| A home inspection can have a major impact on | | | | any distribution/sub-panels in garages or basements. |
| whether a real estate deal is completed or not. | | | | Sometimes they are hidden behind pictures or |
| Therefore, it is in the best interest of realtors to | | | | cabinets are built over them. Make sure all panels can |
| understand the inspection process and to do what | | | | be safely accessed from the front so the inspector |
| they can to make sure the inspection goes smoothly. | | | | can remove the covers. |
| There are advantages to being an experienced | | | | Water heater: Find out where it is located. |
| realtor. Often new realtors, early in their careers, are | | | | Sometimes they are in tiny spaces -- behind |
| very nervous about an upcoming home inspection. | | | | refrigerators, in attics, etc. Make sure the tank is |
| They are afraid that the home inspection might kill, or | | | | accessible. |
| delay closing of the anticipated sale. I always advise | | | | Furnace: Find out where it is located. Usually the |
| these individuals that instead of being overly worried, | | | | furnace is readily accessible but it can be located in |
| they should try to take positive steps that will assure | | | | crawl spaces or cluttered attics. The inspector must |
| that the home inspection goes as smoothly as | | | | be able to remove the access doors and view |
| possible. My advice in this regard applies equally to | | | | components in the housing. |
| the buyer's agent or the seller's agent and it is | | | | Sinks: If cupboards or vanities that under sinks in |
| summarized in the convenient seven-point list | | | | bathrooms and kitchens are reasonably clear of |
| (designed while working with a professional home | | | | supplies and belongings, the inspector can view these |
| inspector) that is provided below. | | | | areas without having to move personal hygiene |
| Crawl space access: Find out where the opening is | | | | items. |
| located, sometimes it can be hard to find. Make sure | | | | Gas, electricity, and water: If the buyer expects a full |
| it is easily accessible at the time of the inspection and | | | | inspection of gas or electric appliances and the |
| that it can be located by the home inspector. | | | | plumbing system, the gas, electricity and water must |
| Attic access: Find out where the hatch is located -- in | | | | be functional. |
| the attached garage, in a bedroom, etc. Make sure it | | | | This article was produced by the writing team of Eric |
| is accessible. If a shelf or similar obstacle is built under | | | | Badgley & Angee Gardner; specializing in Lynden Real |
| it and an inspector cannot access it, then that | | | | Estate and Bellingham Real Estate, along with Mt. |
| obstacle should be removed. | | | | Vernon Home Inspectors. Making sure buyers are |
| Electric panels: Find the location of all panels, including | | | | protected. |