Four Point Inspections
Troy Thornhill • February 4, 2022
The four points are roof, electrical, plumbing, and heating/cooling.
Most Florida insurance carriers today will require a four point inspection for homes 30 years old or older. Many insurance underwriters are even requiring them on newer homes. The purpose of a four point inspection in Cape Coral is to determine if there are items that could potentially result in an insurance claim. Some examples may include things like a leaking roof, exposed electrical, or faulty plumbing, just to name a few.
The four points are roof, electrical, plumbing, and heating/cooling.
- The roof is pretty basic; does it have at least 3 years remaining life? Is it leaking? Are their signs of deterioration? Is there any truss or rafter damage?
- The heating and cooling portion of the inspection is also pretty simple. Most insurers just want to know the age of the A/C and heating systems and if they are operational.
- The electrical and plumbing sections are where I see most of the problems in regards to Fort Myers four point inspections. The electrical system needs to be in good and operating condition. Even small items like exposed wires, loose outlets, or damaged light fixtures can hold up binding a policy. Most important are the expensive items. These days most insurance companies will not insure homes that still have fuse boxes rather than circuit breakers. Also, some panels like Federal Pacific, Challenger, Zinsco, and Sylvania must be replaced since they are faulty and not reliable. These types of items can pose a much larger expense than loose outlets or damaged fixtures.
- Plumbing can also present big problems in terms of insuring a home. Of course, there are items like faulty shut off valves, leaking faucets, and leaking drain pipes; however, there are also potentially major items like polybutylene plumbing. If polybutylene is present, then the house must be repiped before the home can be insured. Repipes are fairly common in southwest Florida, running between $3,500 and $5,000 for an average size 2,000 square foot home.
It is vital to have this four point inspection in Cape Coral, Fort Myers, and all of SWFL done at the same time as the home inspection. This will allow for negotiations to be done before the inspection period is over. If a buyer waits until after the inspection period, then the required repairs may not be negotiable.
For more information on four point inspections you can call us anytime at 239-220-5107 or REQUEST AN INSPECTION.
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Ants are a common pest problem in Southwest Florida, where the warm and humid climate provides an ideal environment for these tiny invaders. Whether it's carpenter ants, fire ants, or sugar ants, they can quickly become a nuisance. If you’re dealing with an ant infestation, don’t worry—Healthy Home Pest Control is here to help. In this blog, we'll share effective strategies and tips on how to get rid of ants in your home and keep them from coming back. Identify the Type of Ants The first step in tackling an ant problem is to identify the type of ants invading your home. In Southwest Florida, you’re likely to encounter: Carpenter Ants: Known for nesting in wood and causing structural damage. Fire Ants: Aggressive ants that deliver painful stings. Sugar Ants : Attracted to sweet foods and commonly found in kitchens. Understanding which type of ant you’re dealing with will help you choose the most effective treatment. Find and Eliminate Ant Trails Ants leave behind a pheromone trail that helps other ants find food sources. To disrupt this trail: Clean Surfaces: Wipe down countertops, floors, and other surfaces with a mixture of vinegar and water. This will remove the pheromone scent and discourage other ants from following the trail. Use Soap and Water: A simple solution of dish soap and water can effectively remove ant trails. Spray it along the paths where you see ants traveling. Seal Entry Points Prevent ants from entering your home by sealing potential entry points: Inspect Doors and Windows: Check for gaps or cracks around doors, windows, and screens. Use weather stripping or caulk to seal these openings. Examine Walls and Foundations: Look for small cracks or holes in your home’s exterior and foundation. Seal these with caulk or another suitable filler. Keep Your Home Clean Ants are attracted to food and water sources. Maintain a clean home to make it less inviting: Store Food Properly: Keep food in airtight containers and promptly clean up spills or crumbs. Empty Trash Regularly: Ensure trash cans have tight-fitting lids and take out the garbage regularly. Fix Leaks: Repair any leaking faucets or pipes, as ants are also attracted to water sources. Use Ant Baits Ant baits are an effective way to eliminate entire colonies. Here’s how to use them: Place Baits Strategically: Position ant baits near ant trails, entry points, and areas where you’ve seen ant activity. Be Patient: Ant baits work by attracting ants to carry the poison back to their colony. It may take a few days to see a reduction in ant activity. Natural Remedies If you prefer natural methods to get rid of ants, consider the following: Essential Oils: Peppermint, tea tree, and lemon essential oils can repel ants. Mix a few drops with water and spray around entry points and ant trails. Professional Pest Control Services For severe infestations or if you’re unable to manage the problem on your own, it’s best to call in the professionals. Healthy Home Pest Control offers expert ant removal services in Southwest Florida. Here’s why you should choose us: Experienced Technicians: Our team has extensive knowledge and experience in dealing with various ant species. Safe and Effective Treatments: We use eco-friendly products and methods to ensure the safety of your family and pets. Customized Solutions: We provide tailored pest control plans to address your specific needs and prevent future infestations. Prevent Future Infestations Once you’ve eliminated the current ant problem, take steps to prevent future infestations: Regular Inspections: Schedule routine inspections with Healthy Home Pest Control to catch and address potential problems early. Maintain Cleanliness: Continue to keep your home clean and free of food and water sources that attract ants. Seal Entry Points: Regularly inspect and maintain seals around doors, windows, and other entry points. Ants can be a persistent problem in Southwest Florida, but with the right approach, you can keep your home ant-free. By identifying the type of ants, sealing entry points, maintaining cleanliness, and using effective treatments, you can successfully manage and prevent ant infestations. For expert help, trust Healthy Home Pest Control to provide safe and effective solutions. Contact us today to schedule an inspection and take the first step towards a pest-free home.
