• Expect the inspection to last between 2-3 hours for the average home. Longer for larger or older homes, and any ancillary services to be performed.
• Confirm gas, water and electricity are turned on and gas pilot lights are burning.
• Ensure pets won't hinder inspection. Tell Realtor about cats or other animals to be kept inside. Areas occupied by aggressive, unrestrained dogs will not be inspected. We recommend pets be placed in pens or moved to another location for the inspection time.
• Move all breakables, antiques, and other valuables to a safe place to prevent accidental breakage or damages.
• Replace any burned out light bulbs.
• Test all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Replace batteries if needed.
• Clean or replace dirty HVAC air filters. Verify filters fit and are properly secured.
• Move wood, stored items or debris away from foundation. Provide clear access to all areas of the home: Interior, exterior, garage, closets, crawlspaces, etc.
• Unlock or remove locks from any items the inspectors must access: *Gates in fences *Attic access hatches or doors *Electric service panels *Special closets * Crawl space hatches for pier-and-beam construction.
• Confirm areas and components are accessible by removing items blocking access to: *Electric service panels *Heating & air conditioning equipment *Water heaters *Ground fault (GFCI) electric receptacles *Attic access ladders or hatches (Note: debris may fall when hatch is opened. *Crawl space access hatches for pier-and-beam construction. Note: remove items that might restrict movement in attic or crawl space.
• Trim tree limbs back from the roof and trim shrubs away from the house to allow access.
• Repair or replace broken, damaged or missing items: *Door knobs, locks & latches *Window locks & broken glass *Window screens *Anti-siphon devices on exterior faucets * Rain gutters & downspouts * Chimney flue caps.
• Be prepared for the inspector to operate the following: kitchen appliances, all doors and windows, heating and cooling systems, garage door openers, all plumbing fixtures, switches and outlets, GFCI’s, exterior lighting, pool, spa, irrigation, etc. Leave special instructions for difficult to operate items.
• Remember, if any system is not operable or accessible, the Inspector will make a note of this on his report. The Inspector will recommend re-inspection of inoperable items. Our client may request re-inspection of these items, and may request you to pay for the re-inspection.
Take these actions and your home inspection will go faster and will result in a "cleaner" inspection report - good news for you, your Realtor and your buyer!
