Inspections That Protect: 4-Point, Wind Mitigation & Residential Home

Why Homebuyers Need a 4-Point Inspection, Wind Mitigation, and a Residential Home Inspection

When you're buying a home, whether it’s your first or your fifth, due diligence is everything. Three common types of inspections often come up during the home buying process: the 4-point inspection, wind mitigation inspection, and the Residential home inspection. While they may sound similar, each serves a distinct purpose. Understanding the differences and why you need more than just one can help protect your investment, reduce your insurance costs, and prevent expensive surprises down the line.

What Is a 4-Point Inspection and Wind Mitigation?

A 4-point inspection is a limited-scope evaluation of four key systems in the home:

1. Roof

2. Electrical system

3. Plumbing system

4. HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning)

   
   

This inspection is usually required by insurance companies, especially for older homes (typically 25 years or older). It helps insurers determine if the property is eligible for coverage and if there are any major red flags that could result in a costly claim. They ask about specific issues and do not cover all issues within the systems. You can see a blank 4-point inspection here.

A main electrical line was not fully set in the panel. This is an example of a 4-point issue.

Alongside the 4-point, insurance providers often request a wind mitigation inspection in Florida. This inspection evaluates how well your home can withstand strong winds and storms. It looks at things like:

• Roof shape and covering

• Roof-to-wall connections (clips, straps)

• Door and window protection (impact-rated glass, shutters)

• Secondary water resistance (underlayment beneath the roof)

  
  

Wind mitigation can lead to significant savings on your homeowners insurance sometimes hundreds or even thousands of dollars annually if your home has qualifying features.

So, in short:

• The 4-point inspection ensures your home is insurable.

• The wind mitigation inspection can save you money on that insurance.

  
  

What Is a Residential Home Inspection?

A Residential home inspection is a detailed, top-to-bottom evaluation of the property's overall condition. It includes a thorough review of:

• Structural components (foundation, walls, roof, attic)

• Electrical and plumbing systems

• Heating and cooling systems

• Appliances

• Interior/exterior conditions

• Doors, windows, insulation, and more

  
  

You can check out the Florida Association of Building Inspectors' Standards of Practice, which I follow, here. Unlike the 4-point or wind mitigation that are geared toward insurance companies, a residential inspection is designed for you, the buyer. Its purpose is to uncover hidden issues that could impact the home's safety, value, or livability. You can see an example of my residential home inspection report here.

An example of a foundation issue found on a residential home inspection.

An example of a foundation issue found on a residential home inspection.

Why You Need All Three

1. Different Purposes, Different Protections

• The 4-point and wind mitigation are for your insurance provider.

• The residential home inspection is for your protection.

  
  

2. Insurance Doesn’t Equal Peace of Mind

Passing a 4-point inspection doesn’t mean the home is problem-free. You could still be looking at outdated outlets, structural settlement, drainage issues, or other issues, all things that would be caught in a residential home inspection, but not in a 4-point.

3. Maximize Your Savings and Safeguards

A wind mitigation inspection not only helps reduce your premiums but also identifies areas where you can invest in upgrades to make your home safer and even more cost-effective to insure.

4. Better Negotiation Leverage

If your residential inspection turns up major issues, you have an opportunity to renegotiate price or request repairs before closing. It’s your strongest tool in protecting your investment.

The Bottom Line

Think of the 4-point and wind mitigation inspections as your insurance checklist, what’s required (and helpful) to get coverage and save money. Think of the residential home inspection as your buyer’s safeguard, what protects you from making a costly mistake.

Think of it like buying a car, your insurance company only cares if it starts and stops. But you want to know how safe it is, what features it has, and when you might need to replace the brakes, tires, or other important parts.

If you're serious about buying smart, don’t skip any of them. These inspections work together to give you the full picture.

Ready to Protect Your Purchase and Your Wallet?

Don’t leave your dream home or your insurance rates to chance.

Schedule your 4-point, wind mitigation, and residential home inspection in one convenient visit.

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Let’s make sure your next home is safe, sound, and storm-ready.