Category: 4-Point Inspection

The 4-point home inspection is a type of home inspection that looks at four main systems: Roofing, Plumbing, HVAC, and Electrical. This type of inspection ensures that all these systems are working correctly and won’t need a replacement for the next five years. It’s quite a short process and won’t take more than 30 minutes if you hire a certified home inspector in Florida.

If you are buying a home in Florida, you will likely have to apply for insurance coverage before closing the deal. The insurance company will require you to take care of the property with a 4 point inspection.

Your insurance plan will save you in case something unfavorable happens. Insurance companies have a liability, and they want to minimize their loss. In addition, they want to ensure that your home is a good fit for a good life.

While these inspections are more comprehensive than a general home inspection, they’re not as comprehensive as the full home inspection. Here’s what you need to know about 4-point home inspections in Florida:

Why do I need a 4-point inspection?

A 4-point home inspection helps ensure that your new home isn’t a money pit. Unfortunately, many homeowners neglect these crucial areas because they don’t think they’re necessary or will cost too much money. However, it’s better to know about these issues before purchasing your house so that you can decide whether or not it’s worth making repairs right away or waiting until later on.

At Hound Dog, we offer you a comprehensive 4-point home inspection in Florida. Click here to see how it works.

What happens during an inspection?

Your inspector will check all four systems mentioned above: roofing, plumbing, HVAC, and electrical (including the wiring). He or she will also look for signs of damage from weather conditions and age. Your insurance company wants to ensure that these parts have a manufacturer warranty. The owner should update these systems if the home is older.

A home inspector will check out the interior and exterior of your house and any attached structures like garages, decks, or sheds. They’ll look at heating, electrical, plumbing, roofing materials, and more.

They may also check out things like your home’s foundation (if needed), the exterior walls for cracks, and other issues that could lead to water damage or insect infestation over time. They’ll check signs of pests such as termites or rodents that might have made their way into your house while you weren’t looking!

Here’s a rundown of what a typical inspection entails: Roofs are inspected for leaks and missing shingles/tiles/shingles. Also examined are attic access points, which should not be blocked by insulation or other items when not in use. Electrical System – Inspect the wires, and check what type of supply & drain lines are found in the house. Review whether there are any signs of leakage and water problem.

Will it cost me anything?

A 4-point inspection isn’t exactly cheap, but it should cost $50-$100. However, if you need multiple inspections done at once or have specific requirements for your inspector, then expect to pay more than that. Some inspectors can give you a discount when you buy more services.

Failed Home Inspection in Florida

If any of these four points do not meet the standard, then the inspection is considered a failed inspection. The inspector will usually list all the items identified as non-compliant with the Standard of Practice (SOP). The question is, what happens next.

The good thing is you become aware of the problem. You can now negotiate the situation. As a buyer, you can receive a discount and hire someone to make repairs after the purchase. Or the seller will update those sections and provide you with the warranty so you can close the deal peacefully. Your home inspector can give you an idea of the cost, but it’s best to contact local contractors to determine the actual cost of replacement/repair.

While it’s good to get the inspection when requested by your insurance company…it’s even better to get your home inspected before it’s required. That can clear up the hurdles standing in the way of a smooth closing.

My Home Didn’t Pass the Inspection: Now What?

Inspection results are not like a school exam. If your insurance company doesn’t approve results, they have different requirements. However, some insurance companies might still work with you. The insurance company wants to determine the risk, and that’s a reason for this 4-point inspection.

Furthermore, some insurance companies have their forms and your inspector must send the report in the requested format. 4-point home inspection in Florida requires a visual evidence as well.

Pre-closing:

The 4-Point Home Inspection Florida is designed to ensure that you will have a safe and comfortable living environment. The inspector will thoroughly examine these areas and ensure that the house does not have any safety issues or structural defects, such as leaking pipes or mold growth on the walls or ceilings. He will also check if there are any damages to the roof, foundation, walls, ceilings, windows, doors, and insulation.

For example, the growth of mold or the presence of asbestos can cause severe damage to your health. When the HVAC system is inspected, you can clear out these issues. In addition, you can ensure the air quality is safe for sensitive and older adults.

That’s what we do at Hound Dog Inspection—improving life one property at a time. So join us for a free consultation, and let’s review how we can help with your home inspection in Florida.

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The criteria used by our 4-point inspection experts to judge the components include:

Current operating conditions – This includes the current state of the part, including physical damage and corrosion.

