When you sign a purchase contract for your home, you may find that the buyer has included a contingency that allows them to have a professional home inspection. To some sellers, this can be a seen as a major inconvenience or an invasion of privacy; when in fact, this process does not have to be a painful one at all!
As a Homeowner about to sell, using the following guide to prepare for the inspection can prove to promote a smooth transaction.
Should The Homeowner Participate?
Typically, it is best if the homeowner
does not accompany the home buyer
and inspector during the inspection. Many buyers will consider this
an intrusion and make them very uncomfortable. Differences of opinion
about conditions may occur and arguments about such opinions do not promote
a smooth transaction.
If you, the homeowner, wish to get firsthand information about the inspection from the inspector, you may wish to consider sharing the cost of the service or requesting to attend a summary at the conclusion of the inspection process. Remember, the inspector is working for the buyer. The service, and report are the property of the buyer. Your request to take part in the inspection process should be directed to the buyer or their agent.
Provide Easy
Access
It is very helpful when the seller prepares a few things to help the home
inspection process run smoothly. The inspector will need access to the various
mechanical and electrical equipment on property. Make sure there is sufficient
room around the water heater, furnace, boiler or heat pumps. Ensure that the
electrical distribution panel box is accessible and the cover plate easily
removed. If the panel box cover plate screws are covered by paneling, trim,
shelving or wallpaper, it would be very helpful to correct this so that the
inspector can readily remove the cover to check the wiring type and connections
within the panel.
Under house and attic crawlspaces must be checked by the inspector. If access hatches are locked, have the keys available. If the insulation in the attic falls out when the access cover is removed, brush it back. If attic access hatches are within closets, remove belongings and clothing or protect your clothing with a sheet. If an attic access hatch is located in a garage, insure that your car is not parked beneath the hatch.
Make sure that the keys to detached garages, outbuildings or other areas are readily accessible and usable.
Warn about faulty equipment or storage locations. If any of your equipment or appliances malfunction and you do not want them to be operated, leave a note to that effect. For example, an inspector should be warned about a dishwasher which spills water, or laundry machines, ovens, or dishwashers that are being used as storage areas. Never increase the risk of an unfortunate accident.
Provide Needed
Information
The professional inspector will attempt to estimate the age of your major
appliances and equipment. This is a very difficult and subjective judgment
call. You can assist greatly by preparing a list detailing the approximate
age of all your major household appliances and equipment (e.g. stove, refrigerator,
water heater, heating & air conditioner, roofing, etc.)
