Preparing your home for inspection is important and can be nerve-wracking. Being prepared can help the inspection go smoothly. Here are 8 things you can do to prepare for the home inspector.
- Clean the house.
Sounds simple, yet home owners often overlook this tactic. A clean home says that you take care of the house. - Be on time, because the inspector will be.
Sometimes home inspectors are early. If an inspector makes an appointment with you for 9:00 am, have the house ready for inspection at 8:30 am. - Leave the utilities connected.
The home inspector will need to turn on the stove, run the dishwasher, and test the furnace and air conditioning. Leave utilities on, especially if the house is vacant. Without utilities, the inspector will have to reschedule. - Provide space to work around furnace and water heaters.
Remove boxes, bookcases, furniture, and anything else blocking access to your furnace, air conditioner, and water heater. The inspector will need three to four feet of working space to inspect these items. - Keep Pilot Lights Ignited.
Many home inspectors will refuse to light pilot lights because they are not covered for that type of liability. If your pilot lights are not lit, important items such as the water heater, gas stove or furnace will not be inspected. The buyer could delay closing until those inspections are completed. - Provide access to attic and garage.
The inspector will need to get into your basement and / or attic, so keep a path cleared. Move boxes away from the walls. Vacuum spider webs. - Leave Keys for Outbuildings & Electrical Boxes.
Leave the remote controls for your garage door opener or a key if the garage is unattached to the house. Unlock the covers for your sprinkler system and electrical box. Leave a key for exterior building access. - Provide Repair Documents.
Make available all invoices and documents regarding remodeling projects or new items such as a roof or furnace.
A home inspection can be required for a number of reasons, buying, selling, repairing, and assessing value. Regardless of what your purpose for the home inspection, the above steps will make the process run smoother, and result in a more effective report.
