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 Home Inspections: What to Expect
A home inspection is a visual, non-intrusive review of all accessible areas and major systems of the home as they appear at the time of inspection. Significant clutter can limit the inspector’s efforts and they cannot report on what they cannot see; therefore, the report will reflect these limitations to the potential buyers. If there are limitations, the purchasers may feel uncomfortable and less confident about the house and back down from making a decision in your favour. To avoid this, prepare your home so that the house is tidy and free of unnecessary storage during the inspection.
Here are some tips on how to get ready...
 The attic: Insulation levels, ventilation and signs of leakage are what the inspector will look for in the attic space. Provide convenient access to the hatch in advance. They will bring their own ladder and may place a drop sheet beneath the hatch to catch any fallen insulation to help you avoid a major clean up later.
Major systems: Make sure the electrical panel and water shut-off valve are readily accessible and if they are concealed, leave a note indicating their exact location. The electrical panel will likely be removed to check the wiring conditions so make adequate space around the panel for this to be done at minimal inconvenience.
Exterior basement walls: The inspector is looking for any signs of past water leakage and cracking to determine the general condition of the foundation. Move boxes or storage away from walls and temporarily relocate them for convenience. Let them know you’re not trying to hide anything!
Pets: If you have pets that roam free in the house and are not allowed outside, leave a note on the outside of the door informing the inspector of this. You may be able to confine them to one area of the house to prevent your pet from “escaping” during the inspection. If the pets are large or unfriendly, it’s best to temporarily remove them from the house or backyard for this period of time.
Winterized property: If the property is vacant or unoccupied and its water supply or electrical service has been disconnected, arrange to have these services restored prior to the inspection.
Warranties/Documentation: If documentation is available for recent upgrades or repairs, it should be provided for the prospective purchaser to review. Also consider providing them with building permits and service records. This will give them further information to help answer some common questions that are often raised during an inspection.
Obvious defects: If there are obvious defects or damage, an explanation should be provided. When the cause is not evident, an inspector or purchaser can only speculate, leaving room for doubt. If repairs have been performed to correct the condition, information related to the repairs should be provided.
Inspection Time: The typical inspection process takes 2-4 hours for an average-sized home. The prospective purchaser and the inspector are usually present for the duration of the inspection.
Seller’s presence: There are pros and cons to being present at the time your home is being inspected. When you are there, any questions that arise during the inspection can be easily answered. Keep in mind, however, that the inspector wasn’t hired to point out all the good aspects of the home. Some homeowners find being present at a home inspection very difficult, especially when the home is near and dear to them. Comments by the inspector are not meant to offend personally. The potential purchaser can be intimidated by the homeowner’s presence and may not ask all of the questions they may have.
Ultimately, it is your home and it’s your decision whether to be present during the process.
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