HOW TO PREPARE

There are a few things that a homeowner will want to review prior to a home inspection. Before the home inspector arrives, double-check that there's access to the water heater, electrical panels, attic, and sink plumbing throughout the home. This way inspectors are able to provide accurate information of the systems within the home for the report. Provided below is a list of common things put on reports that could be avoided by preparing beforehand, such as:​

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• Flush toilets and run all faucets to check for leaks

• Check doors and windows to make sure they open, close, lock, and seal correctly

• Test light switches and ceiling fans

• Test garage doors 

• Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and replace batteries, if necessary

• Exterminate any pest infestations

• Replace burned-out light bulbs

• Unclog drains

• Replace missing shingles and torn window screens

• Clean out gutters

• Remove debris and overgrowth from roof line, downspouts, and A/C units

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In a wind mitigation inspection there are a few documents a homeowner could have at disposal for the home inspector. Since, there are some instances where labels are painted over or removed from windows, doors, shutters, etc. This situation could leave the inspector not knowing the exact rating of the component and unable to provide that protection on the report. Here are a few documents you can have at hand the day of the inspection:

• Window 

• Roof 

• Doors 

• Garage doors 

• Secondary water resistance (SWR) 

When receiving a 4-point inspection there will be four systems inspected, HVAC, roofing, plumbing, and electricity. First and foremost, it is important for the homeowner to provide access to these on the day of inspection. There are also a few things that as a homeowner you may want prepare for prior to the inspection, such as:

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•  Exposed wiring (fire hazard)

• Visible electrical splices (fire hazard)

• Change air filters (HVAC)

• Any water damage, signs of leaks, deterioration, water damaged ceilings/walls should be attended to by a plumbing professional. 

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A roof inspection is a preventative maintenance job that is done once a year and is also requested by insurance agencies. Here are a few things a homeowner can look out for prior to the inspection:

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• Leaks (darker areas on your ceiling, or paint beginning to peel underneath your roof overhang) 

• Make sure downspouts are directed away from the home's structure

• Roof defections (rust spots or cracks, bucking shingles, missing or broken shingles, a damaged chimney and large amounts of moss) 

 

If there's detection of anything on the list above, hire a professional to attend to the issue before the inspection date.

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