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Are You Ready For Your Inspection?
By Edward Robinson | August 18, 2008
So you have scheduled an inspection. Do you know what to do now? To get the most out of your inspection, there are some things you can do to get the best value.
- If you intend on following your inspector, or simply looking into concerns on your own, be sure to wear appropriate clothing. Comfortable shoes and clothing you might wear when working outdoors is normally considered appropriate. Be prepared to get a little dirty if you really want to see the good stuff.
- Bring a flashlight and a writing pad to take notes. While some inspectors may provide you a written report on site, many inspectors who write more narrative and detailed reports may not issue the report until later. It is good to keep notes of items you discuss so you can consider them later and until the report is issued.
- Bring your own flashlight, tape measure, and camera. These are valuable tools to help you keep your own notes and records during the inspection.
- Don’t assume that you can just show up at the end of your inspection period and pay the inspector and get all the information you need to make an informed decision. Many inspectors book more than one inspection a day and may not be able to go back and show you everything of significance they found during your inspection. Be sure to leave sufficient time for attending the inspection so that you are available if the inspector needs to discuss observations as they are made. The amount of time an inspector spends on an inspection will vary by the inspection company and will depend upon the number of inspectors present and the methodology used to evaluate the different aspects of the building. Ask your inspector how long they will be on site so you can plan to be there.
- Be sure that your agent arranges the date, time, and duration of the inspection with the seller’s agent and the occupants or owners. Do not assume this has been done. If the time necessary for an inspection is not scheduled, you may not have access to the building.
- Be sure to arrange for access to the property being inspected. Some inspectors may be able to obtain access; however, this is not typical. Your Realtor or the seller’s agent should normally provide access and then secure the property when the inspection is finished. Many inspectors are reluctant to take the responsibility for opening and securing property, and this is typically considered the responsibility of the agents.
- If the home is vacant, be sure your agent checks to see that all the utilities are on and that the equipment in the building has been checked to ensure it is foundational and generally operating. In older buildings, this would require ensuring that the pilots for equipment have been lit and are functional. In the winter, inspecting a building may result in a loss of the winterizing normally performed on vacant property and will require this be re-performed at the expense of the seller.
- Ask occupants to make all areas of the home accessible by moving or storing items that may restrict visibility or access. Most inspections are visual, and if you cannot see it, then it will not be evaluated. Specifically, this will require access to all mechanical equipment, bathroom fixtures, electrical panel boxes, and attic accesses.
- Have a copy of the Seller’s Disclosures and any additional information of interest related to the disclosure ready for review by the inspector. This may include things such as foundation repair diagrams or recent service information for items related to the building.
- Be sure to give your inspector at least 24 hours notice if you need to cancel an inspection. Some inspection companies may charge for cancellations without such notice to cover the time which cannot be filled because you did not cancel with enough notice.
Implementing these suggestions will result in you getting the best information so you can use it effectively in making an informed decision.
Topics: Home Buyer |