Many homeowners have heard from family members, friends, and real estate professionals that they require these inspections. However, they may not be aware of the reasons. You might be confused as to why the full home buyer/seller inspection isn’t enough.
Each type of property inspection is unique and is used for different purposes. This includes inspections at four points and wind mit.
Before we get into the 4-point differences and the wind mitigation inspection, let’s learn a bit more about each.
What is a Wind Mitigation Inspection?
A “windstorm inspection is a visual inspection of a home’s ability to withstand windstorm damage.
This inspection involves the home inspector examining your home’s characteristics to withstand wind.
Although wind mitigation tampa inspections do not have to be performed by law, they are highly recommended for all Florida homeowners.
Your broker or insurance agent might ask you to obtain a wind mitigation report before you are allowed to issue an insurance policy. We are seeing more insurance agents pushing homeowners to get wind mitigation inspections.
The best reason to have a wind mitigation inspection done is because, according to Florida law, insurance companies must offer discounts on home insurance to structures that pass a passing grade. The homeowners receive discounts that more than offset the cost of the inspection.
Keep your report! The bottom of the report states that it is good for five year. If you are shopping for new insurance, an older wind mit report of three years will be required by your carrier. Most carriers will allow it to continue for five years if you aren’t shopping. (Don’t worry if your report isn’t found; most carriers won’t throw them away.
What is a 4-Point Inspection?
Certain insurance companies may require four-point inspections before issuing a policy. Every insurance company has its own guidelines, but typically 4-point inspections will be required for homes older than 30 years.
Insurance companies conduct four-point inspections to assess your home’s risk. Because older homes are not as well-maintained new construction is considered to pose a greater risk for the insurance company.
You might have noticed that there are four things being checked during a four-point inspection. These are: 1) Electrical, 2) Plumbing and 3) Roof and Structure and 4) HVAC System.
A home inspector can list the following information when filling out a report: age, general condition, material, and basic type. Your 4-point inspection will determine whether or not you will be insured by which carriers. To obtain insurance coverage, however, you might be allowed to bring your home up to standard.
What is the Difference?
What is the difference between a 4-point inspection or wind mitigation inspection? What features they include is the main difference.
Your roof will be the main focus of a wind mitigation inspection. To inspect your roof, the inspection will primarily be done on, around and under it ( an inspector will need access to your crawlspace or attic to do this). A 4-point inspection will cover more of your home and will take longer. However, the inspector will still need to inspect a larger portion of your home than a full-home buyer’s inspection.
Wind mitigation inspections can be done at your own discretion, but it is possible that this will change in the future. However, most homeowners are required to have a four-point inspection by their insurance company.
Conclusion
It doesn’t matter if you need a four-point inspection or a wind mitigation inspector. The most important thing to do is ensure that the report is accurate and thorough. If the home inspection misses major issues that can be fixed later, it is not a great deal.