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.
- 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).
- Remove items blocking access to HVAC equipment, electric service, panels, water heaters, etc.
- 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.
- Unlock areas the inspector must access - attic doors or hatches, electric service panels, closets, fence gates, sheds and crawl spaces.
- Ensure all utility services are on, with gas pilot lights burning.
- 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.
- Replace burned out bulbs to avoid a "light did not operate" report that may suggest an electrical problem.
- Remove stored items, debris and wood from foundation. These may be cited as conditions conducive to wood-destroying insects.
- Trim tree limbs to 10 feet from the roof and shrubs 1 foot from the house to allow access.
- Attend to broken or missing items like doorknobs, locks and latches; windowpanes, screens and locks; or gutters, downspouts and chimney caps.