Scheduled maintenance requirements include whether the component is scheduled for regular replacement based on its expected service life or the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Expected service life includes how long the component is likely to last before it needs replacement.

Cost – This includes both how much it costs to replace or repair at this time and how much it would cost in future repairs if not fixed now. Our team is here to help you out with your specific needs. Contact us now at (321) 626-8959.

If you’re looking to buy or sell a home, you’ll need to make sure the property is up to scratch by getting a home inspection. Experts will visit the property to determine that a home is in livable condition before someone new settles in. Curious about what the process looks like? Here’s what’s included in a typical home inspection checklist.

12 Things to Include in a Home Inspection Checklist

1. Home Structure

First thing’s first: start your home with an inspection of its basic structure. Your home has nothing to stand on if the foundation is not solid. Any home inspection should begin by looking at its foundation. Are there cracks in any of the walls or ceilings of the home? Other structure elements are the beams and posts that hold your home up.

If you’re looking to renovate a home after buying it, you’ll want to learn which beams are necessary for bearing weight and cannot be removed, and which may be removed if you add support elsewhere. Within the home, take a look at the staircases and handrails. These should be solid to prevent any accidents.

2. Household Appliances

Most of your home’s major appliances will be in the kitchen: the microwave, refrigerator, freezer, dishwasher, and oven. If your home includes any of these items, make sure to take a look at them in your inspection to see that they’re all working as they’re supposed to. You don’t want to be stuck spending thousands on new appliances after you close the sale.

While you’re in your kitchen, you’ll also want to look at your garbage disposal and make sure it’s getting rid of food properly. Other appliances to look at are the washing and drying machine. Check that the washing machine hookups are in the right place and that the drying machine can drain properly.

3. Plumbing System

The plumbing part of your inspection will ensure that anywhere with running water is running properly. This includes checking both the inside, underneath, and outside of your home. Inspectors will look at all of the valves in your kitchen and bathrooms. They’ll also take a look at water filtration systems so that you don’t drink any contaminated water. All exposed plumbing will be looked at, as well as the storage water tank.

Plumbers run all of your sinks to look for leaks and potential causes of water damage. They’ll also flush all of your home’s toilets and turn on all of the showers for the same purpose. In your inspection, you’ll learn if certain fixtures are rusting and need to be replaced or if there are leaks you need to address before moving in.

4. Heating & Cooling System

Part of your home inspection will include looking at your home’s heating and cooling systems in death. A technician will look at the HVAC system’s age and looks at the parts of the system to see that each is in good condition. First, the inspection will begin by looking at the thermostat and furnace components. It will also include an inspection of the home’s air conditioning system.

HVAC inspections will also examine the airflow in a home to make sure that warm or cool air is moving as it should. Poor airflow can raise electricity bills because your systems have to work harder to deliver your desired temperature. Problems that a technician may find in your HVAC inspection as gas line leaks, a furnace that leaks water, poor ductwork that causes a loss of airflow, and clogged filters.

5. Windows & Doors

Your windows and doors may only be small details compared to the rest of your home, but costs add up when you have to repair them. In your home inspection, first check that all doors open and close properly. Examine the condition of the doors: are they creaky, rotting, or damaged in any way?

Don’t expose your property to any preventable risk. Deter unwanted visits to your home by making sure that all doors and windows have working latches and locks. Damaged or missing screens should be replaced as well as any broken glass in window or door panels.

6. Roof

Your roof is one of the most important parts of your home, so you should make sure not to exclude it in your home inspection checklist. First, you’ll want to find out when the roof was last replaced. If it’s been close to 20 years, you may be looking at a replacement. Look at the roof material and the condition of the roof to get a better idea of when you will need a new one.

Keep an eye out for missing shingles on your roof, and make sure to inspect your chimney. Gutters and downspouts should be attached firmly, so your property has no problems with drainage.

7. Home Exterior

Aside from the roof, the house’s exterior should also be included in your inspection, even if details are only cosmetic. Check out the exterior paint. Is it chipping? The siding of a home gives protection from the elements while adding curb appeal. Take a look at its condition to see if it needs any repairs. Your house may have asbestos siding and roofing. In good condition, you have nothing to worry about. Otherwise, you will need an expert to make repairs.

8. Basement

If your home has a basement, don’t forget to include an inspection of this space in your home inspection checklist. Even if it’s unfinished and you never plan to use it, you’ll want to know if there are any potential problems before you move into the home. Have your home inspector take a close look for mold and moisture. Any musty or mildewy smell is often an indication that there’s water trapped there.

