Why Every Central Florida Buyer Needs a 4-Point Inspection in 2025

Thinking About Buying a Home in Central Florida? Don’t Skip the 4-Point Inspection.

If you’re buying a home in Lakeland or anywhere in Polk County, chances are your insurance company will ask for a 4-point inspection — especially if the home is 25 years or older. But what is it, why does it matter, and what can it mean for your home insurance rates?

Let’s break it down.

🔍 What Is a 4-Point Inspection?

A 4-point inspection is a limited, insurance-focused inspection that evaluates the four most critical systems in your home:

1. Roof

2. Electrical

3. Plumbing

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

It’s not as comprehensive as a full home inspection — but it’s required by most Florida insurance providers to assess risk and determine eligibility for coverage.

✅ Schedule Your Inspection with a certified team that knows what underwriters look for — and what red flags could cost you later.

🏠 Why Do Insurance Companies Require It?

Florida homes face unique challenges: intense sun, high humidity, hurricanes, and outdated construction in older neighborhoods. Insurance companies want to know:

• Is the roof nearing the end of its life?

• Is the electrical panel safe and up to code?

• Are there signs of leaks or plumbing issues?

• Is the HVAC system functional and properly maintained?

If the answer is no to any of those, you could be denied coverage or pay higher premiums — even if the home looksgreat.

📍 Who Needs a 4-Point Inspection in Polk County?

Typically, buyers purchasing homes 25+ years old will need a 4-point inspection to secure or switch homeowners insurance. In Polk County cities like Lakeland, Winter Haven, Bartow, and Auburndale, many homes fall into that category.

Even if the seller provides one, it’s smart to get your own — especially from an inspector who works for you, not the listing agent.

🎥 Want to see how we inspect each system? Watch Our Inspection Videos

🚨 Common 4-Point Issues That Can Delay Closing

Some of the most common problems we uncover during 4-point inspections include:

• Outdated electrical panels (like Federal Pacific or Zinsco)

• Old roofs with less than 3–5 years of life left

• Polybutylene or galvanized plumbing

• Non-functional HVAC systems or window units in place of central air

The key here? These issues might not be obvious during a walkthrough — but they can absolutely derail your insurance or financing if they go undetected.

🧠 Full Inspection vs. 4-Point: What’s the Difference?

A 4-point inspection is not a replacement for a full home inspection. Think of it this way:

• Full Home Inspection = for you

• 4-Point Inspection = for your insurance company

✅ Schedule Your Inspection and let us handle both at once — saving you time, hassle, and last-minute surprises.

🏡 Final Thoughts: Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late

In today’s competitive Central Florida real estate market, buyers are moving fast. But that doesn’t mean you should skip due diligence.

A 4-point inspection could:

• Help you qualify for better insurance

• Uncover deal-killing red flags before closing

• Give you leverage for repairs or price negotiations

🏠 Ready to get started? Find Your Lakeland Home, and let us help you buy it the smart way.