·         Make sure to provide access to the house either by means of a lock box or by the realtor or homeowner opening the home.

·         Move all stored items to insure that all parts of the house are accessible and visible, including the attic, crawl space, etc.

·         Make sure that all utilities are on, electricity, water, and gas if applicable. Insure all of the pilot lights for the water heater; furnace and any other equipment are lit. Insure all of the electric circuit breakers are set. Home inspectors do not reset tripped circuit breakers because we do not know why they tripped in the first place. Since a home inspection involves examining all major systems and appliances, failure to fully prepare the home for inspection may require a follow-up visit to the house to complete the inspection. Follow-up visits are provided at an additional cost.

·         Keep all pets out of the way during the inspection.

·         Make sure the Sellers Property Disclosure sheet is available for the inspector’s review. The homeowner should share any pertinent information that he or she knows about the house with the inspector. This includes both the good and the bad.  For example, if new equipment such as water heaters, furnaces, air conditioners, etc. have been recently replaced, they should be listed in the Sellers Property Disclosure. All water stains in the ceilings, walls, and floors should be identified and any repairs made should be explained.

·         If any recent inspections have been completed on the home, that inspection report and any repairs made should be shared with the buyer's inspector.

A well prepared home will result in a fully completed inspection and a more satisfied homebuyer. Questionable or un-inspected areas will make the buyer feel insecure and may result in additional costs to the seller or buyer.