INSURANCE INSPECTIONS

 

Four (4) Point Inspection

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A Four (4) Point Inspection is often required when obtaining a new homeowner's insurance policy, or when renewing an existing policy.  Four (4) Point requirements will vary from carrier to carrier usually starting at 30 years or older. Four (4) Point inspection consists of a limited visual survey of the following:
 

• Heating/Air conditioning system

• Roof

• Electrical

• Plumbing

 

The purpose of the inspection is to determine the approximate age, general condition, and remaining lifespan of these systems. This is a limited visual inspection of components the insurance company may find unsafe or problematic. 

With regards to the insurance company, they are generally looking to see if your property has been updated to current standards and is in good condition.  After Hurricane Andrew, Insurance Companies in Florida started to encourage home owners to make their homes safer and reduce insurance claims. Today, most if not all of the insurance companies and JUA (Joint Underwriting Association) request or require Four Point Inspections for homes older than 30 years

It is important to remember that this is a limited visual inspection and does not replace a home inspection, such as for a purchase or sale (listing inspection).

 

 

 

Wind Mitigation

 

A Wind Mitigation Inspection is a great tool to reduce your overall cost when it comes to
your homeowners insurance. Submitted to your insurance provider, it may result in
discounts to your policy to help save money. Most existing homes have one or more
construction features that will qualify for windstorm insurance premium discounts. 

A Wind Mitigation Inspection verifies the construction details of your home and is used to qualify for discounts on your insurance premium. The better your house is built to withstand Wind Damage, the more discounts you will qualify for each year.

A wind mitigation inspection is a type of home inspection. The purpose of a wind mitigation inspection is to determine the appropriateness of a given structure's construction in the event of strong winds, such as those present in a hurricane.

A homeowner with windstorm insurance can often submit the results of a windstorm inspection to their insurer to obtain discounts on their windstorm insurance. In Florida premium discounts for certain favorable wind mitigation features are mandated by State law and can sometimes show savings that up to 15% or more of the original policy's premium.

This inspection will consist of the inspector looking for the following 8 key categories listed below.
 

1. Roof Covering: inspectors want to know when the roof was installed and does if it meets building codes. 

2. Roof Deck Attachment: inspectors will determine what type of roof decking is used and how it’s attached to the underlying structure, for example, if it’s nailed or stapled down. If nails are used, nail length and spacing between each will also be noted.

3. Roof to Wall Attachment: the roof attachments become the focus here: are trusses attached with nails or hurricane clips? Are the wraps single or double? The more secure your roof, the more significant the savings.

4. Roof Geometry: is your roof hip, gable or other? The inspector is looking for how it’s shaped - a hip roof resembles that of a pyramid, and is a definite qualifier for a discount.

5. Gable End Bracing: if the roof is a gable style, an inspector will review if the gable ends are braced to Florida Building Code standards. Gable ends measuring more than 48 inches tall should be braced for reinforcement, and inspectors will be checking for this qualification for discount.

6. Wall Construction Type: Inspectors will review the construction materials used on your home. Steel reinforced concrete block homes may yield a better discount than one with a plywood-only frame and plastic siding.

7. Secondary Water Barrier: This is a newer item for roofs. If your roof was installed or upgraded before 2008, it’s fairly unlikely you’ll have this sort of barrier. As with most newer features, photo documentation, at a minimum, will be required for a discount in this area.

8. Opening Protection: Here, inspectors are looking for shutters and installed-protection devices from wind-born debris for doors and windows. They will also be checking the rating of the devices, if you have them (as in- are they hurricane-rated?). 100% of all openings (All or nothing) need to be covered with Hurricane rated protection to qualify for this discount.

 

Are you are obtaining a new Insurance policy?
Most of the time, your insurance agent will require at least one of these inspections to obtain a policy. All you need to do is give me a call. I will perform the inspection, and send the report with all applicable pictures to you. 

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Other Inspections

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Pool & Spa

 

Pool / spa placement and protection. Inspection of fencing, gates, screen enclosure, proximity to electrical wires, location of electrical outlets and placement to the home.

Pool / spa and coping. This includes the pool and deck surface condition (cracks, discoloration, and pitting) and the coping surrounding the pool (open joints, cracking). Drains are inspected for the presence of anti-vortex covers for safety reasons.

Pool / spa equipment. This includes inspection of pool/spa lights, the presence of GFCI devices, junction box condition and location, pumps, filters, piping, timers, disconnects, heaters, controls, accessories, skimmers, and the appropriate electrical bonding is in place.

Pool / spa equipment operation. Inspection and operation of the pump, inspection for leakage, proper skimming and filtration, heater activation, filter leaks and the operation of the spa.

 

Sprinkler Systems

 

Sprinkler system leaks and failures can lead to high water bills and potential damage to your new home or property. Before you purchase a home with a sprinkler system, have it inspected. Even though most of the sprinkler system is located underground, a knowledgeable home inspector will assess the sprinkler operation, including a visible inspection of the controllers, connections, sprinkler head locations, pressure differentials, drains, and sensors. Water meters are also inspected as a means of uncovering any possible leaks.

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Water Testing

 

Consider testing your well for pesticides, organic chemicals, and heavy metals before you use it for the first time. Test private water supplies annually for nitrate and coliform bacteria to detect contamination problems early. Test them more frequently if you suspect a problem. Be aware of activities in your watershed that may affect the water quality of your well, especially if you live in an unsewered area. If you have a well, you can have peace of mind that your water is safe to drink.  At the time of the home inspection I will take a sample of water and have it tested at a State Cert​

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Crawl Space

 

If you are purchasing a manufactured home or a home not built on a concrete slab I will inspect your crawl space when access is safe.  I will be looking for ground moisture, plumbing leaks, mold if there is excessive moisture, under floor insulation, HVAC ductwork, if vapor barrier is present, improper electrical connections of open boxes, piers/posts are in good condition, animal infestation, tie downs on manufactured homes and ventilation.

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