PREPARING FOR A HOME INSPECTION - ADVICE FOR SELLERS

Just a reminder after the contracts are signed the work is not done.  The house is not sold until closing. 

For liability reasons, home inspectors are not required, nor advised to move items blocking access to areas that need to be inspected.  Failure to provide access to these areas during the inspection can lead to incomplete results, call backs, additional fees or a frustrated buyer. Most home inspectors will charge an additional fee if they must return to the property to inspect items which were not accessible.  Listed below are some simple tips that can prevent unnecessary delays when it is time for the home inspection.

To make the process as smooth as possible, the seller should verify that:

•       All utilities are on
•       Pilot lights are lit including gas fireplaces
•       Attic access doors are clear of clothing or stored items
•       Crawlspace entrances are not blocked or nailed in place
•       Water meter and main water line are accessible
•       Water heater and surrounding area are accessible
•       Furnace and surrounding area are accessible
•       Air conditioning units and surrounding area are accessible
•       Electrical panels are accessible and not locked
•       Electrical sub panels are accessible
•       Decorative items from doors and windows are removed (including sun catchers, plants, etc.)
•       Kitchen counter tops are clear. Please remove items from the oven and dishwasher.
•       Foundation walls, especially the corners of the basement are clear of stored items
•       The garage overhead and service doors are clear of items

Provide a safe place for pets

Whether a home inspector (in addition to an appraiser, real estate agent or prospective buyer) is coming into your home, it's important to provide a safe place for pets. This may mean a sturdy, appropriately-sized kennel in the home. It can also mean taking the pet to a friend or relative they are comfortable with until things are more settled.  Please remember, many of these professionals will need to view both the interior and exterior of the home. Simply putting pets in an open yard is not enough.  Modest preparation today can help avoid a giant headache tomorrow.

Glen Fisher southjerseynpi@aol.com                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       

"The South Jersey Home Inspector"