What the Inspector and Client Expect During an Inspection.

“The seller should make the property available for all buyer inspections. A seller should have water, gas, electricity and all operable pilot lights on for the inspections and to the date of closing in case further evaluations, re-inspections or contractor repairs are needed”

Having everything ready for the inspection can prevent unnecessary delays. For liability reasons building inspectors do not move personal belongings or storage items. Most inspectors will charge an additional fee if they must return to the property to inspect items which were not accessible or operable.

The seller should verify that:

  • All utilities are on

  • Pilot lights are lit (The gas provider will often light pilots at no cost to the owner)

  • Attic access is clear of clothing or stored items

  • Crawl space entrances are not blocked or nailed in place

  • Water heaters are accessible

  • Furnaces are accessible

  • Sinks, showers and bathtubs are clear of dishes or personal items

  • Built-in appliances are free of stored items and can be operated

  • Electrical panels are accessible and not locked (electrical sub-panels inside the home are often painted and removing the cover will mar the finish. The seller’s agent should ask the seller to remove the panel cover so the inspector can look for safety issues)

  • Areas or items to be inspected are freely accessible

  • Pets are secured (unsecured animals should be removed from the property or secured in an area that will not need to be inspected if the seller or occupant will not be present to control or handle them)

Can a Building Fail an Inspection

No ………… When you go to your doctor for an annual physical exam, you get his professional opinion on your health. This is when you learn if you have issues that need to be resolved. And just like you can’t fail a physical (no matter how poor your health may be), a building does not typically fail an inspection.

The building inspection  is simply a visual examination of a buildings general condition.

The report describes and identifies what might need crucial repair or replacement.

What is  covered in a standard report can vary by inspector, typically the following components will be included …….. Roof, foundation, heating,  central air, the interior, plumbing, electrical system, doors, windows, the site and the structural components.

After the Building Inspection

If an inspector identifies problems, this doesn’t automatically mean you shouldn’t buy it. The findings simply mean you now know what you’re getting into. If the heating needs to be replaced in 6-7 months, you won’t be surprised when it happens. If major problems are found, the seller may agree to make the repairs, renegotiate the sales price or give you a credit so you can do the repairs. No building is perfect. It’s quite common for a building to have some hiccups ……… It just depends on how many faults you’re willing to deal with before you walk away from the sale.

Get a quote on an inspection

Contact a KARCI inspector today for a reasonable quote on an inspection that goes “above and beyond”.