Check your basement’s sump pump if it has one and verify that it’s working smoothly. Basements are often a space for pests to hide out. Your home inspection should look for any signs of activity from unwanted visitors. Rats and mice love an unoccupied and uninsulated basement because it gives them ample space to hide behind the walls. Small holes in your basement’s walls and floors are evidence that small bugs or other pests have been living there.

9. Electrical System

Electricity is dangerous if it is not installed and regulated properly. Inspectors will test all of the electrical elements of a home, from light fixtures to your smoke detectors. The home inspector will turn on all of the light switches and check that a current is running properly, examine the outlets to see that they’re functioning safely and check all of the circuits.

Inspectors look beyond flipping switches, though. They also look into the mechanisms of the home’s circuits, which include the wires that transfer the electricity. Homes should also have grounded circuit breakers that protect both you and the circuit from feeling a high amount of electric shock if there is a sudden overload.

10. Living Spaces & Bedrooms

The living spaces and bedrooms won’t have as much that you need to inspect as a bathroom or kitchen, but they should still get a once-over to identify any potential problems. Look at the ceilings, windows, walls, floors, and doors, like you would anywhere else on the property. Make sure electrical outlets are working and are safe.

11. Garage & Garage Door

Next, go into your garage. The walls, ceiling, and floor should all be in good condition with no cracks or holes. Look at the material and condition of your garage door and determine if a replacement is due soon. You may want to choose a different garage door material or style based on the weather conditions of the area.

Depending on how you want to use your garage, the inspection can also reveal some other helpful information. If you plan to use part of your garage as a workspace, you’ll want to see if the garage door is insulated. Otherwise, it will get cold in the winter months. Your inspection will also identify outlets you can use for projects.

12. Outdoor Grounds

Lastly, you’ll want to check on the exterior grounds of your property to make sure that it’s safe. Take a look at the driveway and any trees or plants that are in your front yard. Are there any cracks or loose roots you should look out for? In your front and backyard, keep an eye out for rot on your porch and deck, any sharp edges on fencing or gates, or uneven walkways.

We know this list sounds like a lot, but it’s important to take all of the proper precautions when it comes to the safety of your home. Instead of spending hours of your day trying to identify problems in your property, leave it to the experts. If you are buying a home in Florida, you will likely have to apply for insurance coverage which will require you to take care of the property with a 4 point inspection. Our inspection team won’t let any detail go unnoticed. Contact us at Hound Doghi to set up a time for us to look at the house! We also offer advanced pool inspections, wind mitigations, and commercial inspections.

Both new and old homes have to be inspected periodically so sellers, owners, or prospective buyers can find out what kind of work needs to be completed. A great provider will offer various home inspection services such as general inspections, four-point inspections, new construction inspections, pool inspections, and wind mitigation inspections.

The time your inspection takes depends on the type you have chosen. For instance, a general inspection is much more thorough than a four-point one, so it will take longer and cost you more money. When you reach out, your inspector can explain the different services to you and help you decide which one could be right for your property.

What Are the Most Important Home Inspection Services?

People get home inspections for a number of reasons, so a good inspector will offer a wide variety of services that suit different customers. People who are looking to sell their home might need to have it examined to find out whether they need to complete any repairs that could upgrade its value. However, those looking to buy a home should have an even more thorough inspection done because this can prevent nasty surprises down the line.

Even if the house you’re hoping to purchase is new, it’s worth asking an inspector to have a look because not all buildings are constructed to a high standard. Properties that contain a pool require frequent inspections because the pool needs to be kept safe. Additionally, properties that have recently been fitted with windstorm mitigation features should be inspected, so the relevant credits can be applied.

General Home Inspections

A general home inspection is very comprehensive and covers all aspects of the home, from the basement to the ceiling. Your inspector will have a look at the property’s foundations, the inside and outside structures, and all the systems such as electrical, plumbing, and heating. Reports are often many pages long and contain great detail about the current condition of the property.

General inspections are very useful for people who would like to buy a new home because the in-depth examination is likely to identify any big problems. For example, you can find out if there is a structural issue with the home that could require extensive repairs in the future. By getting a general inspection, you can safeguard your money and avoid bad investments that cost you more in the long term.

Four-Point Home Inspections

As the name suggests, a four-point home inspection is focused on four points only and is therefore a lot less extensive than a general home inspection. When you choose this option, your inspector will only have a look at the roofing, the plumbing, the electrical systems, and the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning units. A 4 point inspection is a great option for anyone who is thinking of selling their home because it gives them a better idea of the property’s condition.

