Clear space for access to mechanicals (electric panel, water heater, HVAC systems). 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 (which causes stress to many buyers).

Make attic access easy by cleaning out closets or areas where stairs to the attic are. Also, attic access can take considerable time, if the inspector has to empty a closet. Accessing the attic is important. 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. Inspectors will annotate that a light doesn’t work, but we’re not there to diagnose and trouble shoot. Replacing bad bulbs 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.

If work such as HVAC service, recent pest control, etc… has been done, have the information ready.

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

Ensure the seller understands that if a radon test is being performed, the inspector will need access to retrieve the test equipment in 48+ hours.

These simple items can make life easier for everyone. Thanks for reading. Have a nice day!

Mike Auger, CMI

401-578-4878

inspectormikeauger@gmail.com

www.homeinspectorri.com