4 point Inspection:
A Four Point Inspection consists of a visual and/or operational test of the air-Conditioning, heating, plumbing, Roof covering, and electrical.
What exactly is a 4 Point Insurance Inspection and do I need one?
Most Insurance companies today require a 4 Point Inspection to be performed on a Home in order for you, the Home Buyer to receive Homeowners Insurance. Especially on homes of 25 years or older. These 4 Point Insurance Inspections are to be performed by Certified, licensed and insured 4 Point Inspectors and cannot be performed by the Home owner themselves.
What does the 4 Point Insurance Inspection Cover?
All 4 Point Inspections include a limited scope evaluation of only the following Four most specific systems and components:
•Roof – Insurance companies want to know the Condition of the Roof as well as the approximate year the Roof might need to be replaced
•Plumbing – Insurance Companies are looking for what kind of piping (copper, plastic etc.) is being used, dates if the system has been upgraded, any leaks or flaws and information about the hot water heater
•Electrical System – They want to know size of the main service, any dangerous wiring, dates of any upgrades and then SOME not all Insurance Companies want to know the maker of the electric panel and if there is any aluminum wiring
•Heating and Air Conditioning – Looking for the date of installation, approximate life of the unit and if the system if functioning correctly
All Companies Performing 4 Point Inspections Must be Licensed:
As of September 30, 2012, "all 4 Point Inspection forms must be Inspected and completed by a verifiable Florida licensed professional. Without a verifiable, “Certified 4 Point Inspector’s dated signature, the 4 Point Inspection form will not be accepted. The following FLORIDA LICENSED individuals may complete a 4 Point Inspection;
•A general, residential, or building contractor
•A building code Inspector
•A registered architect
•A Home Inspector
•A professional engineer
•A building code official who is authorized by the State of Florida to verify building code compliance
Snow Bird Services:
Snow bird services can provide piece of mind while your away from your home. Many things can happen to unoccupied homes when left alone for long periods. Your home can be regularly inspected on a weekly, bi-weekly or monthly bases, for short, long term or even just for vacations. Your service will include a walk around the exterior and through the interior of the property. As a licensed an insured home inspector I know what to be looking for and will use specialized equipment, if needed to help identify any possible issues that may have occurred during your absence and let you know immediately of any concerns hopefully before they become a major issue. I can also run appliances and check all systems for proper operation, as requested. If all systems are shutdown, I can then do a startup and check for proper function and determine if there are problems before your return and or have the home up and running for your comfort. Before storms occur, your shutters can be installed and removed or opened and closed upon your direction. After storms, damage assessment can be done, and the proper repair companies can be called for immediate action.
I am an owner operator with over 28 years of construction and contractor experience. I am a licensed an insured home inspector and rest assured that I would be the only person EVER to enter your property and only at your direction. I am also a member of the Realtors association of the Palm Beaches and have a safe communities vendor ID which like my license, requires regular background checks. You will receive a summary of all items checked and issues found at the time of your walk through which may also include photographs as needed for information. No contracts necessary and your inspection can be done on a pay per visit. Please contact me for more details and pricing at any time. 561-909-8877
Mold:
According to Dr. John D. Shane, Vice President of Laboratory services of PRO-LAB millions of homes across America have hidden water leaks that are promoting mold growth that can expose homeowners to mold spores. Mold has a potential to cause health problems like allergies, irritation (to lungs, eyes, skin, throat, nose) and are potentially toxic. Inhaling and touching mold spores may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals and normally healthy individuals may become sensitive to mold after exposure. The EPA states that, "It is important to take precautions to limit your exposure to mold and mold spores. Avoid breathing in mold or mold spores". The EPA also recommends that if you suspect you have a hidden mold problem you should consider hiring an experienced professional to avoid exposure to potentially massive doses of mold spores. Mold damages what it grows on. The longer it grows the more damage it can cause. If there is a mold problem in your home, you should clean up the mold promptly. Mold can be hidden, growing on the water from a hidden leak, and can develop into a potentially large problem if not caught in time. Testing your home on a regular basis is a prudent way to prevent small problems from growing into a costly and unhealthy situation, and always avoid exposing yourself and others to mold. To find an inspector who offers mold testing services visit the International Association of Certified Indoor Air Consultants at www.iac2.org/members.php
Wind Mitigation:
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A Wind Mitigation Inspection is a valuable Inspection service that may reduce your Windstorm Insurance. Wind Insurance discounts are available for building features that reduce damage during high Wind events. The Wind Mitigation discounts are justified because stronger, more Wind-resistive structures have lower Windstorm losses, which mean reduced costs to Insurance Companies. Most existing structures have one or more Wind resistive construction features and may qualify for some Wind Mitigation Insurance discounts.
Wind Mitigation Inspections are available for all single family Homes, town houses and condos. Homeowner and Condo Associations also qualify for Wind Mitigation credits.
Insurance companies in Florida are required to recognize submitted Wind Inspections performed by qualified personnel and will provide discounts based on the construction and/or mitigation features of your Home.
