4 Pt Insurance Inspection: Safeguard Your Home and Your Wallet

 

 

As a homeowner, it's vital to keep your property in excellent condition—not just for comfort, but to save money on insurance premiums. One effective way to do this is through a 4 Point Inspection, a detailed evaluation designed to satisfy the requirements of numerous insurance providers. If you’re navigating homeowners' insurance in Deltona, Orange City, or throughout Volusia and Seminole counties, understanding this essential step can truly impact your finances. From assessing your roof's integrity to checking electrical systems and HVAC efficiency, let’s explore what a 4 Point Inspection includes and how it can benefit both your home and budget.

 

What Exactly is a 4 Point Inspection?

 

A 4 Point Inspection is a focused evaluation that examines four key systems in your home: electrical systems, plumbing, roof condition, and HVAC units. Each area is crucial for maintaining the safety and functionality of your property.

During the inspection, experienced professionals assess the age and condition of these vital systems. They identify potential hazards or maintenance needs that could lead to more significant problems later on.

Insurance companies often mandate this type of inspection before approving or renewing homeowners' insurance policies. By uncovering existing issues early, you can tackle them head-on—ensuring your home is safe and keeping your insurance premiums affordable.

The goal goes beyond merely meeting requirements; it's about achieving peace of mind, knowing that critical elements of your home are working effectively. A comprehensive 4 Point Inspection keeps you informed about what’s hidden behind your walls and ceilings.

 

Why Do Insurance Companies Require a 4 Point Inspection?

 

Insurance providers require a 4 Point Inspection to evaluate the condition of your home’s essential systems: electrical, plumbing, roofing, and HVAC. Each plays a vital role in ensuring safety and functionality.

 

Understanding the age and condition of these components helps insurers assess risk. Older systems could pose higher risks for failures or hazards that may lead to claims. Through this evaluation, insurance companies can make informed coverage decisions.

Moreover, a thorough inspection can lead to potential savings on premiums. If your home is in good repair with updated systems, you might qualify for discounts on homeowners' insurance.

Being proactive about inspections benefits both homeowners and insurers by minimizing unexpected costs in the future while ensuring property safety.

 

Why First Choice is Your Best Option for a 4 Pt Inspection?

 

When it comes to protecting your homeowner's insurance and saving money on premiums, trust First Choice Home Inspections. We work for the homeowner and not the insurance companies. Specializing in insurance inspections, 4 Pt, Wind Mitigation, and Roof Condition Certification Insurance Inspections throughout Volusia and Seminole Counties, including the cities of Deltona, Orange City, Sanford, Lake Mary, DeLand, and DeBary.

 

Our skilled team is equipped to evaluate critical aspects of your home: electrical systems, plumbing conditions, roofing, and HVAC efficiency. Each component significantly influences your insurance rates. With our meticulous inspections, we help pinpoint potential concerns before they evolve into costly repairs.

 

Choosing First Choice means you’re getting more than an inspection; you’re investing in peace of mind. Our reports offer the clarity many insurance companies need for coverage approval or renewal. We work for the homeowner and can help you in areas that may become expensive repairs or insurance concerns in the future. And who wouldn’t want to save money? The 4 Pt and Wind Mitigation Inspections could qualify you for significant discounts on homeowner’s insurance, leading to substantial savings over time.

 

Don’t let rising insurance premiums stress you out any longer. Contact us today at (386) 624-3893 for trusted service from a company committed to helping homeowners like you navigate their insurance needs effortlessly while keeping your home safe and sound.

 

 

 

Frank Carr, Florida Licensed Home
Inspector

Frank Carr is the Owner / Inspector at First Choice Home Inspections in Deltona, FL serving Volusia, Seminole, Orange and Lake Counties. Formerly in the building trades, Frank’s focus is a safe home in the Orlando Metro and Daytona Beach areas of Central Florida and building FCHI. We believe that consumers have the right to expect the highest standards of thoroughness, fairness and effectiveness from their home inspector and that is exactly what we provide.
 

First Choice Home Inspections

Residential Home Inspections in Central Florida

(386) 624-3893 

Website:  http://1homeinspector.com

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/FirstChoiceHomeInspectionsLlc

LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/first-choice-home-inspections

Twitter: https://twitter.com/1stChoiceHomeIn

Wind Mitigation saves $$$$ on Homeowners Insurance

 

Who is eligible for a wind mitigation inspection discount?

The State of Florida requires all insurance companies to offer wind mitigation discounts to Florida homeowners.  Wind insurance credits are obtainable on the building features that reduce damage during high winds on all single-family homes, townhomes, condominiums, and commercial buildings. Many existing structures have one or more of the wind-resistivity construction features already. Homeowners, as well as condominium associations, qualify for wind mitigation credits.

 

How do I save money?

