The Ultimate Guide to Florida Insurance Inspections:
4 Point & Wind Mitigation
Frequently Asked Questions
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Who needs one? Usually, owners of homes 20 to 30 years or older.
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What’s the goal? To evaluate insurance risk, not to give you a repair list.
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What exactly is covered? Roof age, electrical wiring/panels, plumbing leaks/materials, and HVAC operation.
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How long does it take? Usually 40 to 90 minutes onsite.
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Do I have to be there? It’s recommended for access, but not always mandatory.
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Can I 'fail'? The report doesn't pass or fail, but an insurer might decline coverage if they see high-risk items like aluminum wiring or a 20-year-old roof.
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What are the biggest 'Red Flags'? Recalled electrical panels, polybutylene plumbing, or missing central heat.
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How do I get the report to my agent? We provide a professional PDF with all the photos required by carriers like Citizens.
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If I have issues, do I have to fix them? Often, yes, if you want to bind that insurance policy.
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Do I need a re-inspection? Usually, the insurer will want proof that the repairs were completed.
Hi I'm Grant Doutt owner and Certified Master Inspector at Four Corners Home Inspections. If you’re buying a home or renewing your insurance in Florida, you’ve probably heard the term ‘4-Point Inspection.’ But what is it, and why does your insurance company care so much? [curious] Let’s break it down. The 4-Point didn't just appear out of thin air. It was actually born right here in Florida after Hurricane Andrew in 1992. [pause] Insurers needed a way to better understand the risks of older homes. While Florida has the most formal version of this program, you’ll now find similar requirements in other high-risk states like Texas, California, and Louisiana.
"One big question I get is: 'Is this the same as my standard home inspection?' The short answer is: No. Think of a full home inspection as your 'due diligence'—it covers everything from the foundation to the trim. A 4-Point is strictly an insurance tool. It focuses only on four specific systems: your Roof, Electrical, Plumbing, and HVAC. It’s about risk, not just condition."
"Here are the top things homeowners and agents ask us every day at Four Corners Home Inspections: "Who needs one? Usually, owners of homes 20 to 30 years or older. What’s the goal? To evaluate insurance risk, not to give you a repair list. What exactly is covered? Roof age, electrical wiring and panels, plumbing leaks and materials, and HVAC operation. How long does it take? Usually 30 to 45 minutes onsite. Do I have to be there? It’s recommended for access, but not always mandatory.
Can I'fail'? The report doesn't pass or fail, but an insurer might decline coverage if they see high-risk items like aluminum wiring or a 20-year-old roof. What are the biggest 'Red Flags'? Recalled electrical panels, polybutylene plumbing, or roof age or condition. How do I get the report to my agent? We provide a professional PDF with all the photos required by carriers like Citizens. If I have issues, do I have to fix them? Often, yes, if you want to bind your insurance policy. Do I need a re-inspection after repairs are made? Usually, yes the insurer will want proof that the repairs were completed. "At Four Corners Home Inspections, we make sure your 4-Point is accurate, professional, and delivered fast so your insurance stays on track. Check out our 'Bundle & Save' packages on our website to see how you can get your 4-Point, Wind Mit, and Full Inspection done all at once. I’m ready to help—give us a call!"
Video Script
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the main benefit? It’s the only inspection that can qualify you for a massive discount on your annual insurance premium.
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How much can I save? Depending on your home’s features, savings typically range from 10% to 45% off the wind portion of your policy.
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Is it mandatory? No, it’s optional—but without it, you are likely overpaying for your insurance.
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How long is the report valid? Most carriers accept these reports for 5 years.
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Does a 'Hip' roof matter? Yes! Hip roofs (sloped on all four sides) generally get the highest discounts.
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Can I fail this inspection? No. There is no 'pass' or 'fail.' We simply document what is there so your agent can get you every credit you deserve.
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What if my home is older? You can still qualify! Even if your home was built before 2002, a newer roof or added hurricane straps can unlock savings.
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Do all windows need protection? To get the 'Opening Protection' credit, every window and door must be protected. It’s an all-or-nothing discount.
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How long does it take? A typical wind mitigation takes about 30 to 60 minutes onsite.
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How do I get my discount? We provide a professional PDF with all required photos that you simply email to your insurance agent.
