastrophic loss:

• Roofing

• Electrical

• Plumbing

• HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning)

The primary goal is to assess the current condition, functionality, and remaining useful life of these systems, ensuring they are not immediate liability risks.

The Four Pillars of Insurability

Our certified Primesant inspectors meticulously review each of the four areas, paying close attention to materials and conditions often flagged by Florida insurance carriers:

Roofing System

The roof is the most common reason for denied coverage. We evaluate:

• Roof Material: What type of shingle or tile is present?

• Age: The most critical factor. Insurers often have strict cutoffs for the maximum age they will cover.

• Condition: We look for major leaks, loose shingles, excessive wear, or any signs of previous improper repairs.

Electrical System

Older homes in South Florida often have outdated wiring or panels that pose fire risks. We verify:

• Panel Type: Certain panel brands (like Federal Pacific or Zinsco) may be flagged as high risk.

• Wiring Material: We check for aluminum wiring or cloth-wrapped wiring, which may require further evaluation or remediation.

• System Integrity: We ensure the system is properly grounded and functional.

Plumbing System

Water leaks are a massive source of insurance claims in Florida. We examine:

• Piping Materials: We look for specific high-risk materials like polybutylene or certain types of galvanized pipes, which have a high failure rate.

• Water Heater: We note the unit's age and check for signs of leakage or corrosion.

• Drainage: We verify proper function of fixtures and check for visible leaks under sinks and around toilets.

HVAC System (Air Conditioning)

We evaluate the system’s operational status. While HVAC failures rarely cause catastrophic damage like a fire or flood, insurers want to ensure the unit is safely maintained and functional. We check:

• Unit Age: The system's age is documented for life expectancy.

• Condition: We confirm the unit is cooling properly and look for obvious signs of needed repair or leakage.

Securing Your Policy: The Next Step

If the inspection reveals serious defects (such as a roof past its expected life or high-risk wiring), the insurance company will likely require those items to be repaired or replaced before extending coverage.

Primesant delivers your easy-to-read 4-Point Inspection Report quickly, allowing you to address any issues promptly and submit the documentation needed to keep your South Florida home insurance policy active and affordable.

Call to Action (CTA): Is your home insurance policy up for renewal? Don't risk a lapse in coverage. Contact Primesant today to schedule your timely 4-Point Inspection and keep your home protected.