PRE-INSPECTION CHECKLIST

 Helpful tips to benefit our clients and help the inspector perform a quality inspection.

• APPOINTMENT TIME - If the home is occupied, please inform your Realtor and the Seller as to what time the inspector will be at the home. If the home is not occupied and does not have a lock box on it, please arrange for your Realtor or the Seller’s realtor (or the builder on new homes) to meet the inspector at the home and unlock the door. Appointments that have to be rescheduled within 24 hours of the original time will incur a $50.00 reschedule fee. Plan on a minimum of 3 hours (depending on size of the home) for the inspection.

•  KEYS - Keys to all doors must be made available for the inspector. The front door key will not always fit other locked doors to attics, closets, other exit doors or the garage. If keys are not available, these areas will not be accessible and will not be inspected.

•  UTILITIES - All the utilities should be turned on. This includes gas, water, electric. If one of these systems are not turned on, the inspector cannot inspect the system and all the related equipment. The inspector does not turn on main breakers, turn water supply valves on or turn gas valves on. If a utility is off, the related systems will not be inspected.

• ZERO LOT LINES -  Homes with zero lot lines will require a written and signed permission slip from the neighbor so the inspector may go onto their property for the exterior inspection of the home.

• PRE-EXISTING CONDITIONS -   Please bring a copy of the disclosure statement on pre-existing homes. It is helpful to know the conditions that the current owners already know about. Ask for a copy of  any inspection report done previously on the home. Please ask for all invoices, warranties and related paperwork on repairs that have been performed on the home. Please bring all this paperwork, if available, to the inspection. The inspector does not need a copy, the inspector just needs to note the additional information in the inspection report.

• OBSTRUCTIONS -  Make sure that all obstructions are away from the attic access door, crawlspace access door, electrical service panel, fireplace, and other areas that should be inspected.  The inspector does not move furniture or other obstructions. If the door to the attic is blocked, the inspector cannot access the attic for inspection. Also, there should be nothing in front of the service panel (breaker box). Any decorative fireplace items on the hearth or in the firebox should be removed. Stored boxes and other items in the attic or garage should be moved for access to the furnace, air conditioning unit, hot water heater, or other items already mentioned. Obstructions block the inspector from inspecting many things in a home.

•  PETS - Dogs and cats should be kenneled or leashed away from the house. The inspector will need access to the full perimeter around the home for the exterior inspection. Loose pets can run out open doors or jump into the attic or crawlspace. The inspector will be busy enough inspecting the home without worrying about pets. The inspector is not responsible for lost pets. There are no exceptions to keeping pets that can possibly bite or scratch away from the inspector. For example, if there is a loose cat or dog in a room, that room will not be inspected; if there is a loose dog in the backyard, the exterior components of the home located in the backyard will not be inspected.

 By following these few simple tips, your inspection will go faster and will be more thorough.

To download this file click Pre-Inspection Checklist (in PDF format)

Clients - If home is occupied, please send a copy of this to the Seller.