🔑 Pre-Inspection Checklist: How to Prepare

To ensure your home inspection is as thorough and efficient as possible, please take a moment to review this checklist. Clearing and preparing the following areas allows your inspector to access all necessary components without delay.

1. Safety and Accessibility

These items are crucial for the inspector's safety and ability to perform a complete inspection.

• Confirm All Utilities Are On: The water, gas, and electricity must be turned on (including pilot lights for furnaces/water heaters) so the inspector can test mechanical systems and appliances.

• Provide Access Codes: If the home is secured by a gate, alarm, or key-box, please provide necessary codes or instructions.

• Ensure Proper Pet Containment: Securely leash or crate any pets, or remove them from the property during the inspection. Even the friendliest pet can be a distraction or an escape risk.

• Clear Walkways: Ensure a clear, safe path to the front and back doors and around the exterior of the house.

2. Interior Access Points

The inspector must access these critical components to evaluate the home's primary systems.

• Furnace/HVAC: Clear the area around the furnace, air handler, and boiler. The inspector needs about 3 feet of clear space to remove panels safely.

• Water Heater: Clear the area around the water heater to allow access to the flue, relief valve, and tank.

• Electrical Panel: Ensure the electrical panel (breaker box) is easily accessible. Remove any storage, furniture, or wall hangings blocking the panel door.

• Under Sinks: Clear out all items from under bathroom and kitchen sinks so plumbing drain lines, supply lines, and garbage disposals can be inspected for leaks.

• Fireplace: If applicable, ensure the fireplace is not in use for 24 hours prior to the inspection.

3. Attic and Crawlspace

These areas are often cluttered but must be accessible for a proper inspection of the structure, insulation, and ventilation.

• Attic Access: Clear storage and debris away from the attic access hatch (usually located in a hallway, closet, or garage).

• Crawlspace Access: If applicable, ensure the crawlspace access point is unlocked and clear of debris.

• Garage: Ensure clear access to any garage-based inspection points, such as the water heater, furnace, or attic ladder.

4. Exterior and Roof Access

For a thorough exterior inspection, these areas need to be prepared.

• Roof Access: Remove any ladders or objects blocking access to the roof or main gutters (if applicable).

• A/C Units: Ensure the exterior A/C condenser unit is clear of yard debris, hoses, or overgrown landscaping.

• Vents and Utility Meters: Trim back any bushes or tree branches that are overgrown and completely blocking vents, electrical meters, or gas meters.

• Deck/Porch: Clear heavy storage or furniture that may block access to the structural components of the deck or porch.

Need to Reschedule?

If you find you cannot complete these preparations before the scheduled inspection time, please contact us at least 24 hours in advance. We can discuss options or reschedule to a time when the property is fully accessible.

Sheldon's Home Inspections / (682) 463 9340  / sheldon@sheldonshomeinspections.com