HOW TO PREPARE

It is best to be prepared for a home inspector. As a home inspector, there have been times when I arrived at an inspection only to find that I was not able to inspect all of the components due to personal items. While it is understandable that not every surface of a floor or wall will be visible in an occupied home, or a home that has people moving in, let’s discuss areas that should be accessible for home inspections.

LET’S GET STARTED WITH THE GARAGE

I’ve noticed a lot of people packing their stuff up against their overhead garage doors, making it difficult to test the door’s safety features and function. Potential home buyers are often not able to see the door properly. Personal belongings under an attic hatch are the next thing I see in a garage. These include cars, motorbikes and tools as well as personal belongings. The attic is one of the most important areas to inspect in a home. It is important to be able see the undersides of the roof sheathing in order to check for moisture and ensure that the space is adequately insulated. The last one is to keep as much concrete slab and foundation visible for inspection. Additional uncertainties will arise in the inspection process if the garage floor is covered completely with belongings.

LET’S MOVE ON TO THE EXTERIOR of THE HOME

Let’s talk about personal belongings. A lot of what I see is the exterior/foundation that has been covered in wood, bikes, garbage, and other items. It is important to be able see the foundation of the house. This area could prove to be a crucial part of home inspection and possibly one of the most important for potential buyers. Maintaining a clean yard and clearing snow are another important aspect. It is not ideal to inspect a home without being able see the driveways, walkways, and decks.

MOVING IN THE HOUSE

Let’s get inside. Let’s start with the heart, the mechanical room/basement. The home inspector will have full access to the furnace, hot-water heater, HRV and humidifier during a home inspection in sherwood park. It is important that the inspector does not have any personal items in these areas. The inspector will appreciate the inspection of basement floors and walls. Let’s now talk about appliances. In order to allow inspectors to inspect appliances (washer, dryer, oven), personal items cannot be stored in them. Before inspection, please ensure that appliances are clean and free from clutter. During your home inspection, you should also inspect sinks and bathtubs. Sinks and tubs can be filled up with personal items and then drained to check the plumbing system for leaks. The attic access is the final area that I want to address in your interior. This area can often be found in a bedroom closet that is stuffed with boxes, suitcases, or a collection of hats and jerseys. It is important to find this area before the inspection. Also, make sure that the inspector has easy access to it. Make sure your Edmonton Oilers jerseys are safe.

GETTING READY

These are just a few steps that a homeowner can take to ensure a smooth inspection. You can do a lot of maintenance things, but today we want to focus on personal items and areas that you want to keep clean. Better Safe Home Inspections can provide more information about the home inspection process. We will be happy answer any questions.