Active Question

1. What Should Property Owners Do To Prepare?
   

   What does a property owner need to do to prepare for an inspection? Is there any way to increase the chances of everything going smoothly?

   Tags: Frankfort, IL, property owner, property owners

   Answer Question

   You can add Links | Picture | YouTube Videos to your answer.

   Send me new questions in Real Estate Inspection Submit Answer

   Please Log In or Sign Up to answer this question
   0

   0

   Show me another question! | Report Abuse

   Asked by fthsiriusjade from Jackson, MS
   Answered 13 years ago.

5 Answers

1. 
   The best thing a home owner can do is to maintain ones property and keep it in as good a condition as possible. The other thing they can do is have their own inspection done before putting the home on the market and address the issues that are discovered. That does not ensure that the buyer will accept the sellers inspection or that their inspector may not point out other problems. At least the homeowner will know the condition of their home and will be able to defend their price if they have addressed the repairs that were needed.
   1

   0

   Report Abuse

   Answered by Sally Morris 225 By-Pass 72 NW Ste. C, Greenwood, SC, 29649, 864-344-1728 (Novice with 9 pts.)

   Answered 13 years ago.

2. 
   Here are some key points to get good marks on your home inspection.
   Exterior * Trim all vegetation 12 inches away from home or garage. * Keep earth 6 inches below/away from siding, foundation vents, stucco weep screed while maintaining a gentle slope away from the home. * Check and re-caulk any failed/missing caulking around exterior windows, doors and siding joints.
   To read more, please visit the link below.
   Links: www.homeinspectionservices.org
   1

   0

   Report Abuse

   Answered by David Home Inspection 560 W Laurel St, Colton, CA, 92324, 626-629-8499 (Novice with 26 pts.)

   Answered 13 years ago.

3. 
   I have available for FREE! on the front left hand side of my company website a Pre - Inspection checklist in a PDF format.
   I recommend having your insurance provider check the address for any past claims.
   Also check with the local city code enforcement office for any permits that may have been issued. Talk to the neighbors about the home and any history of the home. Most homes built by the same builder and sub contractors share common problems.
   Links: www.texasstarhomeinspections.com
   1

   0

   Report Abuse

   Answered by Texas Star Home Inspections 5325 Banner Dr., Haltom City, TX, 76137, 817-919-1955 (Novice with 4 pts.)

   Answered 13 years ago.

4. 
   Just some simple things need to be done. Replace any burnt-out light bulbs, make sure the attic isn't blocked in anyway. Same goes for crawl spaces. Anything that needs to be inspected that's blocked with furniture, see what you can do about moving it. Make sure around the outside of the house nothing is in the way also. You can ask your inspector again and they might have a list of things to look for.
   
   Hope this helps!
   1

   0

   Report Abuse

   Answered by Twin Cities Home Inspectors 991 Hammer Ave, Saint Paul, MN, 55106, 612-940-2079 (Novice with 6 pts.)

   Answered 13 years ago.

5. 
   Allow 2 to 3 hours for the home inspection. This is typical home inspection and will vary with conditions, size and complexity—so adjust as needed.
   Complete any minor maintenance needed that may give the impression of a home with deferred maintenance. For example:
   -Change A/C filters -Have minor plumbing leaks fixed
   -Caulk bathrooms -Replace any deteriorated exterior wood trim
   -Box/cover any exposed electrical junctions -Clean roof, gutters and valleys
   -Secure loose railings -Replace broken glass panes
   -Check exterior caulking for touch up -Check smoke detectors
   Remove any furnishings/storage that may be blocking the systems that will need to be inspected: electrical panel, water heater, heater, A/C compressors.
   Ensure the basement/crawlspace/attic access areas are unlocked and cleared for access.
   Check storage areas to ensure they are unloaded and accessible.
   Pets and animals should be loaded in pet cages or removed from the property temporarily. In the course of inspecting the conditions of the property the inspector will open and close gates, attic doors, garage doors, and basements. Pets can easily get into these areas unnoticed.
   Keep in mind the inspector will operate the appliances such as the whirlpool tubs; stoves; & dishwasher. If these are in use with decorations or stored items then remove as needed.
   When the inspection day arrives expect that realtors, buyers, and inspectors will arrive and park in the driveway. Expect the driveway to begin filling up 15-20 minutes before the inspection.
   Feel free to leave the inspector or buyers a note if you are concerned with any items condition or want to give the inspector information about access. (i.e. why an electrical breaker is off or a switch is taped off)
   The inspector will review the electrical system and test some types of breakers during the inspection so turn off the computer or back up your files as needed.
   Home inspections are not pass/fail inspections and are not city code inspections.
   Make sure all utilities (gas, electricity, water) are turned on to the structure and the systems are operational.
   Unlock and leave any keys on kitchen counter for detached buildings such as garages or utility areas.
   If someone is expected during the inspection like neighbors, cleaning person, kid’s home from school leave the inspector a note.
   Lawn sprinklers that are scheduled during the inspection period should be temporarily overridden and off— even home inspectors umbrellas do not work from the ground up.
   Most buyers prefer that the seller allow the home inspector and purchaser to complete the home inspection process without interference from the homeowner. So plan to leave the home for this period to allow the purchaser the opportunity to get familiar with the condition of the house.
   If you the seller are planning to be at home at time of the home inspection then realize the inspectors are professionals and have regimental process that they stick to in order to ensure consistent inspection quality. This means they are unlikely to alter the process for occupied rooms etc.
   The purchasers have chosen the Home Inspector and are paying this professional to inform them of the condition of the property. The inspector usually has a confidentiality agreement—so it’s not likely that the inspector will discuss the report or conditions with the seller.
   1

   0

   Report Abuse

   Answered by Katula Home Inspections LLC. 20649 Grand Haven Drive, Frankfort, IL, 60423, 815-534-5162 (Novice with 2 pts.)

   Answered 13 years ago.