The 4-point inspection
AKA The insurability Inspection
What is this home inspection
A 4-point inspection is a home inspection that focuses on four key systems: roof, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC. It's often required by insurance companies, especially for older homes, to assess the condition of these systems and ensure they are in good working order. This type of inspection helps insurance companies understand the potential risks associated with insuring an older home.
The 4-point inspection is also a good inspection for a current homeowner who may not have the knowledge, experience, or abilty to properly inspect these areas of the home themselves. These are the systems that are most likely to
The Benefits of a 4-point Inspection:
Price!! This inspection that is limited in scope to those 4 major systems will not cost the same as a standard home inspection. The inspection does not include the condition of the driveway, the interior or exterior wall coverings, the appliances, etc. And as such, it will not take as long. A standard home inspection can take anywhere from 2 1/2 hours to 4 hours or more, depending on this size and complexity of the home. A 4-point inspection will likely take half that amount of time or less.
This inspection can give current homeowners peace of mind, knowing that the most expensive elements of the home are still operating correctly and efficiently. OR, it can notify current homeowners of issues that they were unaware of, and can get ahead of correcting them before they become major repair expenses. “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”!
How do i choose a home inspector?
Your agent may have an inspector they recommend, someone they have experience and confidence in. Your agent is acting in your best interest, so taking their recommendation is usually a good idea. But a wise man once said “Trust, but verify”. YOU are the one making this investment, and YOU should make the final decision on who to choose for your home inspector. When you are selecting your home inspector, consider the following:
May go without saying… but are they Licensed and Insured?
Both Louisiana and Mississippi require a home inspector be be licensed by the State in order to provide residential home inspection services. I am licensed in both Louisiana (LHI#11410) and Mississippi (MHI#1011) and maintain General Liability and Errors and Omissions (E&O) Insurance.
Single inspector or multi-inspector firm?
A single inspector company like Shingle to Slab Home Inspection has several benefits over a multi-inspector firm. You are hiring a specific inspector, and will work with that inspector alone. Single Inspectors have absolute control over their scheduling, report writing software used and pricing structure.
Education and Experience
The education required by both LA and MS is fairly in-depth, and covers all subject matters covered in a standard home inspection. There are several different education providers. Both states also require in-field training with a licensed inspector. However, an inspector’s experience is likely that most important element to their ability to provide a complete and comprehensive inspection. Education provides a baseline understanding, but there are things about construction practices, how buildings deteriorate, how contractors can hide deficiencies, and what to look for to determine deficiencies or failure in different systems that you simply don’t understand completely until you’ve seen them several times in practice. The construction industry is, like other industries, is constantly advancing with new technologies. Today’s home inspectors can expect to see homes that have been constructed 1 year ago or 100 years ago, some with multiple remodels, and multiple iterations of advances in residential construction standards. I have been in the construction industry for over 20 years and have a broad understanding of older homes as well as newer homes.
Part of an Association?
Every professional trade has an association that provides continuing education and provides a reach-back for its members to assist with the operation of their business. I am a proud member of and a Certified Professional Inspector with the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (Inter-NACHI). and, as a lifetime learner, I am always enrolled in their latest educational opportunity.
Guarantee?
Does the company offer any type of guarantee? What if the inspector misses something, and there is a cost associated with the item that is missed? Most issues can be solved through communication, which is why my entire inspection process is transparent. My clients know exactly what I inspect, and the results of the inspection. Thorough communication prior to, during, and following the inspection is essential to a satisfied client. However, no-one is perfect. If something is missed during an inspection, I stand ready to make it right. As a final reassurance, Shingle to Slab Home Inspection is a registered participant in Inter-NACHI’s “We’ll Buy Your Home Guarantee”. The ultimate in protection, backed by the largest, most respected Home Inspection organization worldwide.
Inspection Report
The end result and final product of the home inspection is the Home Inspection Report. Years ago, inspectors advertised the quality of their printed reports. Full-color, bound reports were the gold standard. Although a nice printed report feels nice when it is handed to you, it is essentially a waste of money (your money). Printers, Printer ink, and paper is expensive, and it is guaranteed that that cost is passed off to you. As with other industries, we have moved away from the print copy, and moved to digital reports, housed in perpetuity in the cloud. These digital reports contain high quality digital images, can be downloaded and shared with multiple parties, and allow for smart organization to allow for different trades to view what they need to. Today’s digital reports are now the standard, and your inspector should provide this to you. At Shingle to Slab Home Inspection, reports are completed and delivered digitally to you the SAME day, and are accessed through an online portal, along with your invoice for payment. You can access your report at any time, download and share as you see fit. Note: A printed report can still be produced for you, just make sure to inquire about the cost when scheduling your inspection.