Sellers can speed their home inspection by following these suggestions. The inspection will go smoother, with fewer concerns to delay closing.

1. Confirm that water, electric and gas service are on, with gas pilot lights burning.
2. Ensure pets won't hinder the inspection. Ideally, they should be removed from the premises or secured outside. Tell your agent about any pets at home.
3. Replace burned-out light bulbs to avoid a "light is inoperable" report that may suggest an electrical problem.
4. Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and replace dead batteries.
5. Clean or replace dirty HVAC air filters. They should fit securely.
6. Remove stored items, debris and wood from the foundation. These may be cited as "conducive conditions" for termites.
7. Remove items blocking access to HVAC equipment, electric service panels, water heaters, attics and crawlspaces.
8. Unlock areas the inspector must access: attic doors or hatches, electric service panels, closets, fence gates and crawlspaces.
9.Trim tree limbs to 10 feet from the roof, and shrubs from the house, to allow access.
10. Attend to broken or missing items such as doorknobs, locks and latches, windowpanes, screens and locks, gutters, downspouts and chimney caps.

PROJECT MANAGEMENT: BUILDING A NEW HOME?

If you are having your new home built by a contractor it is always prudent to engage the services of a Project Manager. A Project Manager will look at the construction from a different perspective than the contractor. Most contractors are trying to build a quality home for you but they are under pressure to complete the construction as scheduled and at or below their cost estimate. There is nothing wrong with this approach, after all they are in business to make a living and to be around next year. As a homeowner you want them around next year.

Your new home is a huge investment on your part so it only makes sense for you to get as much value as you can for your dollar. You also want a home that is safe for you and your family and free of defects. The typical series of inspections performed by the Building Inspector of the jurisdiction your home is located in is only looking for building code violations. There are many aspects of your home construction that the Building Inspector will not even look at or be aware of.

I HAVE ONLY ONE RELATIONSHIP TO PROTECT: that is the relationship between you, the Client and myself. An IN Home Inspection Project Management program for you and your new home can be as simple or in-depth as you choose. I can take your project from the very initial phases to the the day you move in.

1. Design Management and permits with the local jurisdiction.
2. Bidding, bid evaluation, contract review and approval.
3. Complete construction management thru completion.
4. Acceptance and warranty.

Safeguard yourself, your family, and your investment, contact IN Home Inspection, Inc. for management of your construction project and I will work for you and give you the assurance that you are receiving the quality and value you are paying for.

THINKING ABOUT A HOME IMPROVEMENT PROJECT?

Having a Kitchen redone, a new deck built, or adding a room? Let IN Home Inspection check the construction and verify the correct operation of the components being installed. It can be one inspection at completion before your final payment or it can be a two or three step inspection program. It is your investment, make sure you get the quality home improvement that makes the inconvenience and cost of the construction worth it.