Here are some pointers to help you prepare for a thorough and efficient home inspection:
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Utilities - Please ensure that the gas, water and electricity will be on at the time of the inspection. If one or more of the utilities are off the relevant components of the home cannot be inspected.
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Pets - Have all pets either removed from the property or be properly restrained prior to the inspection. This includes dogs, cats, birds, ferrets, etc. Either menancing or overly friendly - both can be a distraction to the home inspector.
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Attic Access - The attic hatch should not be painted or sealed shut. Make sure there are not any shelves or stored items that will limit access. Some insulation will almost always fall out when entering a ceiling hatch therefore it is a great idea to either remove all clothes and stored items from the area or have them adequately covered.
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Crawl Space Access - Generally located in a closet, the hatch should be accessible without having to move items. The area around the hatch should be free and clear from all obstructions both to the sides and overhead. The hatch should be readily removeable ie, not nailed closed.
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Appliance Access - In order to perform an accurate evaluation of the appliances the home inspector requires free and clear access to the furnace, water heater, exterior air conditioning unit and the electrical panel.
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General Access - If an area is not visible or not accessible it cannot be evaluated. These commonly include the areas under the kitchen and bathroom sinks in addition to the attic and garage.
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The Inspectors - Concentrating on the job at hand during the home inspection process is vital. At the conculsion of the inspection we will gladly review all of the significient issues with the client and answer any questions at that time.