When you’re buying a home in Clermont, FL, or even just looking to save money on your current home, you’ll likely hear about two specific types of inspections: a 4-point inspection and a wind mitigation inspection. While a general home inspection is a must for any homebuyer, these two reports serve entirely different, but equally important, purposes—especially in Central Florida.
Let’s break down what each one is, why they matter, and how Platinum Home Inspections can help.
What is a 4-Point Inspection?
Think of the 4-point inspection as a “health check” for your home’s most critical systems. It’s a focused evaluation required by most insurance companies, especially for homes that are 10-20 years old or more. Insurers want to know that these systems are in good working order to minimize the risk of future claims.
A 4-point inspection assesses four key areas:
- Roof: The inspector will evaluate the roof’s material, age, condition, and any signs of active leaks or significant damage. For an older roof, this is a critical report, as a roof nearing the end of its life can make a home uninsurable.
- Electrical System: This involves checking the wiring type (e.g., copper vs. aluminum), the electrical panel brand (some older brands are considered fire hazards), and overall safety.
- Plumbing System: The inspector will look at the type of plumbing materials, the age of the water heater, and check for any visible leaks or signs of water damage. Certain older pipe materials, like polybutylene, can be a red flag for insurers.
- HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning): Given the Central Florida heat, the HVAC system is vital. The inspector checks the age and condition of the unit to ensure it’s functioning properly and doesn’t pose a safety risk.
A 4-point inspection is not a pass/fail test, but if significant issues are found, they may need to be addressed before an insurance company will issue a policy.
What is a Wind Mitigation Inspection?
While a 4-point inspection is about eligibility for insurance, a wind mitigation inspection is all about saving you money. This specialized report assesses your home’s ability to withstand high winds, a crucial factor in a state prone to hurricanes and tropical storms. The more wind-resistant features your home has, the more you can save on your homeowners insurance premium.
A certified inspector will look for specific features that can reduce wind damage, including:
- Roof Covering & Age: The type and age of your roof play a significant role.
- Roof Deck Attachment: How securely the roof decking is attached to the trusses. The type of nails or staples used and their spacing are key factors.
- Roof-to-Wall Attachment: How your roof is connected to the walls of the home. Hurricane clips and straps provide better protection (and bigger discounts) than simple toe-nailing.
- Roof Shape: A hip roof (the pyramid-shaped one) is more aerodynamic and offers better protection against wind than a gable roof.
- Opening Protection: This is for all the openings in your home, including windows, doors, and garage doors. Features like hurricane shutters or impact-rated windows and doors can lead to substantial insurance discounts.
- Secondary Water Resistance (SWR): This is an extra layer of protection under your roof covering that prevents water from entering the home if the primary roof covering is damaged.
The savings from a wind mitigation inspection can be significant. Depending on the features your home has, you could see discounts that pay for the cost of the inspection many times over.
Platinum Home Inspections: Your Local Experts
Navigating these specialized inspections can be confusing, but you don’t have to do it alone. As your trusted local inspectors in Clermont, Platinum Home Inspections is well-versed in the specific requirements of Florida insurance companies. We can perform both a 4-point and a wind mitigation inspection, often in a single visit, to give you a complete picture of your home’s condition and help you secure the best possible insurance rates.
Don’t let the complexities of home inspections become a roadblock. Contact us today to schedule your inspections and gain the peace of mind that comes with knowing your home is safe and your finances are protected.
