How To Prepare For A Home Inspection
To help prevent delays and make the most of everyone's time, the home should be prepared for the inspection. Please remove all personal property that would block the home inspector's access to key systems inside the home. For liability reasons, home inspectors will not move personal property while inside the home, so it is essential that the seller do this in advance of the inspection. Specifically, the home owner - seller should ensure that:
- All utilities turned on (electric / water / gas)
- All pilot lights are lit
- All locks are removed or unlocked from areas that may prohibit the inspector's accessibility (such as attics, doors, outbuildings, etc.)
- Attic access is clear
- Crawl space (if applicable) is clear
- Electrical panels are accessible and not locked
- Water heater is accessible
- Furnace is accessible
- Cooling system is accessible
- Built-in kitchen appliances are accessible and ready to operate
- Pets are secure
And finally, the buyer will often accompany the home inspector, and buyers feel uncomfortable asking questions if the owner/seller is present. Try to schedule a time for the inspection when you can be out of the house, and take the children with you. Crate your pets if you cannot remove them from the premises. Many inspections can take up to 3 hours to complete.