In order to ensure that the inspection goes smoothly for all of the parties involved in the transaction, and to reduce the risk of delays and/or additional inspection costs for return trips to the property, we offer the following suggestions for preparing the house for inspection:

1. Lockbox Access:
   Please make sure that any lockbox required for entry to the home is programmed to open at the time of the inspection.
   
   
2. Attics and Crawl Spaces:
   We will need unobstructed access to all attics, crawl spaces, and any other structural cavities that have access doors or hatches. If any access hatches are blocked by personal belongings or other obstructions, please arrange to have them unblocked so the inspector does not have to handle the owner's personal property. If attic or crawl spaces lack access openings, it may be necessary to schedule a reinspection at a later date, after access has been provided.
   
   
3. Access to Equipment:
   We will also need unobstructed access to the main electric service panel, any sub-panels, the water heater, and the furnace.
   
   
4. Presence of the Current Homeowner:
   This is the buyer's first chance to slow down and really get a good look at the house they may soon call home. It is important that they are allowed to explore the house top-to-bottom with their inspector in a stress-free environment. This is frequently not possible when the owner, who is probably already stressed-out because of the home inspection, is present. For this reason, we ask that the homeowner not attend the inspection, if possible.
   
   
5. Fireplaces and Wood Stoves:
   Wood-burning fireplaces and wood stoves should not be in use and should be cool to the touch during the home inspection.
   
   
6. Utilities:
   Please make sure that all services, including gas, electricity, and water, are turned on prior to the inspection. The home inspection cannot be completed unless all primary services are on at the time of the inspection.
   
   
7. A Note about Winterized Houses:
   The plumbing system cannot be operated or tested until the house has been de-winterized. Home inspectors will only operate components and systems that are turned on and are functional at the time of the inspection, and will not de-winterize the house.

Additional Suggestions

The following is a list of common deficiencies that inspectors frequently run across during a home inspection. When these items are found, you can bet they will be noted in the inspection report with recommendations for corrective action. So, for those agents and homeowners who really want to prepare the house and minimize the number of issues that arise, check out the list and correct as many as possible, before the inspection.

1. Crawl Space:
   
   • All crawl spaces should have a black plastic vapor barrier that covers all soil under heated areas of the house. (Not necessary under unenclosed, unheated porches.)
   • Clearance below all floor framing should be at least 18 inches, or sufficient for the inspector to access all areas of the crawl space.
   • Crawl space should be adequately ventilated.
   • All cellulose debris, including lumber, wood scraps, cardboard, etc. should be removed from the crawl space.
   • Standing water found in the crawl space will usually require further evaluation by a qualified drainage contractor and installation of a drainage system may be necessary.
   
   
   
2. Exhaust Fans:
   All exhaust fans, such as bathroom fans, laundry room fans, kitchen ceiling fans, range hoods and dryers, should be vented outside. Check attics, crawl spaces, and other areas to make sure the exhaust ducts are intact and that they vent outside.
   
   
3. Siding in contact with the ground:
   The siding should not be in contact with the soil around the perimeter of the house. All earth-to-wood contact should be eliminated and the soil should be at least six inches below the siding, if possible.
   
   
4. Vegetation:
   Any plants, tree branches, or other vegetation in contact with the siding or roof should be trimmed back to provide at least 12 inches clearance. Any trees overhanging the roof should also be trimmed back.
   
   
5. Smoke detectors:
   The house should have at least one smoke detector on each level, especially in hallways adjacent to bedrooms. A detector in each bedroom is recommended.

   Modern smoke detectors are required to have hush buttons, and if not "hard-wired" into the electrical system, must have 10-year batteries.

Thanks for your cooperation! If you have any questions about preparing for a Home Inspection, please give us a call at Portland Area (503) 650-6957, Salem Area (503) 362-5809.