Real Stories of What Can Go Wrong Without a Four-Point Inspection: Protect Yourself in this Florida Market
In our competitive real estate market, buyers often feel pressure to move quickly, sometimes skipping important steps to secure their dream home. However, we’ve seen firsthand the risks of skipping a Four-Point Inspection, particularly on older homes.
In this article, we’ll share real stories about homebuyers who faced costly and stressful consequences because they chose not to get a Four-Point Inspection before finalizing their purchase. These examples highlight why a Four-Point Inspection is not just an insurance requirement—it’s an essential safeguard for your investment.
Costly Roof Surprise
The Scenario:
What Went Wrong:
After closing on the house, the couple applied for homeowners’ insurance. The insurance company required proof of the roof’s condition due to the home’s age. Without a Four-Point Inspection report, they sent an adjuster to evaluate it, only to find that the roof was well beyond its expected lifespan and had multiple areas of damage. Not only was the insurance policy denied, but they also discovered that replacing the roof would cost them over $15,000—a devastating expense for new homeowners.
The Electrical Nightmare
The Scenario:
A single mother in Orlando was excited to purchase an older, charming bungalow for her and her children. In an effort to streamline the process and save on upfront costs, she decided to forgo the Four-Point Inspection, assuming the general home inspection would cover any major concerns.
What Went Wrong:
Within weeks of moving in, the homeowner started noticing flickering lights and outlets that weren’t working properly. An electrician was called in and discovered that the home had outdated aluminum wiring, a known fire hazard. Worse yet, the electrical panel was an old Federal Pacific model, notorious for failing to trip during electrical surges, which significantly increases the risk of fire.
Her insurance provider demanded immediate upgrades before they would continue coverage, leaving her with a choice: pay for the costly repairs out of pocket or face cancellation of her policy. The electrical repairs totaled over $8,000, far exceeding what she had budgeted.
The Plumbing Disaster
The Scenario:
A retired couple from up north fell in love with a 1970s-era home in a quiet Florida neighborhood. They were eager to make the move and decided to skip the Four-Point Inspection, assuming their previous home inspection experience was sufficient.
What Went Wrong:
Shortly after settling into their new home, the couple began noticing a musty smell in the kitchen and wet spots on the floor. A plumber was called, and after a thorough inspection, it was revealed that the home had polybutylene pipes, notorious for sudden failure and leaks. Over time, the pipes had begun to deteriorate, causing a slow leak behind the walls and under the flooring.
The damage was extensive—mold had spread, the kitchen cabinets were warped, and the flooring needed to be replaced. The repairs and mold remediation ended up costing them over $20,000, and they had to move out temporarily while the work was done.
HVAC Headaches
The Scenario:
A young professional bought a condo in Miami, eager to enjoy the city’s vibrant lifestyle. The building was older, but the unit had been recently renovated, and everything looked new. Wanting to save time and money, the buyer skipped the Four-Point Inspection, assuming the renovations meant everything was up to date.
What Went Wrong:
Shortly after moving in, the air conditioner started struggling to keep up with the sweltering summer heat. An HVAC technician was called and found that the unit was over 15 years old, with extensive rust and poor maintenance. Despite the cosmetic upgrades to the condo, the HVAC system had not been replaced or properly serviced.
The buyer was forced to replace the entire system at a cost of $6,000, and the lack of a functioning HVAC unit caused significant discomfort during the hottest months of the year.
Bottom Line
These stories highlight the very real consequences of skipping a Four-Point Inspection in Florida. While it may seem like an unnecessary extra step, especially if a general home inspection has been completed, a Four-Point Inspection focuses specifically on the systems most likely to cause expensive issues in older homes. It provides critical information about the roof, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems—areas where problems can be both costly and dangerous.
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Feel free to call us if you have questions at 407-319-4608. You may also schedule your inspection or find additional information on our website.