“So what is the difference between a 4point and a Full Home Inspection anyways?…”
It’s a question we get a lot, and unfortunately met with a good amount of misinformation ultimately leading to buyer remorse & undiscovered major issues!
To be frank, a 4point inspection is designed for one thing and one thing only: To allow insurance underwriters to determine if the home can be insure or not. It was never designed to replace a home inspection for a buyer purchasing a property and to assume it does, will ALWAYS result in regret.
4 Point Only
State-mandated form designed to give insurance underwriters the minimum information needed to produce an insurance policy
Overall
📝 Difficult to read, state-mandated, 4 page report
🚨 Only reports on (limited) electrical, HVAC, plumbing and roof
💰 Designed for insurance underwriters to evaluate insurance and pricing
📸 Limited photos (average of 15-20)
Electrical
✅ Verify brand of electrical panel and identify age and wiring type
🚫 Test all outlets and switches
🚫 Test interior & exterior electrical fixtures
🚫 Inspect for issues outside of the electrical panel
Roof
✅ Verify Roof age and life expectance & determine end of life or not
🚫 Inspect for minor damages that could turn into larger issues
🚫 Inspect flashings, gutters and other roof-related systems
Plumbing
✅ Verify no active leaks at sinks, toilets or water heater
🚫 Stress-test the plumbing system for proper drainage
🚫 Inspect all water fixtures inside and outside the home
🚫 Inspect gas appliances (if applicable)
HVAC
✅ Verify age of HVAC and that it turns on regardless of condition
🚫 Test for proper air flow to all rooms, temperature differentials. etc
🚫 Inspect for signs that the system may be nearing end of life or in need of servicing
🚫 Inspect duct work in the attic or crawlspace for signs of damage
Full Home Inspection
Comprehensive report designed to give home buyers and their agents the tools to properly understand the full condition of the home and make an informed decision about purchasing a property
Overall
📝 Easy to read, web-based, interactive 50+ page report
🚦 Easy to Understand Issue severity levels (DIY vs call a professional)
🦺 Recommended Contractors
📸 Tons of photos (average of 400+)
Electrical
✅ Electrical panel and breakers inspected
✅ All Outlets and switches tested
✅ Visible wiring is attic and panel inspected for dangerous wiring types
✅ Interior & Exterior Electrical fixtures tested
✅ And Much More!
Roof
✅ Verify life expectance of coverings
✅ Inspect for leaks, past damage, potential for future leaks, etc
✅ All flashing and gutters inspected
✅ And Much More!
Plumbing
✅ All interior and exterior water fixtures tested
✅ Water heater tested, inspected for age, life expectance and other issues
✅ All water-fed appliances inspected and tested
✅ Inspect for leaks both active and potential
✅ And Much More!
HVAC
✅ Test for proper operation of Heating and Air conditioning systems
✅ Verify age and life expectancy of installed systems
✅ Inspect for microbial growth build up on visible components
✅ Verify temperature differentials
✅ And Much More!
General Exterior
✅ Inspect Siding material for damage or delayed maintenance that could lead to leaks
✅ Inspect landscaping for potential hazards that could cause home damage
✅ Inspect all decks, porches, railing for safety
✅ Inspect all exterior doors and windows for potential air or moisture intrusion
✅ Inspect pools if present, for damage, leaks at pump, electrical connections, etc
✅ And Much More!
General Interior
✅ Inspect the flooring, walls and ceilings in each room
✅ Inspect all outlets, switches and lights in each room
✅ Test for moisture under and around every window
✅ Test for air flow from HVAC system in each room
✅ And Much More!
Kitchen
✅ Inspect sinks, dishwasher, and fridge for leaks or damage
✅ Inspect Range and microwave for proper function
✅ Inspect all countertops and cabinets for damage and operation
✅ And Much More!
Bathrooms
✅ Inspect sinks, toilets, tubs and showers for leaks or other damage
✅ Inspect ventilation to prevent future humidity/mold issues
✅ Inspect drainage that could point to larger waste system issues
✅ And Much More!