A Wind Mitigation Inspection and documented findings may “SAVE” you, the Property owner 5% to 82% on your Wind Insurance Premiums. There are currently 9 qualifying discounts and I will Inspect all 9 areas to help you get the best discount available.
The 9 features that merit a discount include:
1.Verification of the FL building code that the structure was designed and built to (1994 South FL Building Code or the 2001 Florida Building Code or better will benefit)
2.Verification and Inspection of the Predominant Roof covering installed (1994 South FL Building Code or the 2001 Florida Building Code or better will benefit)
3.Inspection of the Roof deck attachment including the size & spacing of nails/screws/adhesives that can certify an uplift of a) 55 psf, b) 103 psf, or c) 182 psf or better (103 psf, 182 psf or stronger will benefit)
4.Inspection of the Roof to wall connection on EVERY rafter/truss of a) toe nails, b) clips, c) single wraps, d) double wraps, or e) structural connection (anything better than toe nails will benefit)
5.Determination of the Roof geometry – a) Hip Roof, b) Non-Hip Roof, or c) Flat Roof (a Hip Roof with less than 10% of any other Roof shape and less than 100 sq ft of flat area will benefit).
6.On a gable Roof, the Inspection of any gable end bracing that meets the 2001 FL building code or stronger will benefit (currently this credit is not being given by many Insurance companies).
7.Verification of the wall construction type – a) wood frame, b) un-reinforced masonry, c) reinforced masonry, or d) poured concrete (reinforced masonry or poured concrete equaling 70% or more of the wall construction will benefit although each company views this differently).
8.The Inspection and verification of any Secondary Water Resistance applied to protect the dwelling from water intrusion (currently only a self-adhering polymer modified bitumen “peel and stick” or a foam adhesive barrier applied to every seam on the Roof deck and applied to each side of every rafter or truss will benefit).
9.Verification and Inspection of Wind borne debris protection on every exterior opening – including the Windows, doors, garage doors, & skylights (Impact Resistant coverings that meet the FL Building Code or Miami-Dade approval will benefit the most. Non Miami-Dade or Non FL Building Code shutters along with plywood or OSB coverings depending on how strong and how it is installed may receive a discount).
The following FLORIDA LICENSED individuals may complete the OIR-B1-1802 (Rev. 01/12) Wind Mitigation Inspection form;
• Home inspector licensed under Section 468.8314, Florida Statutes who has completed the statutory number of hours of hurricane mitigation
training approved by the Construction Industry Licensing Board and completion of a proficiency exam.
• Building code inspector certified under Section 468.607, Florida Statutes.
• General, building or residential contractor licensed under Section 489.111, Florida Statutes.
• Professional engineer licensed under Section 471.015, Florida Statutes.
• Professional architect licensed under Section 481.213, Florida Statutes.
• Any other individual or entity recognized by the insurer as possessing the necessary qualifications to properly complete a uniform mitigation
verification form pursuant to Section 627.711(2), Florida Statutes.
Individuals other than licensed contractors licensed under Section 489.111, Florida Statutes, or professional engineer licensed
4M Inspections Corp. provides services in the following areas:
Florida Counties: Indian River St. Lucie, Martin, Okeechobee, Glades, Hendry, Palm beach, Broward & Dade
Copyright 2013-2019 • 4M Inspections Corp • Michael Morales • 561-909-8877 • Michael@4MInspections.com Termite (WDO): TERMITE/WDO INSPECTIONS PERFORMED BY A7
What exactly is a WDO inspection?
When obtaining a mortgage or a mortgage guarantee to finance the purchase of a home, you most likely will be required to obtain a WDO inspection by the bank, the mortgage company, or the guarantor (FHA, VA, HUD, etc.) Although commonly referred to as a “termite inspection,” WDO stands for “wood-destroying organisms,” and a proper WDO inspection looks for evidence of infestation by termites (both subterranean and dry wood types), wood decay, wood-devouring beetles, as well as evidence of past infestations, damage to wood, or conditions conducive to infestations, and evidence of past treatments. Wood- destroying insects and other pests can cause serious damage to the wooden structural components, of a house. These destructive organisms can hide and go undetected for a long time, but there are many telltale signs for different species that indicate their presence. A7 can inspect your home for evidence of infestation now before it becomes an expensive problem later.
4M Inspections Corp. is a full service home inspection company. I provide the following inspection services:
• Home, Condo & Townhouse
• Commercial Property
• Wind Mitigation
• 4 Point Inspections
• Rental Inspections
• Snow Bird Services
• 11th-Month Builder's Warranty
• Mobile & Manufactured Homes
• Final Walk-Through
• New-Construction
• Move-In-Certified™ Seller Inspections
• Roof Certification
• Mold Sampling
• Water Testing
TERMITE/WDO INSPECTIONS PERFORMED BY A7
Florida Home Inspector # HI8898
Renters Inspection:
A Renters inspection is a report that Renters, Landlords and or Property Managers can add to an agreement or contract.
