How to "speed up" a Home Inspection
The San Antonio Texas Association of Real Estate Inspectors published a checklist citing these few simple items that will help the Home Inspector, Seller, Buyer, and Realtors save time during the inspection, and possibly reduce the number of items on which the inspector must make comments.
1. Confirm that the gas, water & electricity are turned on and that the gas pilot lights (if any) are burning.
2. Ensure that all pets won't hinder the inspection and inform everyone about pets to be kept inside.
3. Replace all burned out light bulbs.
4. Test all smoke & carbon monoxide detectors. Replace the batteries if necessary.
5. Clean or replace dirty HVAC air filters and ensure that the filters fit properly and are secured in place.
6. Move wood, stored items, or debris away from the foundation walls.
7. Unlock or remove locks from any items the inspector must access such as fence gates, attic access hatches or doors, electric service panels, special closets, crawl space access for pier & beam homes.
8. Confirm areas and components are accessible by removing items blocking access to electric service panels, sinks and bathtubs, ovens and cook-tops, dishwasher, heating and A/C equipment, water heaters, ground fault (GFCI) receptacles, attic access ladders or hatches, crawl space access for pier & beam homes.
9. Trim tree limbs back from the roof and shrubs away from the house.
10. Repair or replace broken, damaged or missing items such as door knobs, locks and latches, window locks and broken glass, window screens, anti-siphon devices on exterior faucets, rain gutters & downspouts (clean if necessary), chimney flue caps.
11. Remove autos from the garage and driveway.
12. Clean ashes from the fireplace & remove items from the fireplace hearth area.
Following this checklist can result in a "cleaner" inspection report, which is good news for all!