Access & Utilities

• Make sure the inspector has access to all areas of the home, including bedrooms, closets, attic access, crawl spaces, garage, basement, and exterior areas.

• Unlock gates, exterior doors, storage areas, sheds, and other structures that are included in the inspection.

• Make sure electricity, water, gas, and other utilities are turned on.

• Make sure the HVAC system can be operated.

• Provide access to the electrical panel, water heater, furnace/air handler, and other major systems.

• Remove items blocking access to important components.

Clear Areas Around the Home

• Move personal belongings away from electrical panels.

• Clear access to the furnace and air conditioning equipment.

• Make sure the water heater is accessible.

• Keep areas around plumbing fixtures reasonably accessible.

• Remove excessive storage from attic or crawl-space access points.

• Make sure the inspector can safely access the exterior of the home.

• Trim or move vegetation that prevents reasonable access to exterior components when possible.

Pets

• Secure dogs, cats, and other pets before the inspector arrives.

• Let us know about any pets that may be present.

• Make sure pets cannot interfere with the inspection or access to areas of the home.

Repairs & Documentation

• Gather receipts or documentation for major repairs or improvements.

• Have information available for recently replaced roofs, HVAC systems, water heaters, appliances, or other major components.

• Let the inspector know about any known problems or areas of concern.

• If possible, provide documentation for transferable warranties.

A home inspection is a visual evaluation of the home's readily accessible systems and components. The goal is to identify significant conditions that may affect the home's safety, function, or overall condition.

During the inspection, your inspector may evaluate:

• Roof and readily accessible roofing components

• Foundation and structural components

• Attic and insulation

• Crawl space or basement

• Electrical systems

• Plumbing systems

• Heating and cooling systems

• Water heater

• Interior walls, ceilings, and floors

• Windows and doors

• Stairs, railings, and other safety components

• Garage and garage door systems

• Built-in appliances

• Other readily accessible components of the property

• Exterior surfaces and drainage

During the Inspection

• The inspection may take several hours depending on the size, age, and condition of the home.

• The inspector will document significant findings with photographs.

• Some areas or components may not be inspected if they are inaccessible or present a safety concern.

• The inspector may operate normal controls and switches as appropriate.

• The inspector does not perform destructive testing or open walls, ceilings, or other finished surfaces.

• The inspector does not move heavy personal belongings or large amounts of stored items.

• The inspector may recommend further evaluation by a qualified specialist when a condition requires additional investigation.

You are welcome to be present during the inspection, but you do not have to stay.

If you are present, your inspector will be happy to answer questions and explain findings. However, please understand that the inspection is a detailed process, and the inspector may need to concentrate on the evaluation.

If you are not present:

• Make sure the property is accessible.

• Provide access codes or keys when necessary.

• Secure pets.

• Leave utilities turned on.

• Let us know how to contact you if an issue requiring immediate attention is discovered.

Once the inspection is complete, your inspector will review the findings and prepare your inspection report.

Your report will include:

• Photographs documenting findings

• Descriptions of observed conditions

• Information about major systems and components

• Safety concerns and significant defects

• Recommendations for further evaluation when appropriate

Remember

A home inspection is not a pass/fail inspection.

Every home will have findings. The purpose of the inspection is to provide you with a better understanding of the home's current condition so you can make informed decisions about the property.

If you have questions about your report after receiving it, ask us. We want you to understand what we found and what it means.

Prepare the home.
Give us access.
Ask questions.
We'll take it from there.

Firehouse Property Inspections

Thorough inspections. Clear reports. Experienced eyes.