Preparing for the Home Inspection
It is highly recommended for our clients to attend during the home inspection as the inspector could show you things that will help you understand the written report. We understand that it may be impossible for you to attend, and it’s not a requirement, but if you were present at the inspection, you would better understand how the systems and components of the home operate.
Daylight visibility is necessary for our home inspection process. Our inspectors need to have daylight in order to properly assess the exterior of the home and it’s also helpful when we inspect the attic space as it can help indicate possible problem areas. We schedule our home inspections during daytime hours and during the winter season this means that 3:00 p.m. is the last inspection that can be booked. The exception to this rule is when we schedule an infrared thermal imaging scan for the roofing system at night, or after the sun has gone down.
All through the day, the sun emits energy on the surface of the roof, and then after sundown the roof releases that heat back out. Areas of the roof that are wet maintain the heat for a prolonged period of time as compared to the areas of the roof that are dry.
Using our FLIR B360 thermal imaging cameras our inspectors can view the thermal pattern anomalies to locate the wet areas on a roofing system.
To prepare for a home inspection:
Getting your home ready for an inspection will allow your property to be seen in its best condition and will avoid closing delays from inspections that could not be completed or had to be re-inspected. By following these easy steps you will guarantee a home that is prepared for an inspection and a sale process that goes smoothly.
Seller Preparation
Most of the preparation for the home inspection is the responsibility of the home seller.
Repairs should be made prior to an inspection.
- Small issues can show your home in a less appealing way. Small things such as levers, switches, knobs and faucets should be fixed ahead of time. Major issues such as a roof should be repaired or at least be disclosed up-front and have that reflected in the price being asked for.
Have the home cleaned thoroughly.
- Cleaning is very often neglected prior to a home inspection. An untidy home provides the notion of homeowners that neglect regular cleaning and maintenance. Often, prospective buyers will accompany the inspector and will have the same impression; this may induce them to change their mind about the purchase or believe that the home is not as appealing as they originally imagined.
The home should be ready for inspection on time.
- Home inspection may require between three or four hours. Home inspectors are usually on time or more often early for an inspection as they have schedules that are hectic including the inspection reports that they must spend many hours preparing. A home should be ready for an inspection at least 30 minutes prior to the booked inspection time. Keep in mind that inspectors will usually begin the inspection early on the exterior of the property. Keeping the blinds shut on the day of inspection is a good idea as you may not even be aware that the inspector has begun the inspection outside.
Remember to supply keys.
- Keys should be left for any utility panels or doors that are locked. Areas that cannot be accessed may cause an inspection to not be complete or delayed. Supply any keys ahead of time or provide a spot for the keys to be available.
Utilities should be on.
- Ensure that all utilities - electrical, gas, water and oil - are turned on. The inspector is required to test all the systems in the home. Testing cannot be completed if utilities are not available. The outcome will be an inspection that is not complete. This can holdup the discharge of the home inspection contingency, and that can affect the closing.
Pilot lights should be lit.
- For insurance reasons, home inspectors cannot ignite pilots on systems such as ovens, fireplaces, furnaces, boilers and water heaters. If the pilots aren’t lit, this will not allow the inspection to be completed.
Clearance around the components.
- Home inspectors require sufficient area to inspect appliances, electrical panels, water heaters, furnaces and air conditioning systems. 3 feet of clear space around these systems is needed for inspecting so any items or debris that are kept in these areas should be removed.
Appliances should be empty.
- Both clothes and dish washing machines are part of our home inspection. The inspector will operate the machines to verify they are operational. The appliance may not be a part of the purchase agreement but will still be run to verify that the plumbing, venting and electrical service to these appliances is adequate.
Allow entry to all areas.
- The home inspector needs to access the attic, crawlspace, basement and garage and therefore these areas should be kept accessible and all storage or debris should be removed. Ensure that all doors open unrestricted, and enclosures for water main meters, water shut-off valves and jacuzzi tub hatches are accessible.
Exterior debris should be removed.
- At the exterior our inspectors will look at foundation walls, windows, faucets, electrical outlets and more. Any items kept outside that block the access around the home should be taken away, and in the winter, special effort should be taken to remove snow and allow unrestricted access for the inspection. Trim the branches and bushes and discard any dead branches. This will all make the inspection flow with ease and will also make the property look better.
Offer receipts.
- If you have receipts for repairs, maintenance or items you have installed in the home you should provide them. The receipts would prove as confirmation for the inspector and would also answer questions that he may have.
Don’t be there.
- Prepare to be away from your home for a minimum of three hours. This would include any tenants as well. Buyers usually accompany the inspector, and they will need open dialogue during the home inspection, with no reservations about the questions they may ask the inspector.
Your pets.
- If feasible, pets should be taken with you or they should be kept elsewhere during the inspection alternatively pets could be kept in kennels, crates or leads that keep them at distance from the inspection areas. Prevent an inspection from being incomplete as well as pet loss and liability issues that may arise as pets can become scared or nervous during an inspection.
Buyer Preparation
In preparing for a home inspection the buyer isn’t required to do very much, but a little preparation will assist the home inspection to be more productive.
Hire certified home inspectors.
- Ask the inspector for references and also ask the inspector questions over the phone. Ensure that the inspector is certified with a credible inspection organization.
Be present during the inspection.
- Be present during the inspection as this will help you learn about the home and how the systems and components of the home operate. The inspector will also be able to point things out to you so that you can better understand certain defects that may come to light.
Prepare questions.
- This will be the best time to ask the inspector questions and bring attention to any concerns you have about the home. Prepare the list ahead of time if possible.
Be practical.
- NO home is perfect; not even brand new ones. Every home has flaws and issues that will be uncovered during the inspection. Anticipate these issues arising, and prepare to discuss them with the seller.
Proper planning for the home inspection is in the best interest for everyone involved. When a home is maintained, properly prepared and has unrestricted access for the inspector, it results in fewer issues arising.
Buyers and sellers both can help make a home inspection go smoother just by preparing for it.
Calibre Inspections Services Inc.
60 Elinor Avenue, Toronto, ON M1R 3H4
Tel: 416.701-0333 Fax: 416.352.1305 Toll: 877.701.0444
Email: info@calibreinspectionservices.com
Website: www.calibreinspectionservices.com
