The following are a few suggestions that will make the home inspection go smoother, whether you are a seller or an agent. As a buyer you may want to request the following is done before we arrive at the site.

1. Make sure the inspector has access -- not only to the house but also furnaces, water heaters and air conditioning units (especially in closets, attics and crawl spaces).
2. Remove items blocking access to HVAC equipment, electric service, panels, water heaters, etc.
3. Check to see the garage is open and that any water heaters, utility panels or shutoffs and resets for Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) within are accessible.
4. Unlock areas the inspector must access - attic doors or hatches, electric service panels, closets, fence gates, sheds and crawl spaces.
5. Ensure all utility services are on, with gas pilot lights burning.
6. Be sure pets won't hinder the inspection. Ideally, they should be removed from premises or secured outside. Tell your agent about any pets at home.
7. Replace burned out bulbs to avoid a "light did not operate" report that may suggest an electrical problem.
8. Remove stored items, debris and wood from foundation. These may be cited as conditions conducive to wood-destroying insects.
9. Trim tree limbs to 10 feet from the roof and shrubs 1 foot from the house to allow access.
10. Attend to broken or missing items like doorknobs, locks and latches; windowpanes, screens and locks; or gutters, downspouts and chimney caps.