After buying a home, one of the necessary steps is to get your home insurance and protect your property against natural disasters or theft. Usually, the insurance companies will create a report that will show how much liability they will be taking by covering insurance of your property (especially with older properties). A four-point home inspection will be performed to determine whether they will cover your home or not. It is a 4 point analysis of your house condition. They are Roofing, HVAC, plumbing, and electrical.
To help you be prepared for what the house inspector will check, here's everything you need to know:
1. Roofing
Roofing inspection means knowing the in-depth and comprehensive conditions of the roof. The roof is an integral part of the house’s fundamental structure. Bad roofing can compromise the safety of you and your family.
The inspector will check four factors starting from the age of the roofing.
Usually, it is recommended to replace roofing every 20 years as aged roofs show mold formation, cracks, curls, etc. Then the inspector will check whether there is any leakage or other signs of deterioration. Lastly, roof shaping is checked to measure the house's ability to withstand harsh weather conditions.
2. HVAC system
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning – these are what HVAC stands for. An HVAC system is there to regulate the environment and ensure comfort indoors.
The inspector will check your heating and cooling system's condition and take note of its age and model. Usually, outdated HVAC units can pose risks to health and lower the air quality inside. The condition of your heating and air conditioning setup depends on how well you've maintained it over the years. The inspector will also check the functionality of your system. So, if your HVAC system is running over 20 years old, it is best to replace it with an updated system for better performance and safety.
3. Plumbing system
When it comes to checking plumbing systems, the inspector will first check leakage. They will inspect all water supply lines as well as the water heater. The age and material will be examined to determine the life expectancy of your plumbing system. Before the inspection, make sure to check for pipe deterioration, leakage, or water damage to avoid extensive plumbing issues.
4. Electrical system
In the case of an electrical system inspection, you have to meet the code regulations. First, the electrical system has to cover the full size of your home and be grounded well. Even an insignificant fault in the wiring can prove to be risky. Lastly, the professional inspector will look into fuse boxes, tube wiring, double-tapped breaker, etc. If you notice any ungrounded or exposed wiring in your house, fix them immediately before the inspection.
Conclusion
A four-point inspection is an important step to determine your home's insurance coverage. Once the house passes the 4 point inspection, you'll be able to get your house insured or covered. So, know what they will look for and check whether your house would pass the full home inspection.
