Are you planning to get  homeowner’s insurance? All the companies require you to get a home inspection completed before issuing a new policy. There are two major types of inspections:

• The four-point inspection

• The full-home inspection

Both inspections serve the interests of both buyers and insurance companies. The aim of these procedures is to uncover any damage or notable issues before the property gets sold.

Four-point inspections focus on the major components of the house. These are as follows:

• Electrical panels and wiring

• The HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) system

• Plumbing

• Roofing situation

These four areas are the biggest concern for insurers. Any serious faults in these components of the house could result in formidable expenses. The downside of this approach is obvious. Any other areas of the house receive less attention or none at all.

In most cases, insurance companies order a four-point inspection for homes over 20 years old. Some scenarios involve using this type of inspection for homes that are only a few years old. This is a typical approach when the house has been sitting vacant for some time.

A full-home inspection is also called a buyer's inspection, or simply a full inspection. Compared to four-point inspections, this type of procedure is more thorough.

These are the typical areas inspected during a full-home inspection:

• Appliances: dishwasher, heaters, washing machine

• Electrical system: wiring, receptacles, breakers

• HVAC system: filters, efficiency, ducts

• Interior and exterior: fascia, roof coverings, finishes

• Plumbing: water leaks, fixtures, wear and tear

• Roofing: vents, shingles, trusses

Additionally, the inspector examines structural integrity, moisture intrusion, and grading of the site. Depending on the service provider and terms of the contract, there can be other aspects under scrutiny as well.

Even buyer's inspections may fail to cover certain areas of the home. You likely have to hire a separate professional for the following areas:

• Any surfaces inside the walls

• Structures accompanying the main house, such as sheds and wells

• Septic tanks

As a buyer, you should always request an inspection report. Visiting a property is only part of a home inspector's job. The person responsible for your buyer's inspection has to report all the relevant findings in a written form. Professional inspectors will attach photos of damages and issues to the written report.