A 4-point inspection in Palm Beach County is often the first document a homeowners insurance company asks for when a house is more than 20 years old, and it can decide whether a sale closes on time. Because a buyer's lender will not fund the loan without proof of insurance, this short inspection matters to buyers and sellers alike. Here is what it covers, when it is required and how to prepare.
What a 4-Point Inspection Covers
Unlike a full home inspection, a 4-point inspection looks only at the four systems insurers worry about most: the roof, the electrical system, the plumbing and the heating and air conditioning. The inspector documents the age, type and condition of each and photographs things like the electrical panel, water heater and roof covering. Insurers watch for items such as older roof coverings, outdated or recalled electrical panels, aluminum branch wiring, polybutylene plumbing and active leaks.
When Insurers Require a 4-Point Inspection in Palm Beach County
Requirements vary by carrier, so always confirm with the insurance agent. As one example, Citizens Property Insurance requires a 4-point inspection on homes more than 20 years old, completed by a Florida-licensed inspector on its current form, and it expects serious hazards such as exposed wiring or active leaks to be repaired before coverage is applied for. With so much of Palm Beach County built in the 1970s, 80s and 90s, a large share of resale homes will need one.
Why Buyers Should Order It Early
If you are under contract on an older home, schedule the 4-point inspection during your inspection period, ideally the same day as your general home inspection and wind mitigation inspection. That gives your insurance agent time to quote coverage before your deadlines and leaves room to negotiate if the report flags a problem. Our buying team coordinates these inspections and insurance quotes as part of every purchase.
How Sellers Can Get Ahead of It
A pre-listing 4-point inspection is an inexpensive way to avoid surprises. If it shows an aging water heater, a double-tapped breaker or a roof near the end of its life, you can repair it, price for it or disclose it up front instead of renegotiating after a buyer's insurer says no. Sharing a clean report with buyers also builds confidence and can shorten the time between contract and closing. Learn more about our seller preparation process on our why list with us page.
4-Point vs. Home Inspection vs. Wind Mitigation
These three reports do different jobs. The full home inspection protects the buyer by reviewing the whole property. The wind mitigation report can lower the insurance premium by documenting hurricane-resistant features. The 4-point inspection is about insurability. Many local inspectors offer all three as a package, which saves time and money.
Buying or selling an older home in Palm Beach County? Call the John Diaz Group at 844-456-4647 for a free home valuation and a step-by-step plan for inspections, insurance and closing. Hablamos español.
