Often times, during home inspections, I see things that could have been done to prepare the home. These items will make the inspection go quicker. Clear space for access to mechanicals such as the electric panel, water heater repair service, and for help with HVAC systems you can hire professionals. You can click here to know more. All to often, I spend time moving personal property or navigating an over furnished basement to inspect these areas. The seller making easy access to these areas will lead to a quicker inspection time, and I’m less likely to have to state that I could not fully access the item (telling a buyer that something was not inspected fully, is a sure fire scare tactic, we’re not trying to do this).

Make attic access easy by clearing out closets or areas where stairs to the attic are. Also, attic access can take considerable time, if the inspector has to empty personal items from a closet. Accessing the attic is important, I enter about 99% of them. Remember in some attached garages, there is a separate attic area, and ensuring the cars are moved out of the way is also helpful.

Replace bad light bulbs. I will annotate that a light doesn’t work, but I’m not there to diagnose and trouble shoot extensively. Replacing bad bulbs with the help of an electrical company such as Asbury Electric will alleviate you of answering questions on bad light fixtures for a faulty light bulb.

Check the fire safety items like smoke/CO detectors. Be certain your smoke/CO detectors have new batteries and are newer than seven years old. Also check with the local fire marshal to determine what the city requirements are, this varies from city to city.

Address easy safety items, like loose hand rails, broken glass, etc…I take safety seriously, as will the buyers lender.

Don’t forget about pest control. Make sure that you rid your home of pests and contact the best pest control companies that can provide expert pest control services like bed bug removal or termite treatment services, depending on what you have in your home.

Put pets away, or remove them during the inspection if possible. For obvious reasons.

If there’s a septic system, have the cover exposed for the septic inspector. Also don’t have the tank pumped right before the inspection, an empty tank can’t be flow tested. If the plumbing system needs some kind of maintenance, such as drain cleaning or septic tank cleaning, you can hire a professional septic tank service to do the job efficiently. If you do need some septic system to be installed, maintained or replaced, it’s important to take note of the concrete septic system cost prior to any proceedings. Ensure the seller understands that if a lead testing or radon testing is being performed, the inspector will need access to retrieve the test equipment in 48+ hours. A radon mitigation and radon testing service is necessary to eliminate harmful radon substances in your home. The home will also be required to be kept under closed conditions for the test period. Its a god idea to let the seller know ahead of time.

What kills a deal? Surprises. Its the home inspectors job to inform his client. If the disclosure is a complete thorough inspection report. There will not likely be any surprises after the buyers inspection. Perhaps consider a Move in Certified Pre-Listing Inspectionllroofingco.com/

If an item is broken and dangerous let the inspector know there’s no reason for an inspector to risk injury, or more damage to an improperly functioning system by testing it. If the door falls off the track when the inspector presses the opener button it could be an issue, as it could break the deal. You might need to get a new residential garage door… or get your roof fixed , you can have a roofing contractor take a look at your roof and tell you exactly what you need. Have your realtor tell the inspector, or even leave a large note. These simple items can make life easier for everyone. Thanks for reading. Have a nice day! Check out my website for more info on any of these things or about my home inspections. Mike Auger, CMI RI Radon Lic. RMC-142 RI Reg. 32856 401-578-4878 inspectormikeauger@gmail.com