Before an Inspection Begins

-It is recommended highly if the home is vacant that all utilities be left on; run A/C units during summer even if home is not occupied; set hot water heater at vacation setting. If owner is concerned about leaving the home empty, turn off water supply at incoming water cut-off and make note of the valve location; leave the information in kitchen area. Set A/C unit to 80 degrees in summer. Set furnace at 60 degrees in winter. Home owners, realtors, and inspectors are always concerned for home utilities that are left off for extended periods of time, due to concerns of mold and moisture. Timers can be used at small lamps at some rooms for lighting at evening hours. Leave notes at timers so realtors and shoppers will not accidentally turn off the light.

-Home water systems that have been winterized should be operational before the inspection begins. Issues may arise at the inspection that are out of the control of the inspector. Gas pilots should be on and operational. Pilot lights that are off may be an indication of appliance failure. The inspector will not light gas pilots, open water valves, activate electrical systems that have been turned off, or cut locks open. The client/buyer agent must ensure that all utilites are turned on, that breakers are turned on, that water and fuel valves are on and open, that pilot lights are lit, that all rooms, doors, crawl spaces, etc. are unlocked and/or keys available, and that components such as attic panels and electrical panels are accessable prior to the inspection time. Return visits due to utilities being off, doors locked, etc. all as stated will be subject to an additional return/travel fees.

-Move furniture, clothing, vehicles, etc. from attic access points, walls, and electrical panel areas. Inspectors will not move heavy and/or personal items to inspect inaccessible areas. Move items to storage, cover clothing in attic access closets, move furniture, all to gain access to electrical outlets and panels and any attic access doors. Inspectors will not move clothing or storage boxes to gain access to attic panels. Damage of clothing or boxes may occur if personal items are moved. Computers, phones, VCR's should be off. Data on electronic devices can be affected when inspector checks breaker/GFCI for proper operation.

-Suggest to the home owner the removal or boarding of pets during inspections or potential buyer visits. It is less stressful on the pets and the people involved in the home visit. Home owners that stay in the home during visits or home inspections can cause stress to all involved during the visit. Suggest to the home owner to go shopping or run errands for a few hours. However, the owner should be accessible, perhaps by phone, during the visit if any questions arise. Tubs, sinks, basins should all be emptied to allow for proper inspection.