The State of Florida requires insurance companies to offer reduced rates for certain wind mitigation features. A wind mitigation inspection must be performed by a certified wind mitigation inspector; Home Inspector, Building Code Inspector, an engineer, an architect, or any other individual that holds the necessary qualifications as described by Florida Statues.  A wind mitigation inspector will document features of your home on the required OIR-B1-1802 Wind Mitigation form and take photographs of them, which when applied to your insurance policy will decrease the cost of your homeowner’s insurance.

 

How much money can I save with a Wind Mitigation Inspection?

Wind mitigation features are mandated by state law and can total 45 percent of the original windstorm policy’s premium.  Insurance companies are required to offer discounts for features that qualify for wind storm credits.  A Wind Mitigation Inspection can save you as much as $1,260 on a homeowner’s insurance policy of $2,800.

 

How much does a wind mitigation inspection cost in Florida?

The cost of Wind Mitigation Inspections varies by region in Florida.  Orlando Wind Mitigation Inspection costs average $200.  Miami costs are around $225 while the cost of North and Central Florida remains between $150 and $200.  A wind mitigation certificate is good for five years.  Once you have your Wind Mitigation Certificate it will reduce your premium and save you hundreds if not thousands of dollars each year.

 

How do I schedule a wind mitigation inspection in Central Florida?

Call for Insurance Inspection Quotes at 386-624-3893.  For more information Seminole County Wind Mitigation .

Frank Carr, Florida Licensed Home
Inspector

Frank Carr is the Owner / Inspector at First Choice Home Inspections in Deltona, FL serving Volusia, Seminole, Orange and Lake Counties. Formerly in the building trades, Frank’s focus is a safe home in the Orlando Metro and Daytona Beach areas of Central Florida and building FCHI. We believe that consumers have the right to expect the highest standards of thoroughness, fairness and effectiveness from their home inspector and that is exactly what we provide.
 

First Choice Home Inspections

Residential Home Inspections in Central Florida

(386) 624-3893 

Website:  http://1homeinspector.com

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/FirstChoiceHomeInspectionsLlc

LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/first-choice-home-inspections

Twitter: https://twitter.com/1stChoiceHomeIn
E-Mail:  home.inspections@aol.com

Orlando New Home Construction up 51% year over 2017

Orlando new home construction was up 51 percent in 2018 compared with the year before.  Construction was led by a surge in apartments but also increases in single family homes, townhouses and condos. Home builders started 16,238 single family homes last year, 12 percent more than 2017. Developers started 12,629 apartments, the most since the Census Bureau began tracking the statistic in 2004.

Orlando home construction is now at the highest level since 2009 when Obama took office. Home sales peaked in 2005 during the middle of the G.W. Bush administration and hit the bottom early in Obama's first term. Sales have since recovered, but are still at levels not seen since the early 1990s when G.H.W. Bush was leaving office.

Building material, skilled labor and lot shortages held new home construction down. Most of the skilled labor were retrained when unemployment peaked in in other fields and did not return when the economy improved.  Builders use of unskilled labor has them spending more time on repairs after the new homes are sold.

Our home inspection schedule has been full in part due to the number of re-inspections required on new home sales. Nationwide there is a labor shortage of 300,000 skilled workers like roofers and framers.

Concentrated urban areas of Orlando are adding homes at the fastest rate. Demand continues to be high in areas such as St. Cloud, Lake Nona, Western Orange County, Western Volusia and Lake County.

Frank Carr is the Owner / Inspector at First Choice Home Inspections in Deltona, FL serving Volusia, Seminole, Orange and Lake Counties. Formerly in the building trades, Frank’s focus is a safe home in the Orlando Metro and Daytona Beach areas of Central Florida and building FCHI. We believe that consumers have the right to expect the highest standards of thoroughness, fairness and effectiveness from their home inspector and that is exactly what we provide.
 

First Choice Home Inspections

Residential Home Inspections in Central Florida

(386) 624-3893 

Website:  http://1homeinspector.com

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/FirstChoiceHomeInspectionsLlc

LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/first-choice-home-inspections

Google+:  https://plus.google.com/+FirstChoiceHomeInspectionsDeltona

Twitter: https://twitter.com/1stChoiceHomeIn

Orlando Fireplaces, Furnaces and Heater Home Safety

It is approaching that time of year again when we will be firing up our heaters, fire places and furnaces.  Have you had your annual maintenance checkup or your fireplace chimney inspected and cleaned?  These are important things to consider, but did you forget to check your batteries in your smoke and CO alarms.  Most homes have smoke alarms (detectors); more than 33 percent of these homes are not protected because the smoke alarms don’t work.  When a smoke alarm fails to work, it is frequently because the batteries are missing. People often remove or disconnect batteries to prevent nuisance activation caused by bathroom steam or cooking vapors.  Was your smoke alarm on a recall list?

