Full Home Inspection vs. Four-Point Inspection: What’s the Difference?

Guardian Angel

Aug 7, 2025 - 14:56

Full Home Inspection vs. Four-Point Inspection: What’s the Difference?

If you're buying a home or applying for homeowners insurance in Florida, you've probably been told you need a home inspection. But here's where it gets confusing: should you go with a four-point inspection or a full home inspection?

While both inspections aim to uncover potential issues in a property, their scope, purpose, and benefits are significantly different. Choosing the right one can save you thousands—or cost you dearly if you make the wrong call.

Let’s break down the key differences between a four-point inspection and a full home inspection, when each is required, and how to decide which is right for your situation.

What Is a Four-Point Inspection?

A four-point inspection focuses on four primary systems of a home:

Electrical system
Plumbing system
HVAC system
Roofing

This inspection is typically required for older homes (30 years or older) in Florida when applying for or renewing an insurance policy. However, some insurance companies may ask for one even if your home is only 10 years old—it all depends on their guidelines.

Here’s a quick breakdown of what each component includes:

⚡ Electrical System

Inspectors assess the type of wiring and overall condition. Copper wiring is ideal, while aluminum wiring may lead to limited or denied coverage.

? Plumbing System

The type of pipes is crucial. Certain materials like polybutylene are seen as high-risk and may hurt your chances of getting insurance coverage.

? HVAC System

This includes your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. The inspector checks for functionality and signs of wear, as insurers want to avoid liability for breakdowns in Florida's extreme climate.

? Roof

The roof's age and material are vital. Most insurance companies won’t insure metal roofs older than 40 years or shingle roofs older than 20 years.

⏱ Quick and Affordable

Four-point inspections are typically completed in under an hour and cost significantly less than full inspections. However, they only scratch the surface of a home’s condition.

What Is a Full Home Inspection?

A full home inspection is a comprehensive evaluation of the entire home. It includes everything in a four-point inspection—and much more.

In a full inspection, trained professionals assess:

Structural integrity (foundation, walls, drainage)
Exterior and interior features
Roofing
HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems
Safety components (stairs, railings, smoke detectors, GFCI outlets)
Fixtures (sinks, toilets, showers)
Doors, windows, and potential water damage

? Takes Longer, Reveals More

Depending on the home’s size, a full inspection may take 2–4 hours. The detailed report is usually delivered within 24–48 hours.

Which Inspection Should You Choose?

For Insurance Purposes:

Go with the four-point inspection. It meets the insurer's requirements and focuses on high-risk areas.

For Homebuyers:

Always choose the full home inspection. This is one of the biggest investments of your life, and a more detailed look into the home’s condition can help you avoid costly surprises.

While a four-point inspection is cheaper upfront, it won’t provide the full picture. A complete inspection gives you the power to:

Negotiate the sale price
Request repairs before closing
Walk away from a money pit

In other words, it gives you leverage and peace of mind.

Why Guardian Angel Inspections?

If you’re in Orlando, Palm Beach, Broward, Hendry, Saint Lucie, or Martin Counties, Guardian Angel Inspections is your trusted partner for home inspections.

Here’s why:

✅ Award-Winning Service – Voted the best inspection company by the largest realtor association in Palm Beach County.
✅ Certified Inspectors – Fully trained professionals who go beyond minimum state requirements.
✅ Client-First Approach – We treat each client like family, providing honest, unbiased reports every time.

Whether you're scheduling a four-point inspection for insurance or a full home inspection before a big purchase, we’re here to help you make an informed, confident decision.