What gets inspected
Roof. Covering material, visible condition, and age. We confirm the age against county permit records rather than guessing from the shingles, because the permit date is what the underwriter will check.
Electrical. Panel brand and amperage, breaker or fuse type, wiring material, and anything visibly unsafe at the panel.
Plumbing. Supply and drain pipe materials, the water heater’s age and type, and any active leaks or staining.
Heating and air. System type, age, and whether it runs. Window units and no central air are noted as such.
Each section gets photos. The report is a form, not an essay, because that is what the insurer wants to read.
What insurers tend to flag
The report records what is there; the carrier decides what it means. These are the items that most often cause trouble on a Florida four-point:
- Federal Pacific or Zinsco electrical panels
- Aluminum branch wiring
- Polybutylene supply pipes
- A roof near the end of its expected life, or with no permit on file
- An aging water heater
- Active leaks, open junction boxes, double-tapped breakers
If you already know your house has one of these, the inspection does not change that. It does mean you find out before an underwriter does, with time to fix or shop around.
When you need one
Three situations cover almost everyone: you are buying or applying for a new policy on a home more than 20 years old, your carrier asked for one at renewal, or you are switching insurers and the new one wants current documentation. Your agent’s request will say which form they want. If it mentions wind mitigation too, book the combination and save $89.
It is not a home inspection
A four-point looks at four systems for an insurer. It does not evaluate the structure, windows, appliances, drainage, or anything else a buyer’s inspection covers. If you are buying in Brevard and want a full inspection on a route day, call 407-698-5360 first. We can usually fit a single-story, single-family home with a low-profile roof, or a manufactured home.
Mobile and manufactured homes
Book the four-point on its own. The wind mitigation form does not apply to mobile and manufactured homes, so the combination has nothing extra to offer you.
Citizens’ own description of inspection requirements: citizensfla.com/web/public/inspections.