With a detailed report with pictures and comments of the Before and After condition of the property, you will have the documentation that can be very valuable in settling disputes that commonly arise between Renters and Landlords.
The report ensures that the landlord and tenant have a common understanding of the condition of the property at the beginning and end of a tenancy.
How it works:
• You have a Pre-Lease inspection conducted that will document the condition just prior to moving in.
• At the end of the lease you have another inspection that documents the condition of the property after the move out.
• You compare the 2 reports. You can easily find any discrepancy.
• This will give you the documentation you need to settle most disputes that involve the return of your security deposit.
Benefits:
• You get an unbiased, objective Third Party report which can give you leverage.
• Clear Documentation and comparison of the Before and After conditions.
• Helps settle most disputes between parties involved.
What is Inspected
(A rental inspection is Not to be confused with a detailed real estate home inspection)
Even though a Rental inspection is also a Visual - Non-Invasive examination of the building, it does NOT give advise and recommendations of maintenance, structural and mechanical defects that a real estate home inspection would entail.
Rather, it puts the focus on those areas that are usually damaged during the term of a lease.
Conditions and operation of the Garage, Interior rooms, Ceilings, Walls, Floors, Windows, Doors, Kitchen, Bathrooms, Electrical and Plumbing for leaks.
What is Not Inspected.
We do not report on appliance maintenance and or conditions. We do not report on the condition of the water heater, furnace, air conditioner or make any recommendations to their servicing, life expectancy and or safety. Only their operation.
The roof - Roofs are not inspected. We do not walk the roof, check gutters, downspouts, venting or attics.
Exterior - We don't identify the style of house or the type of siding, grading and or landscaping
Structure - The structure is not inspected for cracks or failure. This includes porches, decks and patios.
A Home Inspection is a limited visual, functional, non-invasive inspection, conducted for a fee and includes the preparation of a home inspection report of the accessible and visible elements of the following systems and components of a residential building: structural, exterior, roofing, plumbing, electrical, heating, cooling, interior, insulation and ventilation, fireplaces and solid fuel burning appliances, but excluding recreational facilities and outbuildings other than garages or carports. The home inspection is based on the observations made at the time of the inspection, and is not a prediction of future conditions. The inspection report will not reveal every issue that exists or ever could exist, but only those material defects observed at the time of the inspection. The report is only supplementary to the seller’s disclosure. The purpose of the home inspection is to identify and report on material defects found in those systems and components. A material defect is a specific issue with a system or component of a residential property that may have a significant, adverse impact on the value of the property, or that poses an unreasonable risk to people. The fact that a system or component is near, at, or beyond the end of its normal, useful life is not, in itself, a material defect of the dwelling and does not include decorative, stylistic, cosmetic, or aesthetic aspects of any system, structure or component. Accessible means available for visual inspection without requiring the moving of personal property, dismantling, destructive measures, or any action which will likely involve risk to persons or property.
4M Inspections Corp.
Michael Morales, CPI
Certified Professional Inspector®
561-909-8877
Michael@4MInspections.com
Move-In-Certified™ Seller Inspection:
Here are some advantages of having your home-for-sale inspected before you list it:
• You can choose an InterNACHI Certified Professional Inspector® to inspect your home first, which may prompt the buyer to waive his own inspection contingency. And even if he doesn't, a Seller Inspection means you won't be in for any surprises.
• You can schedule your inspection at your own convenience, rather than accommodate a buyer and his inspector.
• You can assist your inspector during the inspection, which is something not normally done during a buyer's inspection.
• A Move-In Certified™ Seller Inspection may alert you to any immediate concerns, such a broken pressure-relief valve or an active termite infestation.
• The Seller Inspection allows you to take the time to shop for competitively priced contractors to make repairs, rather than making rushed decisions to get things fixed in a hurry;
• lets you attach repair estimates or paid invoices to the inspection report; and
• removes over-inflated buyer-procured repair estimates from the negotiating table.
• Move-In Certified™ yard signs, free from your InterNACHI inspector, will attract potential buyers touring homes in your neighborhood.
A Move-In Certified™ Seller Inspection is the ultimate gesture in forthrightness on your part. Here are some other distinct advantages of having a Move-In Certified™ Seller Inspection report:
• You're given the opportunity to dispute any misstatements in the inspection report before it's distributed to real estate agents and prospective buyers.
• The report provides an unbiased, third-party, professional opinion about the condition of the home to potential buyers.
• The report may encourage the buyer to waive his own inspection contingency, so the deal is less likely to fall apart the way they often do when a buyer's inspection reveals unexpected problems at the last minute.
• The report can be hosted on www.FetchReport.com, which can be used as an effective marketing tool.
• The report can help you realistically price the home if problems exist.
• The report can help you substantiate a higher asking price if problems don't exist or have been corrected.
• The report may relieve a prospective buyer's unfounded suspicions and concerns before he walks away from an otherwise great deal.
• The report provides full-disclosure protection from future legal claims.