By Jerry Spicer, Certified Home Inspector doing inspections in Prescott, Scottsdale, Carefree, and north Phoenix

If you are in need of a home inspection in the north Phoenix or Prescott area, there are a few items that Sonoran Property Inspections thinks you should know. These five things may help you before, during and after the inspection.

1. Keep pets safe – I love pets, and have two big dogs of my own, but for my safety AND the safety of the pets, please take them with you if you leave during the inspection, or keep them contained in a crate or other enclosure. During the inspection doors get opened and closed and could allow a pet to escape. I would hate for that to happen. Same goes for young children (except for the crate part – ha). It is just difficult for any inspector to stay focused when there are distractions in the house.  Buyers agent can certainly make this request of the seller if the home is occupied.
2. Remove clutter or barriers – Before the inspection date, please make sure there is clear access to all rooms and openings (again, the buyer and listing agent can certainly request this of the sellers). Not only does the home show better, it is necessary for the inspector to have that access.  I know some people think we should be able to have X-Ray vision to see behind walls or blocked doors or attic access points, but we don’t. If I can’t get to it to see it, I will make a note of it in the report, but for everyone’s sake just clear up the barriers.
3. The Home WILL have some problems – Don’t panic! All homes (yes, even mine) will have issues that come up during the inspection. That is why you hire us. But not all items are critical, and I can help you understand which items you may want to tackle first. Then it is up to the buyers and sellers (and agents) to negotiate any repairs or compensation that may be warranted.
4. Almost everything CAN be fixed – You just need to know what those items are that may need to be addressed, and what the costs might be. Recent changes in the Purchase Contracts says that sellers are under no obligation to fix anything (they still have to disclose), but that doesn’t mean that you can’t ask. I can help you be informed about the condition of the house.
5. We can’t predict the future – The home inspection is a visual inspection of the home on the day it is inspected.  I cannot predict exactly when the roof will need to be repaired, but I can provide you with a rough idea of the life span of certain components of the house, and a rough idea of the costs that might be involved. All homes need maintenance and repairs over time, but all I can do on the day of the inspection is make a note of the current condition.