Preparing for an Inspection of the House

Who will attend?
Usually the Buyer and the Buyer’s REALTOR® will attend. It is preferable that the Seller not be present for the inspection.
 
How long will It take?
Typically, 2.5 to 3 hours. Homes that are older, larger, unique and those that have substantial additions, renovations, or difficult access areas, such as attics and crawl spaces will take a little longer.

How and what will be inspected?
The exterior of the house is the normal starting point. The inspector may go up on the roof and then proceed around the outside. He will go into the basement and/or crawl space to examine the major systems in the house, including structure, heating, air conditioning, ventilation, and the electrical and plumbing systems.

In addition to the work in the basement, he will go through the rest of the house and test all plumbing fixtures, operate windows and doors, look under sinks, in closets and inspect the attic’s structural components, insulation and ventilation.

How can I prepare?
Provide access and adequate lighting to all parts of the home including the basement and garage. Replace any burned out or missing bulbs.

Provide documentation pertaining to replacement or maintenance of components or systems as well as copies of any warranties that are transferrable to the buyer.


Most importantly, provide unobstructed access to the following:

• Main water service entrance, including meter and shut-off valve, or if a rural property, the well water entrance, pressure tank, etc
• Hot water tank
• Shut off valves to external hose bibs
• Floor drain or sump pump
• Provide access to storm and sanitary sewer drains, or if a rural property, the septic tank main drain cleanout plug
• Electric service entrance, including main distribution panel and any sub-panels
• Furnace or boiler, including vent connectors, chimneys, and fuel storage tanks (oil & propane)
• Air conditioner
• Air exchanger or heat recovery ventilator
• Attic hatch
• Interior surface of foundation walls where practical