Rick Jacquemard, Flatirons Home Inspections
BOULDER – Almost all residential real estate transactions include a home inspection, be prepared. Here are just a few of the things you can do to make your inspection go smoothly.
– Clean your house. A clean home says you can and do take care of the house.
– Leave the utilities connected even if the house is vacant. Inspectors will need to turn on the stove, run the dishwasher, test the furnace and air conditioning, and check receptacles. Without utilities, the inspector may have to reschedule, which could delay the closing of your transaction.
– Keep pilot lights lit. Items such as the water heater, gas stove or furnace may not be inspected if pilot lights are not lit due to inspector liability issues.
– Provide easy access to areas such as the attic, garage, and basement/crawl space. Move personal items away from the walls if possible.
– Remove boxes, furniture and any other household items blocking access to your furnace, air conditioner and water heater. The inspector will need three to four feet of working space to inspect these items.
– The inspector will need access to exterior inspection points such as windows, siding, trim, gutters and electrical outlets. Trim trees and shrubs where possible and move personal items such as grills, furniture and trash cans away from the house.
– Make available to the home inspector all invoices and documents regarding remodeling projects or new items such as a roof or furnace. If you’ve upgraded the electrical service, installed a new dishwasher or repaired a leaky faucet, find the paperwork. It will give the buyer peace of mind to know those items were reinspected.
– Leave keys for any outbuildings and/or utility boxes that may be locked.
Prepare to be away for a minimum of three hours. Often buyers will accompany the inspector and may feel uncomfortable asking questions if the owner is present. Crate your pets if you cannot remove them from the premises.
Your real estate agent may have other suggestions but these are a good place to start.
For more information on home inspections contact Rick Jacquemard, at 720.280.3544, e-mail [email protected] or visit flatironshi.com.
