Preparing for a Home Inspection

If you, as the seller, have arranged to have your home inspected, you should plan to accompany the inspector during the entire process. If it is a buyer initiated inspection, it would be preferable if you were not present. You must be notified in advance of any inspection. The real estate agent generally will schedule the inspection for a time convenient to both you and the buyer to allow you enough time to make preparations.

When the home inspection has been arranged by you, as the seller, or by the buyer, you can take several preparatory steps which will benefit you and facilitate the inspection process.

Make sure the inspector can access all areas of the house.

Clear all furniture, boxes, clothes, toys and other personal items that may block access to the furnance, water heater, electrical panels, attic crawl spaces, etc. Inspectors will not enter inaccessible areas.

If access to your attic crawl space is located in a closet, remove clothing, shoes, and other items.

Not only might they be in the way, but as the hatch is removed, debris (dust, insulation, loose plaster) is likely to fall from the ceiling onto items left in the closet.

If you are expecting a visit from an inspector and prospective buyer:

The fewer problems an inspector finds with the property, the better overall image the properly presents to the prospective buyer. Obviously, it is to your advantage if the buyer hears the inspector saying, "Everything on this property is right except for a couple little issues here and there," rather than hearing a long list of concerns.

Here's a few more pointers to help you get ready:

  1. Ensure that the utilities are on. (If they have been off, do not turn the water main on until someone is there).
  2. Secure pets. Indoor cats and dogs should be crated, so the inspector and the buyers can easily move through out the house without fearing the animal will get lost or injured. (This is also less stressful to the pets) Outside pets should be secured so the inspector can inspect All exterior areas without being in contact with the animal.
  3. Access to the electric power panel should be clear of all storage items and furniture. If the panel has been enclosed or altered, it should be made accessible again.
  4. The access to the furnace and water heater should be clear of all obstructions, storage and furnishings for inspection.
  5. Unusual locations for access to crawl spaces and attics should be noted to the inspector.
  6. Attic accesses should be cleared of obstructions. If it is in a closet, all items should be removed and shelves taken down to allow access.
  7. All obstructions to a crawl space access should be moved to allow clear entry.
  8. Basement walls and floors should be accessible for inspection. Shelves, storage, and floor coverings should not impede the inspection of these areas.
  9. Windows should be clear of decorations and blinds should be up to allow the inspector to operate the windows.
  10. Doors should not be blocked to allow the operation of the doors by the inspector.
  11. Kitchen and bathroom sinks should be cleared of any obstructions that would impede the inspection to include filling them with water.

Remember, the inspector is there to inspect the home and its components to include issues dealing with Fire, Safety, Health, Structural, and Mechanical elements in the home. The house does not need to be “on display” as it was for the buyer to walk through when the offer was made. Areas need to be accessible. The inability of an inspector to access any area of the home may delay a closing.