Before The Inspection:

Call anytime between 8:00 AM-9:00 PM Monday through Saturday at 586-265-9096.

You can also text your name and questions, and we will get back with you with answers and a quote. Please include the address of the property/city and zip, year built, and the square footage of the home.

Before the inspection

Utilities

Please ask your agent/home owner to be sure that all home utilities (gas, water, electric) are turned on and operational before the home inspection begins. A second-trip fee will apply if the utilities are not on when I arrive. Any utility being off can be an indication of a major system failure. Any electrical breaker that is off can, and usually is, an indication of a failure of that circuit. Turning on breakers that are off can be a danger to me and to my clients. Home water systems that have been winterized should be on and operational before the inspection begins. I cannot turn on the water to the home at the main water/meter valve if the water is off due to winterization. Gas pilots should be on and operational. Pilot lights that are off may be an indication of appliance failure. I will not light gas pilots, open water/gas valves, activate electrical systems that have been turned off or cut locks open. Please verify that all rooms, doors, crawl spaces, etc. are unlocked and/or keys available, and that components such as attic panels and electrical panels are accessible prior to the inspection time. Return visits will be subject to an additional return travel fee.

Home Owner Suggestions

Try to suggest to the occupied home owner to move furniture, clothing, vehicles, etc. from the attic access points, walls, and electrical panel/outlet areas. I will not move personal items to inspect inaccessible areas. Unused home items can be moved to storage. Suggest to the home owner to cover clothing in attic access closets. Computers, and ALL electronics should be turned off. Data on electronic devices can be affected when I check breakers or GFCI circuits for proper operation.

Home owners that stay in the home during inspections can cause stress to all involved during the visit. Suggest to the home owner to go shopping or run errands for a few hours. However, the owner should be accessible, perhaps by phone, during the inspection if any questions arise.

Pictures of the inside of the home will be taken of defects, and where access is limited (or not at all) for informational purposes.

Client Suggestions

If the home owner is still living in the home when the inspection is performed, a walk-through of the home after the owner moves out, BEFORE CLOSING, is suggested. Defects can be revealed when furniture, wall decorations, storage boxes, etc. are removed.

Typically the client, being single or a couple, and their real estate agent attend the inspection. It is recommended that young children and pets not attend.

Pets

Suggest to the home owner the removal or boarding of pets during inspections or potential buyer visits. It is less stressful on the pets and the people involved in the home visit.

How many square feet in a home?

For an estimation, multiply the length and width of the house’s exterior. Then deduct the measurement (length x width) of any space in the house that is unfinished or unconditioned, meaning not heated or cooled. Spaces that should be deducted include utility rooms or crawl spaces, garage, decks, balconies, and screen porches. Any area less than five feet tall, chimneys that extend outside the exterior wall, and bay window bump outs should not be included in the calculations for square footage.