How to Prepare for an Inspection as a BUYER

Safe Haven’s home inspection is a visual, non-intrusive inspection of hundreds of components and items found in the home. The inspection is an unbiased, non-emotional look at how a home has been maintained and how it is functioning. We will look at the heating and cooling systems, roof, chimney, electrical system, plumbing, foundation, basement and/or crawlspace, ventilation, water intrusion possibilities, siding, proper drainage, and many more items. 

The report includes helpful maintenance advice and an explanation of many of the home’s systems.  I recommend that you read it thoroughly. 

I highly recommend that you accompany the inspector through the inspection process.  During the inspection, the inspector will point out many good features of the home, some areas that need to be monitored, and areas that need attention for maintenance or safety reasons.  Also of importance, the inspector will show you the utility shut-off locations in case of emergency after occupying your home.  Allow 2-3 hours for the inspection process, report generation, and discussion, or if you are pressed for time, you may prefer our "Time-Optimized Inspection" process.  It is the same inspection but you only need to be on-site for about one hour.  You may want to bring a notepad and pen.  Dress comfortably, ask questions, and be prepared to absorb all the wonderful new things you will learn about your home and how to maintain it as a safe haven.

Payment is due at the time of the inspection.  Cash, Check, or Money Order is acceptable. 

How to Prepare the Home for Inspection as the SELLER

Thank you for allowing me to be a guest in your home as I perform this home inspection.

The home inspection will take 2-3 hours to complete.  The inspector will be doing all the things that you do on a regular basis.  We will run water, flush toilets, turn on lights and fans, open and close doors and windows, operate the range, stove, garbage disposal, and dishwasher.  We will also look at your roof, in the attic, under sinks, and inside the electrical box.

The inspector will need access to all areas of the home.  Pets should be boarded or secured in an area that does not hamper the inspection.  Be sure that garages are unlocked and any basement rooms are accessible.  Check light bulbs and replace any that are low wattage or not functioning.  Check screen/storm doors to be sure they are unlocked and if dead bolt locks are secured, be sure there will be keys available.  Move any boxes that are against the walls, including basement and crawlspaces.  Move any items blocking doors or access panels.  Be sure the electrical panel is accessible and move items away from furnace and hot water heater.  The inspector will need access to your sump pump and crawl spaces.  If your fireplace is wood burning, please clean out any old wood and ashes out of the fire box and do not start an active fire the day of the inspection.  Please have dishes cleared out of the sink to allow for inspecting the garbage disposal and sink drains.  Please arrange items under the sink to allow for plumbing inspection.

You may want to turn off your computer.  The inspector will be testing ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI) by tripping the interrupter which could result in clocks to be incorrect, computers to re-boot, etc.   The inspector will not turn off any circuit breakers or fuses in the electrical panel on purpose, but removing the electrical box cover may disengage a circuit breaker.

If the house is vacant, special arrangements may need to be made to insure that all utilities are on and functioning.