PREPARING FOR THE HOME INSPECTION

SELLERS:

Prior to the inspection, please:

  • Let us know in advance of any known or potential safety hazards we may encounter.
  • Leave the major utility services connected: Electric, water and gas, in particular.
  • Clean the home! It sounds simple, but an unclean home can also convey the idea that it may have lacked proper maintenance or care.
  • Provide reasonable access and workspace around the backyard, attic hatch, garage, HVAC units, electric panel and water heater for the purpose of photos and inspection. People often think we have super powers, but we really can’t see past your stuff!
  • Provide any documentation that will help define exact timelines associated with re-roofing, windows, storm panels, HVAC/Mechanical installation, additions, remodels and other major repairs, upgrades or previous inspections concerning these components.
  • Confine all pets in a secure area, if applicable.
  • Leave keys for locked sheds, sprinkler systems, closets and attic spaces. You can label the keys and leave them on the kitchen counter.
  • If your development is gated, please ensure the inspector has your gate code, or access 24-hours prior.
  • If you are having a “Move-In Certified” pre-listing inspection, we encourage you and your agent to accompany us during the inspection.

BUYERS:

Prior to the inspection, please:

  • Let us know in advance of any known or potential safety hazards we may encounter.
  • Make sure your offer was accepted and you are officially “under contract” to purchase the home, before scheduling the appointment with us.
  • Provide any documentation that may be helpful, including the Seller’s Disclosure, if possible.
  • Be sure the inspection agreement and invoice are completed before the appointment. We will not be able to enter the property otherwise due to liability concerns.
  • Let us know of any lockbox codes or gate codes that may be applicable.
  • Ensure seller leaves the major utility services connected: Electric, water and gas, in particular.
  • Encourage the seller to provide reasonable access and workspace around the backyard, attic hatch, garage, HVAC unit(s), electric panel and water heater for the purpose of inspection and photos. People often think we have super powers, but we really can’t see past their stuff! This will help you get the best inspection possible. Contrary to what is seen on some popular TV shows, we do not move personal items.
  • You and your agent are welcome to accompany us during the inspection. However, you are not required to be there.
  • Learn more about what we inspect by reviewing this checklist.

AGENTS AND INVESTORS:

We work with you all the time and understand your unique position and goals. But we can provide you with better information via a little preparation on the homes in your pipeline.

Prior to the inspection, please encourage the seller to:

  • Lets us know in advance of any known or potential safety hazards we may encounter.
  • Please help ensure any pets are confined by the owner/tenant to a secure area or removed entirely, if applicable.​
  • Ensure the major utility services are connected: Electric, water and gas, in particular.
  • Provide any available documentation that will help define exact timelines associated with re-roofing, windows, storm panels, HVAC/Mechanical installation, additions, remodels and other major repairs, upgrades or previous inspections concerning these components, by requesting it from the seller/owner or their agent.
  • If the home/building is in a gated development, please ensure we have the gate code or access 24-hours prior.
  • Prepare your client, and encourage them to share with the tenant/resident the need for full and reasonable access to all areas of the property, including:
    • ​Providing reasonable access to the side and backyards for the purpose of photos and inspection.
    • Attics, windows/doors, garages, electric panels, appliances, plumbing fixtures, HVAC, water heaters and the roof.

Whitt Inspections, LLC is an InterNACHI© Certified Professional Inspector (CPI®) based in Lakeland, FL and serve all of Polk, Pasco, Hillsborough, Osceola and Orange Counties, including: Lakeland, Tampa, Orlando, Winter Haven, Bartow, Auburndale, Mulberry, Haines City, Davenport, Celebration, Kissimmee, Hunters Creek, Plant City, Brandon, Valrico, Seffner, Riverview, Lithia, FishHawk, Zephyrhills, Dade City, Wesley Chapel, Land O’ Lakes, Lutz & Trinity.