A 4-point inspection covers only the roof, electrical, plumbing and HVAC, for an insurance company. A full home inspection covers the entire home, including structure, foundation, exterior and interior, for the buyer. Buyers of older homes in Florida often need both.
| 4-point inspection | Full home inspection | |
|---|---|---|
| Who it's for | Your insurance company | You, the buyer or owner |
| What it covers | Roof, electrical, plumbing, HVAC | Roof, attic, structure, foundation, exterior, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, interior, appliances |
| When it's required | Commonly for older homes, by the insurer | Not required, but strongly recommended before buying |
| Output | Insurer-ready form with photos | Detailed photo report with prioritized findings |
Which do you need?
If you are buying, get a full home inspection. If the home is older, your insurer will probably also want a 4-point. Both can be done in the same visit, together with a wind mitigation inspection.
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Written by Anthony Preston, Florida licensed home inspector HI18992. Updated October 2026.