Complete a Four Point inspection report
How the Four Point writer is organized, how to use permits and equipment tools, and what insurers look for.
A Four Point inspection documents a home's roof, electrical, plumbing and HVAC systems for insurance underwriting. It's narrower than a full home inspection and doesn't replace one.
How the writer is organized
The writer has six tabs: General, Electrical, HVAC, Plumbing, Roof and Comments. Each tab has its own photo area.
Client and address changes in the General tab apply to that Four Point report only.
Roof tab
Record the predominant and secondary covering, roof age, remaining useful life, date of the last permit and update, full or partial replacement, visible signs of damage, any visible leaks (in the attic or on interior ceilings) and overall condition.
Tools that save time
- Permits: attach the latest reroof, HVAC or repiping permit to the right tab. Permit work descriptions often include the dates insurers ask for.
- Serial Number Lookup: decode water heater and HVAC equipment age from the data plate.
- Copy photos: reuse roof photos in a Roof Certification for the same job.
What insurers look for
- Clear photos of each system, including the electrical panel with the cover off where it's safe, the water heater and its data plate, HVAC equipment and data plates, and every roof slope
- Ages that match the photos and permits
- Accurate condition answers, with any hazards clearly noted
Requirements vary by insurer. Use the format the receiving carrier asks for, and check who the carrier allows to sign. See Who can sign Florida insurance forms.