Wednesday, April 17, 2019

Eight Steps to Ensure a Smooth Home Inspection

A home inspector I work with recently shared some tips that would help the inspector do the best job possible during the home inspection.  Once your home is under contract, the last thing you want is a delay in getting to the closing table.  Here are some ways you can ensure the home inspection goes smoothly.

1. Give Them Gas.  The inspector needs the gas (including pilot lights), electric and water supplies on.  Many inspectors won't light a pilot light to the water heater or gas fireplace if it is not on during the inspection, requiring them to make a second trip to the house once the pilot light is active.  Without electricity or water, the home inspector is not able to test electrical outlet, furnaces, plumbing fixtures for leaks etc.  Buyer will want these to be inspected, so make sure all the utilities are turned on and in working order prior to the scheduled home inspection.

2. Fur, Tails and Scales.  Whether we're talking about a Chihuahua or a 10-foot Boa, the inspector doesn't want to deal with pets.  Warn the inspector about any pets prior to arrival to avoid surprises.    Avoid putting dogs or cats to run loose in the backyard as the inspector needs to evaluate the siding, foundation, windows and more on the exterior of the home and won't be able to keep an eye out for any escaping pets. The best bet is to take the pet away from the home or secure them is a kennel or cage during the inspection.

3. Light It Up.   Take the time to check all the lights.  Something as simple as a burned out bulb can result in the inspector questioning if the light fixture is operable and including it on the inspection report.

4.  Running on Empty.  Something homeowners don't think of until it is needed, is ensuring the batteries in the thermostat are good.  If the batteries are low or dead, the inspector may not be able to test the HVAC system.  Check the batteries in the smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors too as they will also be tested during the inspection.  When in doubt, always replace the battery.

5. Dirty Dozen.  Locate all the HVAC filters and make sure they are clean.  It is recommended that the furnace filters be changed every 3-6 months.  If it's been awhile since they have been replaced, install new filters prior to the inspection.

6. Ants in the Plants.  Two words: conducive conditions.  If there are trees, plants, a wood pile or other debris up against the home, now is the time to trim them back or remove them.  It is recommended that any foliage be trimmed away from the home by at least 6 inches.  Inspectors must report these areas because they can attract termites, ants, wood boring beetles and other wood destroying organisms.

7. Locked and Loaded.  Ensure all areas needing to be accessed by the inspector are either open and accessible or provide a key for easy access.  Some homeowners have rooms that they lock when away from the home for safe keeping of personal items, some times the attic access or crawl space access are locked. Ensure the inspector has easy access to all spaces needing to be viewed.  Easy access also means moving any boxes or storage items out of the way.  Many inspectors won't move old furniture, lawn tools, bikes, shoes, boxes, etc. to be able to get to the crawl space hatch, attic access or backyard garages.

8. Repair or Replace.  Hopefully, many of the minor repairs needed around the home were done prior to putting the home up for sale, but if not, now is the time to do them. If the homeowner can safely and confidently repair things that are currently broken (windows, doors, cabinets, knobs, faucets, light fixtures, etc.), do it now.  If not, reach out to a professional handyman or contractor to get the to-do list taken care of prior to the home inspection.

A little proactive effort on the part of the homeowner can help the home inspection go smoothly and keep the sale of the home moving forward.
Edited from Lee Sellick, Home Inspections NW email

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