Smoke and Fire

Most fire deaths occur in the middle of the night.   No smoke alarms were present or they did not operate in nearly 75% of residences where a fire fatality occurred, according to FEMA statistics.  A smoke alarm is the most valuable life saving device you can have in your home.  An operable smoke alarm will reduce your chances of dying in a fire, nearly in half.  Smoke alarms are designed to detect and warn that silent, but deadly smoke is in the air. The early warning will wake you and your family, allowing time to escape your burning home.

At 40 percent, cooking is the leading cause of residential structure fires. Heating causes another 14 percent. These percentages (and those that follow) are adjusted, which proportionally spreads the unknown causes over the other 15 causes.

The two leading causes of residential fatal fires are smoking, at 18 percent, and other unintentional or careless actions, at 14 percent. The leading cause of residential fires that result in injuries is cooking (26 percent), followed by other unintentional or careless actions (11 percent) and open flame (also 11 percent). Cooking is, by far, the leading cause of fires with property loss, at 20 percent.¹

¹  U.S. Fire Administration/National Fire Data Center, Fire in the United States 2003-2007 Fifteenth Edition

Carbon Monoxide

People are at an increased risk of carbon monoxide poisoning during the winter months. Well-insulated, airtight homes and malfunctioning heating equipment can produce dangerously high and potentially deadly concentrations of carbon monoxide.

Carbon monoxide is a by-product of incomplete combustion, any fuel-burning appliance, vehicle or tool that is inadequately vented or maintained can be a potential source of carbon monoxide gas.

Examples of fuel- burning equipment include: 

• Fuel - furnaces and space heaters. 
• Propane or Gas - fireplaces, (both vented and ventless), space heaters, ranges and ovens, clothes dryers, grills, smokers, and deep fryers.
• Wood burning fireplaces and stoves 
• Charcoal grills and smokers 
• Gasoline – automobiles, lawnmowers and power tools

Gas fireplaces are gaining in popularity based on their low cost, convenience and relative ease of installation.  Ventless or vent free gas fireplaces are not vented to pipes or chimneys. The burned gases including carbon monoxide are put into the circulation of the air within your home.  Based upon the health risks associated with the use of ventless gas fireplaces, their installation is illegal in many areas of the country.

Prevent or minimize the potential for exposure to carbon monoxide gas. 

• Have your home-heating systems, fuel-burning appliances, flues and chimneys inspected, cleaned or schedule an annual home checkup by a qualified home inspector. 
• Make regular visual inspections of fuel-burning appliances such as your gas dryer and hot water heater. 
• Do not burn charcoal inside a home, cabin or camper.
• Do not operate gasoline-powered engines (generators, cutting saws) in confined areas such as garages or basements. 
• Do not idle your car inside the garage. 
• After a hurricane or storm, make sure vents for the gas dryer, furnace, stove and fireplace are clear of debris and intact. 
• Never use gas ovens and ranges to heat your home!

Check your Smoke and CO alarms frequently.  Smoke alarms are set off by bathroom steam or cooking vapors. Rather than take the battery out of your alarm, do the following: 

• Quiet the alarm by pushing the “HUSH” button, if equipped. 
• Open windows and turn on vent fans to clear the air.
• Consider relocating the alarm farther away from the cooking area or bathroom.
• Consider installing a photoelectric or combination photoelectric/ ionization type alarm. The photoelectric and combination type alarms are less sensitive to cooking smoke.

Causes of Christmas Fires

Cooking, heating, and open flames are the major cause of Christmas fires, according to the US Fire Administration.  This is not surprising due to holiday cooking and the more prevalent use of home fireplaces, displays, and decorations involving candles.  The daily incidence of candle−started fires quadruples on Christmas Day.

Opinions of a Home Inspector

Christmas is the time to spend with your family and friends, not to worry and agonize if you will have a fire.  Every Christmas the sounds of fire engine sirens overpower my family’s holiday music.   We often worry if the sirens are for one of our friends or neighbors.  You should have all your heating and cooking equipment inspected and serviced before your family arrives.  Fireplaces should be inspected yearly and cleaned regularly.  Be aware of the placement of candles and decorations.  Make sure you give your live Christmas tree plenty of water and keep it away from candles and fire places.  May your Christmas be worry free and full of holiday cheer.




Frank Carr is the Owner / Inspector at First Choice Home Inspections in Deltona, FL serving Volusia, Seminole, Orange and Lake Counties.  Formerly in the building trades, Frank’s focus is a safe home and building FCHI. We believe that consumers have the right to expect the highest standards of thoroughness, fairness and effectiveness from their home inspector and that is exactly what we provide.

 

First Choice Home Inspections 
(386) 624-3893
Email:  home.inspections@aol.com
Website:  Http://1homeinspector.com