Four Point Inspection Certification Course

What Is a Four Point Inspection Certification Course?

A four point inspection is a commonly requested home inspection focused on the four main components of a residential property: the roof, plumbing, electrical, and HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) systems. A four point inspection course helps train aspiring inspectors in techniques and best practices relating to these core facets. Students will learn about safety precautions, inspection duties, identifying issues, and reporting their findings to clients with accuracy. They’ll also learn about building codes and regulations and how to communicate with insurance companies.

Unlike a typical home inspection where a home inspector evaluates all home component systems, a four-point inspection covers only HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and roofing. The purpose of a four-point inspection is to make sure that those four systems are operating properly so that a homeowner can obtain a homeowner’s insurance policy.

Inspectors who complete our four-point inspection certification course will be certified to perform four-point inspections and will be qualified to deliver a report to their clients in a format that is accepted by insurance companies.

Four Point Inspection Certification Course Demo Video

Examples of subtopics included in our four point inspection training class are plumbing connections and fixtures, electrical wiring and panels, roofing, as well as all things related to heating, ventilation and air conditioning.

What is a Four-Point Home Inspection?

A four-point inspection examines the current condition of a property’s four major systems: HVAC, roofing, plumbing, and electrical. It’s an inspection often requested by homeowners insurance companies before someone initiates a new coverage plan. Insurance companies are often hesitant to provide coverage to homes older than 20 years, due to their increased liability.

New homeowners can take advantage of four-point inspections to gauge whether a prospective home is actually worth their investment before committing to a mortgage. Major issues found in the four main systems of a property can be indicative of future repair headaches.

Who Can Perform a 4-Point Inspection?

Insurance companies dictate who can perform a 4-point inspection. Typically, they require a licensed electrician, residential contractor, roofing contractor, or certified home inspector to conduct such inspections. As long as the person performing the inspection is licensed, the insurance company will likely accept their insight. Home-buyers will be eager to connect with licensed home inspectors experienced in 4-point inspections. It’s an excellent option to add to your list of service offerings.

Four Point Inspection includes the roof, plumbing, electrical, and HVAC

How to Become a Four Point Inspector

Licensed electricians, residential contractors, roofing contractors, and certified home inspectors are all eligible to complete 4 point home inspections. To become a licensed home inspector, you’ll need to complete a training course like that offered by ICA School. Our comprehensive online training program includes access to our four point inspection course as one of our complimentary bonus courses. If you’re looking to expand your service offerings, ICA has the resources you need.

How Long is a 4-Point Inspection Good for in Florida?

4-point inspection requirements in Florida state that the findings are valid for up to one year. Beyond that point, a follow-up 4-point inspection may be necessary. The reality is that a lot of wear and tear can occur over one year. What might have passed inspection 12 months ago may have deteriorated significantly over the course of one year. While the information in a year-old inspection may provide some insight into the condition of a property, you’ll want to pursue the most updated inspection report available.

What is Included in a 4-Point Inspection?

A four-point inspection starts with a thorough look into a property’s HVAC system. Inspectors should check if the home has air conditioning and central heating. Reports should indicate the condition of these units and whether there are any obvious signs of leaks, damage, or aging.

Next comes a thorough inspection of the electrical system. Inspectors should determine exactly what type of wiring is run throughout the home. Those with aluminum, knob-and-tube, and copper wiring may present an increased risk of fire. Such homes are often unable to be insured, which is why it pays to have a 4-point inspection conducted before purchasing a property.

Home inspectors also look into a home’s plumbing when conducting a four-point inspection. They’ll examine pipes to see if there are any signs of leaks that could lead to water damage in the home. The water heater is also under close observation during such an inspection. So long as it adequately distributes hot water throughout the home, the water heater should pass inspection.

Finally, roofing is the last component of a four-point inspection. Inspectors should look to determine if there is any shingle damage or cracked tiling on the roof. The age, material, and life expectancy of the roof can be incredibly revealing.

Do All Insurance Companies Require a 4-Point Inspection in Florida?

While you might expect 4-point inspections to be standard in the state of Florida, the opposite is actually true. Most homes do not need a four-point inspection before being sold. Instead, these inspections are typically reserved for older homes. Home insurance companies will often dictate whether such an inspection is necessary. The results will determine whether or not the insurance company opts to insure the property.

Who Can Complete a 4-Point Inspection in Florida?

Only professionals licensed in the state of Florida may complete a 4-point inspection. According to InterNACHI, this professional may be a building code inspector, an architect, an engineer, a building contractor, or a home inspector.

Benefits of a Four Point Inspection Course for Home Inspectors

So what is a 4 point home inspection, and why bother taking a course on the subject, anyway? Unlike standard home inspections, four point home inspections are often requested by the insurance company—they’re usually required in order to establish eligibility for home insurance coverage. While homeowners may shrug off initial inspections if they’re not required by law, four point inspections are often non-negotiable. Get certified to conduct four point inspections, and you’ll find no shortage of clients eager to get your professional insight.

Earning your four point inspection certification demonstrates an expertise that goes beyond the basics. Clients and other industry professionals want to work with inspectors who put their specialized knowledge and unique skills to good use. Four point inspection certification also helps ensure that your home inspections always adhere to the highest industry standards for assessing a residential property.

Advantage of Enrolling in Four Point Inspection Course with ICA School

Why choose ICA, you might ask? Our four point inspection course is included free with membership. By enrolling now, you’ll gain instant access to our comprehensive home inspection course and all our bonus courses, including our four point inspection class. Convenient, affordable, and straightforward, our resources are designed to provide comprehensive training and unbeatable value. There’s no easier way to grow your skills and expand your service offerings than to train with ICA.

Enroll Now in ICA School’s Four Point Inspection Course

Getting started with ICA couldn’t be easier. Get enrolled, and you’ll be ready to start learning right away. Whether you’re brand new to home inspection or want to build upon your existing skills, you’ll find our resources invaluable. Complete the course at your own speed and at your convenience, and you’ll be taking four point inspection jobs in no time!

Become a Florida Certified Inspector Today

The majority of students who train with ICA will enroll in the Florida Home Inspection Master Package to get all required 120 hours, Four Point Inspection Certification, Wind Mitigation Certification, and access to all other bonus courses.

The four point inspection certification course is included free of charge for students who enroll in our online home inspection course or any of our classroom home inspection training courses. Individuals not enrolled in our home inspection course can enroll in the four point inspection certification course separately for $200 by calling us at (888)374-4096.