Preparing for your home inspection is crucial when selling your home or purchasing a new home. Not only will the inspection process go a little faster, but the inspector can provide a more thorough inspection, allowing the report to be a little easier to read.

SELLING YOUR HOME

1. Make sure the inspector has access, not only to the house, but also to the furnace, water heater and air-conditioning units (especially in closets, attics and crawlspaces).

2. Remove items blocking access to HVAC equipment, electric service, panels, water heaters, etc.

3. Check to see that the water heater, utility panel and shutoffs and resets for ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) within are accessible.

4. Unlock areas the inspector must access, such as attic doors or hatches, electric service panels, closets, fence gates and crawlspaces.

5. Ensure that all utility services are on, with gas pilot lights burning.

6. Tell your agent about any pets at home. Ideally, they should be removed from the premises or secured. Please contact inspection company about any specific instructions. Please keep in mind that doors, windows, and access points in and out of home will be tested.

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 the foundation. These may be cited as conditions conducive to wood-destroying insects.

9. Trim tree limbs to 10 feet from the roof and shrubs to 1 foot from the house to allow access.

10. Attend to broken or missing items such as doorknobs, locks and latches, windowpanes, screens and locks, and gutters, downspouts and chimney caps.

Checking these areas before your home inspection is an investment in selling your property, and will expedite your closing.

PURCHASING A HOME

1. Gather as much information about the home you plan to purchase such as any Disclosure Statements provided by the Seller and/or copies of any previous inspections or repairs completed at house.

2. Prepare List of Questions to ask Inspector. Any concerns or lack of familiarity with appliances or systems in the house would be beneficial to ask about. Coordinate with your agent to ensure all utilities are on at property so that all components can be tested at time of inspection.

3. Plan to be present for the inspection review.  If you are not able to be present, make arrangements with inspection company prior to inspection for a phone review with inspector. This will provide you with a better understanding of the report findings and create opportunity for you to ask any questions you may have.