If your insurance agent has requested a 4-point inspection, a wind mitigation inspection, or both, you may be wondering what you need to do before the inspector arrives. The good news is that you do not need to make your home look perfect. These inspections are not housekeeping tests, and they are not designed to criticize normal wear.
From a homeowner’s point of view, the best preparation is simple: make the important areas accessible, gather any useful documents, and address known safety or maintenance concerns before the appointment.
Although the two inspections are often scheduled together, they serve different purposes.
What Is the Difference?
A 4-point inspection gives an insurance company information about four major systems:
- Roof
- Electrical
- Plumbing
- Heating and cooling
The report documents the visible type, approximate age, condition, and potential hazards associated with these systems. It is more limited than a full home inspection and is primarily used for insurance underwriting.
A wind mitigation inspection documents construction features that may help the home resist wind damage. These can include the roof covering, roof-deck attachment, roof-to-wall connection, roof shape, secondary water resistance, and protection of windows, doors, skylights, and garage doors.
The insurance company—not the inspector—decides whether the property is eligible for coverage or premium credits.
1. Start With the Attic Access
Attic access is one of the most important parts of a wind mitigation inspection. The inspector may need to view the roof framing, roof-deck fasteners, roof-to-wall connections, and any secondary water-resistant barrier.
Before the appointment:
- Remove boxes, shelving, vehicles, or stored belongings blocking the attic opening.
- Make sure a pull-down stairway can open completely.
- Keep the area beneath the opening clear enough for a ladder.
- Secure pets and allow adequate working space.
If the attic access is inside a closet, remove clothing and personal belongings that could interfere with access. The inspector should not be expected to empty a closet or move heavy furniture.
Limited access can prevent certain wind-resistant features from being verified. If a feature cannot be safely seen or supported by acceptable documentation, the inspector may not be able to give credit for it.
2. Clear the Electrical Panel
For the 4-point inspection, the electrical panel needs to be readily accessible. Move storage, furniture, hanging decorations, or other items away from the panel.
The inspector will typically document the panel manufacturer, amperage, visible wiring types, general condition, and potential concerns such as damaged components, exposed conductors, overheating, or improper modifications.
Homeowners should never remove the panel cover or attempt electrical repairs themselves. If you already know about exposed wiring, damaged receptacles, missing covers, or recurring breaker problems, have a licensed electrician evaluate them before the inspection.
3. Provide Access to the Water Heater and Plumbing Areas
The inspector may need clear views of the water heater, visible supply and drain piping, plumbing fixtures, and areas beneath sinks.
Helpful preparation includes:
- Removing stored items from around the water heater.
- Clearing the cabinets below kitchen and bathroom sinks.
- Making sure plumbing fixtures can be operated.
- Checking for active dripping, leaking valves, or wet cabinet surfaces.
- Ensuring the water heater’s temperature-pressure relief valve and discharge piping can be photographed.
Do not hide stains or recently wet areas. If you are aware of a leak, correcting it properly before the inspection is far better than covering the evidence.
4. Make the HVAC Equipment Accessible
Clear access to the indoor air handler, exterior condenser, thermostat, and any visible auxiliary heating equipment. Replace an extremely dirty air filter and remove vegetation or stored materials crowding the outdoor unit.
The inspector will generally document the equipment’s approximate age, type, and visible condition. The system should respond to normal controls when weather and site conditions allow it to be operated.
If the system is not working, has active condensate leakage, or relies on unsafe temporary wiring, consider having it serviced before the inspection.
5. Gather Roof Records
Roof age is often important to an insurance company. If the roof was replaced, provide any documents you have, including:
- Finalized roof permit
- Paid roofing invoice
- Contractor paperwork
- Product or manufacturer information
- Previous inspection reports
A permit or invoice can help establish the roof’s installation date, but documentation does not replace the inspector’s visual observations. The roof still needs to be evaluated for visible deterioration, damage, and evidence of leakage.
Avoid climbing onto the roof to prepare for the appointment. Leave roof access and evaluation to the inspector.
