How to Pass a 4-Point Home Inspection

 



Why This Inspection Matters for Your Insurance and Safety

If you're buying or own a home that’s a few decades old, you're likely going to face a 4-point home inspection. This quick but focused inspection zeroes in on your roof, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems. It’s often required by insurers before they'll approve or renew coverage—especially in states like Florida.

At Guardian Angel Inspections Service, we’ve guided thousands of homeowners through the process. This blog breaks down how to pass a 4-point home inspection, what pitfalls to avoid, and how to make improvements that actually matter to insurers.

What You’ll Learn:

  • What a 4-point inspection includes

  • Common reasons inspections fail

  • Real-world fixes that help you pass a 4-point inspection

  • Easy steps to avoid costly delays or denials

What Is a 4-Point Inspection?

A 4-point home inspection focuses on four major systems:

  1. Roof

  2. Electrical system

  3. Plumbing

  4. HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning)

Unlike a full home inspection, this streamlined version is required mainly for home insurance inspections, especially if your property is more than 25–30 years old.

Natural Query: “Can I get home insurance without passing a 4-point inspection?”
Answer: Probably not. Insurers use it to assess whether your home is insurable and what kind of risk it presents.

Roof Inspection for Insurance

Your roof is a big deal. It's the first thing we assess in a 4-point inspection, and it’s often the main reason homes don’t pass.

What We Check:

  • Roof age (insurers prefer under 20 years)

  • Shingle/tile condition (missing, curling, or worn)

  • Any signs of leaking or soft spots

  • Proper flashing, sealing, and ventilation

If you're Googling "can I pass a 4-point inspection with an old roof", the answer is: only if it's in excellent shape and properly maintained.

Case Example: A homeowner in Miami had a 23-year-old roof that hadn’t leaked but showed significant wear. After consulting with us, they completed repairs to the flashing and replaced some shingles. The result? They passed and secured their insurance renewal.

Electrical System: Upgrade for Safety

Outdated or unsafe wiring is a red flag. Modern insurers want to see panels and circuits that meet today’s standards.

What We Look For:

  • Panel type (certain brands like Zinsco or Federal Pacific often fail)

  • Wiring material (no aluminum wiring or knob-and-tube)

  • Presence of GFCI outlets

  • Proper grounding and secure connections

Suggested Fixes:

  • Electrical panel upgrade if yours is outdated

  • Replace old fuse boxes with breakers

  • Add GFCIs where needed (bathrooms, kitchens, exterior)

Plumbing: Check for Leaks and Material

Your home’s pipes, water heater, and fixtures all fall under this part of the 4-point inspection. Old or corroded pipes and leaking fixtures are big no-gos.

Common Issues:

  • Rusty or corroded pipes (especially galvanized or polybutylene)

  • Leaky or loose connections

  • Water heaters older than 15 years

  • No drain pans or relief valves

Easy Wins:

  • Add a drain pan under the water heater

  • Update shutoff valves under sinks and toilets

  • Re-caulk around tubs and showers

These steps are part of our recommended plumbing inspection checklist to help clients avoid insurance issues.



HVAC: Keep It Cool (and Safe)

Whether it's a sweltering Florida summer or a chilly night, your HVAC system needs to work reliably. But function alone isn’t enough—you also need to show it's in good condition.

What Inspectors Check:

  • Age of system (15+ years may raise concerns)

  • Ductwork (disconnected, moldy, or leaky ducts)

  • Signs of maintenance or recent service

  • Drain lines and overall cleanliness

Quick Fixes:

  • Clean the filters and vents

  • Seal any visible duct leaks

  • Schedule a HVAC inspection or maintenance visit before your official check

Your Pre-Inspection Checklist

Here’s how to prepare before the inspector knocks:

  
SystemChecklist Item
   Roof                
Inspect for leaks, replace missing shingles
  Electrical
Check for outdated panels, install GFCIs
  Plumbing
Look for corrosion, test all fixtures
  HVAC
Clean system, fix airflow issues

Completing this home inspection checklist gives you the best chance of passing.

FAQs About How to Pass a 4-Point Home Inspection

Q: What’s the most common reason people fail a 4-point inspection?
A: Old roofs and outdated electrical panels top the list.

Q: Can I still get insurance with older systems?
A: It depends on their condition and documentation. Some insurers offer coverage with certain exclusions if your roof or electrical system is aging but still safe.

Q: Do I need to upgrade everything to pass?
A: Not always. We advise focusing on what insurers care most about—safety, leak prevention, and code compliance.

Real-Life Win from a Guardian Angel Client

The Smith family was preparing to sell their 1984 home in West Palm Beach. After a pre-inspection, we identified:

  • A 21-year-old roof

  • An original fuse box

  • A leaking shutoff valve under the kitchen sink

They addressed each issue with our guidance and passed their inspection within two weeks. The sale went smoothly, and the buyer secured insurance with zero hassles.

Final Thoughts: Be Proactive, Not Reactive

Now you know exactly how to pass a 4-point home inspection. The key is preparation. Don’t wait until an inspector finds issues—get ahead of the curve with fixes that matter.

With Guardian Angel Inspections Service, you get clear answers, trusted insights, and experienced professionals on your side. We make sure your systems are safe, your paperwork is solid, and your inspection goes off without a hitch.

Ready to Book a 4-Point Home Inspection?

Let’s get your home ready for approval.

Visit Guardian Angel Inspection
Or call us today to book your 4-point inspection with South Florida’s most trusted team.

Location: 9100 Belvedere Rd, Royal Palm Beach, FL 33411, USA

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