Video Script
"The Wind Mitigation Inspection: Your Key to Insurance Savings"
Scene 1: The Hook "Hi, I’m Grant with Four Corners Home Inspections. If you live in Florida, you know that our weather is beautiful—but it can also be intense. Today, we’re talking about the Wind Mitigation Inspection. This is the single most important tool in your arsenal for protecting your home and, more importantly, your wallet."
Scene 2: What is Wind Mitigation? "Essentially, a wind mitigation inspection rates how well your home can withstand a major storm. Unlike a standard home inspection, this report is designed specifically for your insurance carrier. It evaluates the structural 'bones' of your house to see how it stands up to high-velocity winds."
Scene 3: What are we actually looking at? "During a wind mitigation, we evaluate several critical areas:
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Building Codes: When was your home built? Homes built under newer, stricter codes often qualify for automatic discounts.
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Roof Ties: We look at how your roof is tied to your walls. Are there hurricane clips or wraps?
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Nailing Patterns: We even check the size and spacing of the nails in your roof deck.
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Opening Protection: This includes roll-up shutters, impact-rated glass, or hurricane panels that protect your windows and doors.
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Secondary Water Resistance: We check for a 'peel-and-stick' layer under your shingles that acts as a final barrier against leaks."
Scene 4: The 10 Most Common Questions (Rapid Fire) "Here are the top questions we hear at Four Corners:"
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What is the main benefit? It’s the only inspection that can qualify you for a massive discount on your annual insurance premium.
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How much can I save? Depending on your home’s features, savings typically range from 10% to 45% off the wind portion of your policy.
-
Is it mandatory? No, it’s optional—but without it, you are likely overpaying for your insurance.
-
How long is the report valid? Most carriers accept these reports for 5 years.
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Does a 'Hip' roof matter? Yes! Hip roofs (sloped on all four sides) generally get the highest discounts.
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Can I fail this inspection? No. There is no 'pass' or 'fail.' We simply document what is there so your agent can get you every credit you deserve.
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What if my home is older? You can still qualify! Even if your home was built before 2002, a newer roof or added hurricane straps can unlock savings.
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Do all windows need protection? To get the 'Opening Protection' credit, every window and door must be protected. It’s an all-or-nothing discount.
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How long does it take? A typical wind mitigation takes about 30 to 60 minutes onsite.
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How do I get my discount? We provide a professional PDF with all required photos that you simply email to your insurance agent.
Scene 5: The Closing & CTA "At Four Corners Home Inspections, we take the guesswork out of storm protection. Whether you’re buying a new property or just trying to lower your current bill, we’re here to help. Check out our Bundle & Save packages on our website to get your Wind Mit, 4-Point, and Full Inspection done in one easy visit. Give us a call today!"
Meet Grant: Your Certified Master Inspector
Years of Hands-On Construction Expertise
A great home inspection starts with a deep understanding of how a home is built from the ground up. Before transitioning into the corporate world of retail management, I spent years in the trades as a rough frame carpenter and a drywall installer and finisher. I don't just look at a house; I understand the structural "bones" and the finishing details because I have physically built them.
The Corporate Standard of Professionalism
My time in corporate retail management taught me that clear communication and reliability are just as important as technical skill. At Four Corners Home Inspections, we combine that high-level professional standard with local expertise to ensure your inspection process is seamless, transparent, and stress-free.
Licensed, Certified, and Trusted in Florida
I have been a Licensed Florida Home Inspector since 2019 (License #HI12051). To provide my clients with the highest level of protection, I have gone beyond the standard requirements to earn the industry's most prestigious designations through InterNACHI:
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Certified Master Inspector® (CMI): This is the highest professional designation in the inspection industry, awarded only to the most experienced and proven inspectors in the field.
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Certified Professional Inspector (CPI): A mark of my commitment to rigorous ongoing training and ethical standards.
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FABI Member: As a member of the Florida Association of Building Inspectors, I stay at the forefront of Florida-specific building codes and legislative changes.
Specialized in Florida Insurance Requirements
In the complex Florida insurance market, accuracy is everything. I hold specialized certifications for conducting 4-Point and Wind Mitigation Inspections. I am fully certified in the most updated OIR-B1-1802 Wind Mitigation forms, ensuring that your reports are accepted by carriers and that you receive every insurance discount you are entitled to.
When you hire Four Corners, you aren't just getting a report; you're getting the peace of mind that comes with decades of construction knowledge and the highest level of professional certification available today.
