Careful preparation for a building inspection will help to prevent problems in the future as well as avoid any surprise. After all, what you want to avoid in your facility is to cause damage or break the fixture. So whether you are planning to sell or buy a new property, here are essential steps to prepare for an inspection.
Clean the building
This seems to be simple, but homeowners usually ignore this task. Building inspectors are those who always pay attention to the cleanliness. If they have a preconceived idea of how great a building has been maintained, chances are they will perform their job better. Clean facilities say that you care for them, so it is a good idea to create the first impression for the inspector.
Be punctual
Building inspectors are sometimes early. If they make an appointment at 9:00 a.m., for example, it is important to get your property ready at 8:30 a.m. It is also quite common for them to start with the exterior parts, so leave the drapes drawn and shades down.
Leave all utilities connected
Adelaide building inspections might have to turn on the dishwasher, run the stove, or test the air conditioning and furnace, so make sure to leave these devices on, particularly when your building is vacant. It is impossible to examine receptacles for reverse polarity and grounding when the power is shut off. Without electricity, the inspector might have to reschedule, which would postpone the whole process and cost you more money.
Provide enough workspace around water heaters and furnace
Remove any furniture, bookcases, or boxes which block access to your water heater, air conditioner, and furnace. The inspector might need 3 to 4 square meters of working space to check those systems. In most cases, they won’t move anything, so it is important to give them enough access.
Provide access to garage and attic
The building inspector might need to get into the attic and basement as well, so it is important to keep the path clear. Check for any signs of water in your basement. Remove all stored items and boxes away. Clear all spider webs. Lastly, look for rodent droppings in the attic, and secure your valuables if necessary.
Leave keys for electrical boxes and outbuildings
Make sure to leave the key or remote control for opening the garage door. Also, unlock the cover for the electrical box and sprinkler system. Do similar things with the exterior building access. Do not forget to label each of them and leave on the table so that the inspector can access.
Clear brushes from outside inspection areas
No one will expect you to lift a tunnel around the house when snow drifts are still blocking its foundation. However, during the winter, they will provide the only path around the building. During the summer, make sure to cut down all branches of any dead trees and clear brushes from the foundation, as well as remove trash cans from the property.