Helpful Tips for Sellers to Ease the Home Inspection Process

Simple steps can be taken by Sellers to make the inspection as painless as possible:

• Provide access to the property - keys, door openers, etc. readily accessible.

• If the seller is required to provide access to the property be there at the appointed time.

• Make certain that gas, water and electric utilities are on. This is of special concern in vacant or multi-family residences.

• Make certain that all pilot lights are lit, hot water tanks and heating systems are

operable, appliances are connected and that all water valves are "on" (weather permitting.)

• Remove pots, pans, dishes, clutter from counter tops/stoves. Remove laundry from washers and dryers.

• Control pets.

• Do not run water (except for required toilet flushing) during the inspection. Running water during an in inspection is disruptive to the process.

• Provide easy access to heating systems, hot water tanks and appliances.

• Replace burned out light bulbs.

• Make certain that all fuses and/or circuit breakers are operable.

• Make certain that all smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are operable.

• Replace batteries as required.

• Disarm security system.

• Control children.

• Provide access to the water meter, gas meter and electrical panel. Temporarily remove pictures or decorative items which are used to conceal electrical panels.

• Provide access to hatches or crawl spaces.

• If any repair or replacement work of a significant nature has been done recently, provide inspector with copies of documents.

• Have disclosure forms, engineering reports, point of sale information, etc. available to the inspector.

• Provide as much visibility as reasonably possible for garage walls, basement walls, attics, storage rooms, etc.

James Jagger, Buckeye Home Inspections