Thread: Preparing for a Home Inspection

Preparing for a Home Inspection

So you have your home on the market for sale, (Awesome) now lets make your home inspection ready.
Realtors / Buyers / home owners are all unhappy when your home inspectors report states " Not Inspected, No Access" And I certainly understand and agree with them 100%. All components of a home should be inspected.
Having said that, as a thorough inspector I need access to all areas of your home, attic, crawl space, closet access, mechanical s ( furnace / hot water tank / water meters / electrical panels etc,) Clear access being the key word.
Many homes I visit on a daily basis have closets full of clothing blocking access to the scuttle hole for the attic of that home. As a home inspector that follows the code of ethics that area will be reported as No access. Why? I can't move your stuff out of the way to gain access to any area of your home period.
As a home buyer if I where to see an area that was not inspected because of no access I wouldn't be all that happy with it.
The term No Access / Not Inspected is not a term you want to see on a home inspection report you just payed for especially when it is because you didn't want to clear the way. You wouldn't pay $300,000 plus for something you knew nothing about and neither should the buyers!
Its far scarier to see not inspected than to see needs maintenance on any item of the home inspection report.

Your Buckeye Home Inspector
www.buckeyehomeinspect.com

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Hello Charles Hampton,

I'm Brian Hannigan and I am the creator of InspectionNews

Welcome aboard. Enjoy your visit here at InspectionNews and if there is anything I can help you with just let me know.

As a "Thank You" for making your first post I have a gift for you. You can pick it up at:
http://www.SendYourFreeCard.com

Originally Posted by Brian Hannigan

Hello Charles Hampton,

I'm Brian Hannigan and I am the creator of InspectionNews

Welcome aboard. Enjoy your visit here at InspectionNews and if there is anything I can help you with just let me know.

As a "Thank You" for making your first post I have a gift for you. You can pick it up at:
http://www.SendYourFreeCard.com

Thank You Brian
Looking forward to posting!

Charles,
I move something out of the way at just about every inspection. I have removed all clothes in closets to access tiny access hatches in the closet ceilings to the attic where my SOP says I don't have to enter due to size. If I can fit through the hole I'm up there!. I have moved stuff off the closet floors looking for crawl spaces with holes that my SOP says I don't have to enter because it is not the correct size. If I can fit through the hole I'm under there. I have moved so many bicycles, lawn mowers, workbenches away from the electrical panel I can't count. I may not move some very heavy or expensive looking piece that I'm not comfortable moving without breaking but that's about all. Be careful with the sellers items and put them back like you found them. Clients don't want to hear about all the departures in the SOP that allows you to not do what you were hired to do.
While I don't particularly like moving items, I believe that is one of the reasons why I get referrals from realtors and clients.
It's not in the Texas Ethics that you can't move something for access but it is in the SOP. Just like the codes, the SOP is the minimum acceptable standard.

Solid Meets does not compare with a Solid Exceeds

I do the same as Gary.
I carry a bed large bed sheet to cover clothes in closets. I use to have a vacuum and now clean insulation that falls from the attic in closets with star rags.
*I wear (PPE) when I enter suspect attics or spaces. Coveralls in some crawl spaces.
NOTE: I have been knocked flat on my back for days after entering an attic space with suspect mold 2x's. Not fun!

I ask a homeowner's to open tight windows and REA's/REbroker's in my neck of the woods, or both to move items or give me permission when someone is present or items many not be moved.

All part and parcel of being a home inspector I think.

All the best.
Robert

Originally Posted by Gary Burnett

Charles,
I move something out of the way at just about every inspection. I have removed all clothes in closets to access tiny access hatches in the closet ceilings to the attic where my SOP says I don't have to enter due to size. If I can fit through the hole I'm up there!. I have moved stuff off the closet floors looking for crawl spaces with holes that my SOP says I don't have to enter because it is not the correct size. If I can fit through the hole I'm under there. I have moved so many bicycles, lawn mowers, workbenches away from the electrical panel I can't count. I may not move some very heavy or expensive looking piece that I'm not comfortable moving without breaking but that's about all. Be careful with the sellers items and put them back like you found them. Clients don't want to hear about all the departures in the SOP that allows you to not do what you were hired to do.
While I don't particularly like moving items, I believe that is one of the reasons why I get referrals from realtors and clients.
It's not in the Texas Ethics that you can't move something for access but it is in the SOP. Just like the codes, the SOP is the minimum acceptable standard.

Solid Meets does not compare with a Solid Exceeds

Gary

That's awesome! However you missed the meaning of the post.

I am referring to things like closet rods anchored across the access areas and safes setting on crawl space panels. And I also inspect a home nearly everyday. Thanks for your response.

Good points.

I always include this for my clients:
"Preparation for the Inspection
Please make sure that access and utility service is provided for the inspection which includesbut is not limited to:
• Electricity is on
• Water is on
• Gas service is on or propane is available
• Swimming pool is cleaned so that the bottom surface is visible
• Electric panels are free from obstructions (no storage or furniture blocking access)
• All attic access hatches or stairways are free of obstructions.
• Cars are removed from the garage.
• Crawl space hatch is free of obstructions and can be opened by hand (no nails, etc. willbe removed for access).
• All mechanical equipment is accessible. This means all furnaces, air conditioners, waterheaters and other equipment need to have room to visually inspect and remove servicepanels.
• Pets should be removed or crated.

Please pass this information on to the real estate agents, house resident, and seller. It isimperative that full access is provided for a complete inspection. If any item is not accessibledue to storage, locked or otherwise secured doors or panels, that item will not be inspected.During the inspection it is a time for intense scrutiny of the house and its systems anddistractions can be detrimental to the process, so please limit the number of persons at theinspection to the buyer(s). If family, friends and children want to see the property it would bebest to contact your agent to arrange that at a separate time. "

... a few more ...

1. Replace burned out light bulbs before inspection
2. Leave clothes washer/dryer empty as it may be tested. Inspector is not responsible for damaged clothes.
3. If there is anything special you need to tell the inspector about please leave a note on kitchen counter.
4. Ensure house number is visible from street.