It is very important to prepare your under-contract home for a general inspection.

Why?

The inspector will go faster and feel more comfortable.  Report may also read smoother.

Here are some recommendations for organizing your house before a home inspection:

• Be sure all doors operate and lock
• Be sure all windows operate and lock
• Unlock all doors – owners closets should be made accessible (otherwise the inspector may create an issue that a room is not accessible)
• Attic access and lighting operable
• Electric panels – inspectors in South Carolina are required to open the service panel. Make sure that the panel is accessible. A home inspector may not move items to access the panel and recommend a licensed electric service appraise the panel. Also, the distribution ledger should be organized and legible.
• Know where the electric doorbell transformer is located (if you have one). If it is found inside the distribution panel the low voltage wire insulation mixed inside the service panel may become an issue. Remove the safety hazard, hire an electrician, and relocate any safety issues inside a service panel.
• If you know of a plumbing leak not repaired and you have hired a repair contractor, tell the inspector. Most home inspectors will note in the report that something is under repair (eliminates future concerns).
• HVAC – Make sure the equipment has been serviced and the filters are changed – date mark the element.
• Pets – Any and all pets should be removed from the inspection site. Home inspectors open and close exterior doors. Keeping track of dogs and cats while focusing on home components becomes cumbersome and frustrating for the inspector.
• Utilities – All utilities need to be turned on and operable. If not this will create a comeback and/or frustration within all parties. Buying and selling is emotional enough!
• Replace any burned out light bulbs.
• Quality Exterior Clean-Up – Remove piles of wood, dead limbs, blow off roof. A positive representation of the home always creates a good first impression.

Seller – Do not attend the inspection (if required have a representative present).
Buyer – Attend inspection (or have a representative present). In our experience, identified concerns can sometimes be difficult to explain in written form alone. If you are present you can get real-time, touchy-feely explanations.