How to get ready for a home inspection – April 4, 2019
How to get ready
for a Home Inspection? So, you have a contract on your home, and the buyer wants to have a home inspection. How do you get ready for a home inspection? Don’t panic, instead prepare for the inspection. Here are some steps you can take to make your inspection go smooth.
Leave for a home inspection.
Most realtors recommend the seller-renter-occupant not be present during the inspection. This is a courtesy to the buyer, allowing them to discuss any issues found with the inspector freely. A detailed home inspection will take 3 to 4 hours on a standard size home; please allow at least this or more.
Pets
Please have dogs and cats in their kennel or removed. Pet containment will prevent them from escaping out of an open door. This will protect your pets and everyone involved.
Access
Make sure all attic and crawl space entry points are accessible. One of the most frustrating things home inspectors complain about is lack of access. The inspector will need to be able to enter the crawl space and attic entry.
Entry points are often blocked by piles of clothes and boxes, sometimes to the point that they cannot even be located. Cars, boats, shelving, and boxes left in garages under attic scuttle holes and pull-down ladders are incredibly frustrating.
Locks
Locked gates, outbuildings, and detached garages cannot be properly inspected and may require a return trip, often at the seller’s expense. Avoid this simple error by leaving a key or garage door remote readily available for the home inspector. (usually the kitchen counter)
Pick up
Pick up clutter. Your inspector will run water in all sinks, showers, and bathtubs. It is essential to have these areas free of dishes and toys and ready for the water.
Pilot Lights
Make sure pilot lights for stoves, water heaters, furnaces, gas fireplaces, and space heaters are on and working correctly. If the fireplace is remotely controlled, leave the remote where it can be easily located. (usually on the mantel)
Leave room to work
Leave room to work. Your inspector will need to remove access panels for furnaces, water heaters, and electrical panel(s). There should be a minimum of 30 inches on both sides and to the front if possible.
Paper Work
Although not necessary it is helpful sometimes if you have paperwork to verify major repair or remodeling work. The age of items like a new roof or basement waterproofing is more reliable when supported by a written contract or other documentation.
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