🛠️ What Is a 4-Point Home Inspection and Do You Need One?

hillstophomeinspec
Jun 21
2 min read

If you're buying or insuring an older home in Nashville or Middle Tennessee, chances are you'll hear the term "4-point inspection." But what does it actually cover—and do you really need one?

At Hill's Top Home Inspections, we perform 4-point inspections regularly for both homebuyers and homeowners seeking insurance coverage. Here's everything you need to know about this focused inspection and how it differs from a full home inspection.

📋 What Is a 4-Point Home Inspection?

A 4-point inspection is a limited evaluation of the home's four major systems:

Roof
Plumbing
Electrical
HVAC (Heating & Cooling)

This inspection is not a substitute for a full home inspection—it is usually required by insurance providers for homes older than 20–25 years. Its primary purpose is to assess the condition and remaining lifespan of these key components.

🔍 What's Included in Each Area?

🏠 1. Roof

Estimated age and condition
Signs of damage, leaks, or missing shingles
Type of roofing material
Evidence of recent repairs

💧 2. Plumbing System

Visible pipe material (e.g., copper, PEX, polybutylene)
Water heater condition and age
Signs of leaks or corrosion
Functional flow and drainage

⚡ 3. Electrical System

Type of wiring (e.g., aluminum vs. copper)
Condition of main panel and breakers
Proper grounding
GFCI protection in required areas

❄️ 4. HVAC System

Age and condition of heating and cooling units
Operational status
Signs of rust, leaks, or improper installation

👉 Note: A 4-point inspection does not include cosmetic issues, appliances, insulation, or structural components.

🛡️ Why Do Insurance Companies Require It?

Insurance carriers want to reduce risk. Homes with aging systems can pose:

Higher fire risk (e.g., outdated electrical panels)
Water damage (from deteriorated plumbing or roof)
HVAC failures during peak seasons

If your home doesn’t pass, insurance may be denied or offered at a higher premium until repairs are made.

🧰 Who Needs a 4-Point Inspection?

You’ll most likely need one if:

The home is 20+ years old
You're switching insurance carriers
You're applying for a new policy

This is common in areas with older housing stock, like East Nashville, Madison, Franklin, or Donelson.

🔍 4-Point vs. Full Home Inspection: What's the Difference?

	4-Point Inspection	Full Home Inspection
Purpose	Insurance requirement	Buyer protection & full review
Duration	~30–60 minutes	2–4 hours
Systems Covered	4 major systems only	400+ items across all systems
Report	Simple summary	Detailed digital report with photos & recommendations