FAQ's and LINKS

1. Roof

2. Electric

3. Air Conditioning and Heating

4. Plumbing

What are they looking for in a Four Point Inspection?

In general, they are looking for these three or four components/systems to be updated and in good condition.  The insurance underwriter uses this inspection report for insurability purposes.  They want to know that these components/systems are updated.


Are there standard forms for Four Point Inspections?
No.  We have worked closely with Citizens Insurance Underwriters and have designed a form, which has been widely accepted by all of the insurance companies in Florida.   


I am buying a home. Can I use this inspection as a less expensive home inspection?
No. This type of inspection is not intended for use as a pre-sale or pre-purchase comprehensive inspection. As it is geared for your insurance needs, it will not contain the type of information you need to make an informed decision for purchase. 

How long does a Four Point Inspection take?
Depending on accessibility, the average inspection takes 45 minutes to 1 hour.

What structural features in the home are included when qualifying for wind insurance discounts?

There are 6 main features that are considered for the wind mitigation insurance discounts. 

1) Roof Covering:  A newly installed roof or one meeting the requirements of the 2001 Florida Building Code. 

2) Roof Deck Attachment:  Roof decking/sheathing consisting of 1/2" (min)  plywood or OSB  that is fastened to the trusses/rafters with 8d (min) nails and having nail spacing not exceeding 12" on the field trusses/rafters and 6" on the seam trusses/rafters.

3) Roof to Wall Connection:  Single wrap straps or clips fastening each truss/rafter to the top plate or bond beam of the exterior wall. 

4) Roof Shape:  A hip roof -- where the roof slopes down to the eave line on all sides of the house.  A gable roof does not qualify for insurance discounts.  In most cases, a hip roof qualifies as the largest discount.

5) Secondary Water Resistant Barrier:  Self adhering roofing underlayment applied directly to the sheathing as a means to protect the home from water intrusion.  This is rarely found on homes in central Florida.  To qualify for this discount, you will need to provide some form of documentation that the SWR exists.

6) Opening Protection:  To qualify for this wind insurance discount, ALL windows, doors, garage doors, etc.  must be protected by hurricane impact-rated coverings. A home will not qualify for discounts if just one opening is left unprotected.  After-market window films do not qualify as hurricane impact-rated coverings.

How long will the wind mitigation inspection take?

The inspection itself takes approximately 15 minutes.  An additional 5 to 10 minutes is required for reviewing the inspection and answering any questions you might have.

How long will it take to find out what windstorm premium discounts I will be receiving?

Upon receiving the OIR Uniform Mitigation Verification Form, send it to your insurance agent for processing or we can send it directly to your insurance agent.  From there, the time for determining your discounts varies.  Some insurance companies can process the OIR form and provide feedback on the discounts in less than 2 or 3 days.  Most often it takes more than a week to receive news of the discounts you will receive.

My home was built in 1955.  Should I get a wind mitigation inspection?

Yes.  Many times, older homes have 3/4" planks for decking and they are fastened to each rafter with two 8d nails, giving the roof deck attachment the strength capacity that qualifies for a greater level of discount than many newer homes.  A recently installed roof almost always results in an additional wind mitigation discount. 

How much will I save on my premiums from a Wind Mitigation Inspection ?
Great question. Use the following link to get an approximate saving from mitigated features in your property.
http://www.floridadisaster.org/mitdb/

What can I do as a homeowner to increase the safety of my home and to obtain credits for Wind Mitigation
Use the following link to assist you
http://www.floridadisaster.org/mitigation/rcmp/strengthen/Tutorial/

What are 40 year certification inspections
The Miami-Dade County Building Department and Broward County Board of Rules and Appeals have adopted a policy of requiring commercial buildings within their jurisdictions that are 40 years of age or older to have a safety inspection performed by a licensed Architect or Professional Engineer.
Owners of commercial buildings of this age receive letters from the Building Official notifying them that they are to have the inspection performed within 90 days. Following the inspection by a licensed Architect or Professional Engineer the owner has 180 days to make the repairs deemed necessary through the inspection procedure. After the repairs are made the inspector must re-inspect the building to certify that all work was professionally performed and that safety concerns no longer exist. The revised inspection report must be sealed by the licensed Architect or Professional Engineer and submitted to the Building Department. The Building Department reviews the report and charges the owner a fee (usually $300 - $350) to process the document.

The scope of the Forty Year Building Safety Inspection is focused on the current condition of the Structural Elements of the building and its Electrical System only. The inspector must follow minimum guidelines for the inspection as set forth by the Building Official having jurisdiction for the address of the property and state in the report that he is competent to practice in the areas that he is certifying.