4-Point Inspection in St. Paul, MN
A focused look at the four systems insurers care about — roof, electrical, plumbing and HVAC.
A four-point inspection is a focused evaluation of a home's four major systems — roof, electrical, plumbing and heating/cooling — commonly requested by insurance carriers when writing or renewing a policy on an older home. It reports the age, materials and condition of these systems but is narrower than a full home inspection.
What a four-point inspection is
A four-point inspection narrows the focus to the four systems that most concern insurers: the roof, the electrical system, the plumbing, and the heating and cooling equipment. It documents the age, materials and condition of each, because these are the systems whose failure leads to the largest insurance claims — fire, water damage and structural loss.
Why insurers request it in St. Paul
With so much of St. Paul's housing built before 1950, carriers frequently ask for a four-point before writing or renewing a policy. They want to know whether the home still has knob-and-tube wiring or a recalled electrical panel, what the roof's remaining life looks like, whether galvanized or polybutylene plumbing is present, and the age of the heating system.
What we evaluate
- Roof: covering type, approximate age and remaining life, and visible condition.
- Electrical: service size, panel type and condition, and wiring methods present.
- Plumbing: supply and drain materials, water heater age, and signs of leaks or corrosion.
- HVAC: heating and cooling equipment type, age and apparent condition.
Not a substitute for a full inspection
A four-point is intentionally narrow. If you are buying the home, you still want a full home inspection — the four-point is an insurance-driven snapshot, not a comprehensive condition report. We will help you understand which you need.
Frequently asked questions
Who needs a four-point inspection?
Usually homeowners or buyers of older homes whose insurance carrier requests one before writing or renewing a policy.
What does a four-point cover?
The roof, electrical, plumbing and heating/cooling systems — their age, materials and condition. It is narrower than a full home inspection.
Is a four-point the same as a home inspection?
No. A four-point focuses only on four systems for insurance purposes. A full home inspection evaluates the entire home.
Why do insurers want one for older St. Paul homes?
Older homes may have outdated wiring, panels, plumbing or roofing that raise claim risk, so carriers want a documented snapshot of those systems.
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