It is also often required by insurance companies when a home is more than 30-40 years old. If you want to get homeowners’ insurance, you might have to have a four-point inspection done. It is much cheaper and faster than regular inspections, so it doesn’t disrupt the running of the household to the same extent. In most cases, your inspector will be done within a few minutes or hours.

New Construction Inspections

A new construction inspection focuses on the issues that are often encountered in newly built homes. In some cases, developers begin working with the inspectors even before the property’s foundations are laid. That way, the developers can avoid making costly mistakes that could reduce the value of the property. For instance, they can choose the best orientation, make sure the foundations are solid, and prevent warranty issues.

As the building is constructed, the inspector can return periodically to check that the work is being completed to a high standard. A new construction inspection can also be suitable for home buyers looking to move into a newly built property. In that case, the process will take several hours, and the inspector will look for small issues that can reduce the functionality of the property.

Pool Inspections

Pools have to function well because they can pose a threat to the health and safety of residents if they are faulty or contain dangerous elements. Therefore, you should always get your pool inspected when you move into a new property. Established homeowners should also have an inspector over every few years. Not all home inspectors specialize in pool inspections, so you need to make sure you find someone who is qualified and experienced.

At Hound Dog Home Inspections, we can conduct a thorough examination of your pool and let you know whether any repairs are outstanding. We will begin by walking around the area and looking for any obvious defects. Then, we will check the safety features, make sure the fencing is secure, and check for damage such as leaks and cracks. In addition to the pool itself, we will also examine all the equipment that belongs to it.

Wind Mitigation Inspections

If you equip your home with good windstorm mitigation features, you can get significant credits, and you might no longer have to pay so much for home insurance. Additionally, you are protecting yourself and your family from storms and other natural disasters. During a big storm, wind mitigation features like barriers, anchoring, and window and door coverings can save lives and keep your property standing.

To determine which credits you are eligible for, you will need to have a wind mitigation inspection after you install the above-named safety devices. Your inspector will have a look at the features and let you know whether they are optimized. If not, you will have to upgrade or add new ones to supplement what you already have.

What Happens During a General Home Inspection?

Now you know what types of home inspection services your local professionals offer, you might wonder what happens during the inspection. Although we can give you an estimate of the time your inspection will take, it all depends on the size and complexity of the property and the type of inspection chosen. Most general inspections take two to four hours, but a four-point inspection might only take 30-60 minutes.

Inspecting the Foundation

If you’ve opted for a general inspection, your professional will have a close look at the foundations of your home because this helps them figure out its structural integrity. Some of the things an inspector might look out for are uneven surfaces, decaying materials, or other signs that indicate a faulty foundation. The inspector will also walk through your basement and make sure that it is in good condition.

Inspecting the Outside

A full inspection includes a walk around both the inside and the outside of the property. Your inspector will have a look at various features, including the roof, the rain gutters, the outside walls, and the outside of the windows and doors. Although this can seem daunting if you haven’t renovated your home recently, you shouldn’t worry. An experienced professional can quickly tell whether your home is simply weathered or whether there are real, structural problems.

Inspecting the Inside

After the inspector has looked at the outside of the property, they will walk through every room and make a note of the building’s condition. Issues such as cracks in the walls or ceiling could indicate structural problems, so the inspector will have a closer look. They will also examine your attic, floors, windows, and doors.

Inspecting the Home’s Systems

The general and the four-point inspection both include a look at the home’s most important systems. The inspector will test your electrical components, your plumbing, your heating, your ventilation, and your air conditioning system. This helps them to determine whether any major repairs, such as a boiler replacement, are necessary in the next few years.

Do I Need a Home Inspection?

There are many reasons why you might need a home inspection. Getting your property examined is mandatory for many people who would like to get homeowners’ insurance for an older house. However, it can also be a good idea to have a property looked at if you’re hoping to sell or buy it.

The best way to find out whether an inspection is right for you is to contact professionals and ask them about their services. When you speak to us on the phone, we can find out more about your home and then suggest the most suitable type of inspection.

Call the Experts and Get Peace of Mind

Almost every developer or homeowner needs home inspection services at some point. If you’re currently looking to sell or buy a home, getting the property inspected could be a good first step and give you more information about its current condition and future repair needs. Although having older homes examined is especially important, you should get an inspection done even if your property is brand-new.

Homeowners who have a pool or those who have recently installed windstorm mitigation features can also benefit from the services of a home inspector. Get in touch with us now at Hound Dog Home Inspections to speak to one of our experts.