Buying a Home in Lakeland? Don’t Skip the 4-Point Inspection.

If you’re in the process of buying a home in Lakeland, Florida, especially one built before the early 2000s, chances are your insurance provider will require a 4-point inspection — even if you’ve already scheduled a full home inspection.

Lakeland has thousands of homes built before 1995. These older homes often have aging systems that raise red flags for insurance companies, making a 4-point inspection not just helpful — but often essential.

🏠 What Is a 4-Point Inspection?

A 4-point inspection evaluates the four critical systems of a home that most directly affect risk and insurability:

Roof — age, material, visible wear
Electrical — panel brand, wiring type, safety hazards
Plumbing — pipe materials, signs of leaks or corrosion
HVAC — system age, condition, and proper function

While a full home inspection checks everything, a 4-point inspection zeroes in on the components that impact your ability to get homeowners insurance.

✅ Schedule Your Inspection and knock out both inspections in one appointment with our Lakeland-based team.

📉 Why Is This Important in Lakeland?

Florida insurance companies are tightening their policies — especially for older homes. If you’re buying in areas like Dixieland, South Lakeland, Lake Hollingsworth, or even near Downtown, many of these homes are 30+ years old.

Without a 4-point inspection, your insurer may:

Refuse coverage entirely
Demand upgrades before approval
Charge higher premiums

And in a fast-paced market, that can delay closing — or even blow up the deal.

🎥 Watch Our Inspection Videos to see how we uncover risks insurance companies care about.

🚨 What We Commonly See in Lakeland Homes

Older Lakeland properties often come with quirks. During 4-point inspections, we frequently find:

Roofing near end of life or improperly patched after storms
Federal Pacific or Zinsco electrical panels — major red flags
Polybutylene plumbing (common in ’80s/’90s homes)
Window A/C units in place of central HVAC

These might not seem like deal-breakers at first glance — but they absolutely can impact your insurance approval or rate.

🧠 Can You Waive It?

Not if your insurer says otherwise. Some buyers think a full inspection is “good enough,” but Florida carriers require the specific 4-point form (OIR-B1-1802). Without it, your policy might not be issued — which means no closing.

✅ Schedule Your Inspection and get everything done in one visit.

🏡 Buying Smart in Lakeland

You don’t need to fear older homes — many have character, charm, and solid construction. But you do need to buy smart. A 4-point inspection helps you:

Secure insurance faster
Negotiate repairs with sellers
Avoid surprise costs down the road

Looking for a property with lower risk? Start here: Find Your Lakeland Home

Lakeland’s historic neighborhoods, fixer-uppers, and affordable options attract buyers from all over Florida. But the age of our housing stock makes 4-point inspections a must.

Don’t wait for an insurer to tell you what’s wrong — know it up front, fix it fast, and close with confidence.

✅ Schedule Your Inspection with the most experienced team in Lakeland
🎥 Watch Our Inspection Videos
🏡 Find Your Lakeland Home

Buying a Home in Lakeland? Don’t Skip the 4-Point Inspection.