Know what to expect.
Straight answers for buyers, sellers and owners: how to prepare, what the Florida insurance inspections mean, and what to do with your report.
Guide 01
Preparing for inspection day
For sellers and listing agents. A little prep means a more complete report and fewer return trips.
- Unlock the electrical panel, attic access, garage, sheds and gates
- Clear a path to the attic hatch, water heater, air handler and panel
- Leave utilities on: power, water and gas
- Make sure pilot lights are lit and the AC is running
- Put pets somewhere secure
- Have permits and roof, window and door paperwork handy for wind mitigation
Guide 02
Four-point vs. wind mitigation
Two short Florida insurance inspections that often get confused. Many owners need both, and they're usually done on the same visit.
Four-point inspection
Purpose: lets an insurer decide whether to write or renew a policy.
Covers: roof, electrical, plumbing and HVAC: age, type and condition.
When: commonly requested for older homes. Your insurance company sets the rules.
More about four-point inspectionsWind mitigation inspection
Purpose: documents wind-resistant features that can earn premium discounts.
Covers: roof covering, deck attachment, roof-to-wall connections, roof shape, secondary water resistance and opening protection, on form OIR-B1-1802.
When: buying, renewing or after replacing a roof, windows or doors.
More about wind mitigationGuide 03
Homebuyer checklist
From signed contract to keys.
- Check your inspection period and schedule right away
- Ask your insurance agent which inspections your carrier needs
- Book the home inspection, plus four-point, wind mitigation and WDO as needed
- Attend the end of the inspection to hear findings in person
- Read the report the next day and list your questions
- Get contractor opinions or estimates for anything flagged for a specialist
- Decide with your agent what to ask for: repairs, credits or neither
- Keep the report. It's a maintenance guide for your first years in the home
Guide 04
Buying new construction
City inspections check for minimum code, not quality of work. An independent inspector works for you. The most useful moments are before drywall goes up, before your final walkthrough with the builder, and before the one-year warranty ends.
New construction inspectionsFAQ
Common questions
Don't see yours? Call or text 561-282-7426.
How soon will I get my report?
Next day. Next-day reports are guaranteed, so you have what you need while your inspection period is still open.
How long does a home inspection take?
It depends on the size, age and condition of the home. Most single family homes take a few hours. Condos and four-point or wind mitigation inspections are shorter.
Should I be there?
You don't have to be, but it helps. Many clients come for the last part, when Chris walks them through the findings and answers questions.
Is thermal imaging extra?
No. A thermal imaging scan is included with every inspection.
What's the difference between a four-point and a wind mitigation inspection?
A four-point documents the age and condition of the roof, electrical, plumbing and HVAC so an insurer will write the policy. A wind mitigation inspection documents features that resist wind damage on the state OIR-B1-1802 form, which can earn premium discounts. They're often done on the same visit.
Do I need a four-point inspection?
Many Florida insurers ask for one on older homes before writing or renewing a policy. The age cutoff and rules depend on the insurance company, so ask your insurance agent.
Can a home 'fail' an inspection?
No. An inspection reports condition. It's up to you, your agent and the seller to decide what to repair, credit or accept.
Do you inspect condos and townhomes?
Yes. Single family homes, townhomes, condos, apartments and commercial properties.
What areas do you serve?
All cities from Port St. Lucie to Fort Lauderdale, including Palm Beach Gardens, Jupiter, West Palm Beach, Wellington, Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Boynton Beach, Stuart, Port St. Lucie and Fort Lauderdale.
How do I schedule?
Send a request online with the property details and the date you'd like, or call or text 561-282-7426. Chris confirms the time with you directly.
Schedule an inspection
Ready when you are.
Tell Chris about the property and the date you need. He'll confirm the time with you directly, and your report arrives the next day.