Preparing for a Home Inspection
As the homeowner, there are things you can do to prepare for a successful inspection. Ensuring access for the inspection, as well as having systems operable, allows the inspector to be thorough. Consider these actions before an inspector comes to your home.
- Plan to have your house available to the inspector for at least 3 or 4 hours.
- Ensure all utilities are on.
- Turn on pilot lights for gas appliances, including the water heater.
- Secure pets during the inspection.
- Clear access to attic and crawl space.
- Clear at least 6 inches of space around the perimeter of the home exterior.
- Clear at least 3 feet of access to the electrical panel.
- If you have a well or septic tank, leave a sketch to locate them.
- Leave keys for gates, outbuilding and electrical boxes.
- Remove dishes from the sink and dishwasher.
- Replace furnace/AC filter.
- Clean stove and oven.
- Empty storage from the attic.
- Replace light bulbs.
- Clear pathways and remove obstacles from areas the inspector will need to access, including attics, basements, furnace rooms, and under sinks.
- Shift furniture and personal items away from inspection areas.
- Label the fuse box clearly for easy identification.
- Get ready at least two hours before the inspector’s scheduled visit (they tend to arrive early) and plan for your family to leave the house during the inspection. If you have pets, bring them along or ensure they are safely secured.
- Vacate the home for the inspection.
- Clear the items beneath the sinks to provide easy access for plumbing inspection
- Replace any receptacle or switch cover plates that are missing or broken.
- Replace batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
- Leave remotes for the garage door, ceiling fans, lights, etc.
- Clear furniture and belongings for inspection points (windows, doors, electrical panel, crawl space, etc.)
