Buying an Older Home? Here’s Why You’ll Need a 4-Point and Wind Mitigation Inspection Before Closing
Buying an older home in Florida can be exciting, but it also comes with a few extra steps, especially when it comes to insurance requirements.
If you’re purchasing a home that’s 20 years or older, there’s a good chance your insurance company will ask for one or both of these inspections before approving coverage:
A 4-Point Inspection, and
A Wind Mitigation Inspection
Here’s what each one includes, why they matter, and how they can actually save you money before you even move in.
What Is a 4-Point Inspection?
A 4-Point Inspection focuses on the four major systems that most affect a home’s safety and insurability:
Roof – condition, material, and age
Electrical system – wiring type, breaker panels, and grounding
Plumbing – pipe materials, water heater age, and visible leaks
HVAC – heating and cooling system condition and age
This report gives your insurance company a clear overview of the home’s core systems so they can confirm it’s in safe, working order, not a high risk for claims.
Without a recent 4-Point report, many insurers won’t bind coverage on older homes, which could hold up your closing.
What Is a Wind Mitigation Inspection?
A Wind Mitigation Inspection looks specifically at how well your home can handle strong winds or hurricanes — something every Florida homeowner needs to think about.
Your inspector checks for features that make the home more wind-resistant, such as:
Roof shape and covering (hip vs. gable, shingles, age, etc.)
Roof-to-wall attachments (straps, clips, or wraps)
Roof deck attachment (nails vs. screws, spacing, etc.)
Impact-rated windows, doors, and garage doors
Storm shutters or reinforced openings
If your home has these protective features, you could qualify for insurance discounts or premium credits that can save hundreds, even thousands, each year.
Why Both Inspections Matter Before Closing
These two reports work hand-in-hand:
The 4-Point proves your home’s major systems are safe and functional.
The Wind Mitigation shows it’s structurally prepared to handle Florida’s high winds.
Together, they give your insurance carrier everything they need to approve your policy and set accurate rates, which means fewer delays and often better coverage options.
If your home doesn’t qualify right away, these reports also help you see what updates could make it insurable (and more storm-resistant) later on.
When to Schedule Them
It’s smart to schedule both inspections as soon as your offer is accepted.
That way, you’ll have time to review results, make small repairs if needed, and send reports to your insurance agent before your closing date.
In many cases, your inspector can perform both inspections during the same visit, saving you time and money.
How They Help Buyers and Agents
For homebuyers, these inspections can:
Prevent closing delays caused by insurance issues
Identify updates that could lower premiums
Offer peace of mind about the home’s condition
For real estate agents, having both reports in hand shows preparedness, helps clients secure coverage faster, and reduces last-minute surprises that can slow down a sale.
Final Thoughts
If you’re buying an older home in Florida, a 4-Point and Wind Mitigation Inspection aren’t just extra boxes to check, they’re key steps that protect your investment, your coverage, and your wallet.
At Taylor-Made Home Inspections, we specialize in providing both 4-Point and Wind Mitigation Inspections for homebuyers across Pensacola and the Gulf Coast. We offer quick scheduling, same-day reports, and clear communication every step of the way, so you can close with confidence.