6. Find Your Window, Door, and Shutter Documentation
Wind mitigation credit for opening protection usually requires more than the presence of newer-looking windows or shutters. Product labels, permanent markings, permits, invoices, and approval documents may help verify that a product meets the required impact or pressure standards.
Before the inspection:
- Locate paperwork for replacement windows, exterior doors, skylights, and the garage door.
- Make stored shutters or panels available.
- Keep mounting hardware with the panels when possible.
- Organize panels so their quantity and condition can be viewed.
- Remove obstacles blocking exterior doors and the garage-door label.
One unverified exterior opening may affect the opening-protection classification for the home. Do not assume that new windows automatically qualify as impact-rated.
7. Walk Around the Home Before the Appointment
A quick homeowner walkthrough can reveal simple items worth addressing:
- Active roof or plumbing leaks
- Missing electrical cover plates
- Loose or exposed wiring
- Corrosion or leakage at the water heater
- A severely clogged HVAC filter
- Damaged roof covering
- Broken windows or exterior doors
- Vegetation blocking the condenser or exterior equipment
Focus on legitimate repairs, especially active leaks and safety concerns. Paint, air fresheners, and cosmetic touch-ups do not change the condition of the four systems.
8. Expect Photographs
Insurance inspection forms require supporting photographs. Depending on the inspection, the inspector may photograph:
- The front, rear, and sides of the home
- Roof slopes and roof covering
- Electrical panels
- Water heater and visible plumbing
- HVAC equipment
- Attic framing and connections
- Windows, exterior doors, garage doors, and shutters
These photographs are part of the documentation process. They allow the insurance company to review the features and conditions reported by the inspector.
9. Keep Utilities On
Electricity and water should be on unless the insurance company or inspector has told you otherwise. A system that cannot be viewed or operated may have to be reported as not tested or not verified.
If a utility is intentionally off, tell the inspector before the appointment. Never ask an inspector to activate a disconnected utility, light a pilot, or energize equipment that has been shut down for safety reasons.
10. Understand What Preparation Cannot Do
Good preparation helps the inspection proceed efficiently, but it cannot change the home’s construction or guarantee a particular result. An inspector cannot assign a wind mitigation credit without visible evidence or acceptable supporting documentation. Likewise, passing along a completed 4-point report does not guarantee that an insurance company will issue or renew a policy.
The most productive approach is to provide safe access, share accurate records, and allow the inspector to document the home as it exists on the day of the inspection.
A Simple Homeowner Checklist
Before your appointment, confirm that:
- The attic opening is accessible.
- The electrical panel is not blocked.
- The water heater and HVAC equipment can be reached.
- Cabinets beneath sinks are reasonably clear.
- Water and electrical service are on, when safe to do so.
- Roof permits and replacement records are available.
- Window, door, garage-door, and shutter documents are available.
- Stored shutters and mounting hardware can be viewed.
- Pets are secured.
- Known active leaks or electrical hazards have been professionally evaluated.
Final Thoughts
A 4-point and wind mitigation inspection should not feel mysterious. From the homeowner’s perspective, preparation comes down to three things: access, documentation, and safety.
When those pieces are in place, the inspection is usually more efficient and the resulting report is more complete. Just as importantly, you gain a clearer understanding of the major systems and wind-resistant features that help protect your home.
If you need a 4-point inspection, wind mitigation inspection, or both in Central Florida, contact Heritage Home Inspections, LLC. I provide objective inspections with clear documentation so you and your insurance professional have the information needed to move forward.
Heritage Home Inspections, LLC
Inspecting Today for a Secure Tomorrow.
Informational note: Insurance requirements and underwriting decisions vary by carrier. Homeowners should confirm current requirements with their insurance agent before scheduling or completing repairs.
Preparing for a Florida 4-point and wind mitigation inspection does not require a perfect home. Clear access to the attic and major systems, gather roof and opening-protection documents, and address known leaks or safety concerns before the inspector arrives.
