The inspector will need to have access to the following items and areas to complete the inspection. It would help the inspector and be to your benefit if these areas are accessible:

• Electric panel
  
  
• Hot water heater
  
  
• Furnace and air conditioning
  
  
• Attic access panel / ladder
  
  
• Crawl space access panel
  
  

Then, before the inspection:

1. Remove soil or mulch that comes in contact with the siding. It would be best to have six inches clearance between the ground and the bottom of the siding.
   
   
2. Trim back bushes at least six inches from the siding. Tree limbs and branches should be trimmed to prevent them from coming in contact with your home. This is critical to maintain the life of your roof.
   
   
3. Clean dirty gutters and downspouts; check that they drain and are well secured. Downspouts should drain away from the foundation. Splash blocks or buried drains may be needed.
   
   
4. Firewood stacked against any part of the structure must be removed.
   
   
5. Water must drain away from the home. Downspouts, sump pump, as well as natural drainage, should all flow away from the foundation area.
   
   
6. Basement or crawl space should be dry. All vents need to be in working order. Install a vapor barrier if needed. All debris should be removed from this area. If insulated, check that the insulation is secure.
   
   
7. Seal, patch and top coat asphalt driveways if cracking.
   
   
8. Paint or seal all weathered wood on the exterior. Caulk around trim work, windows, doors, and light fixtures, openings for the gas main or air-conditioning piping.
   
   
9. Check your roofs condition. You will find a pair of binoculars is handy for this. Look for loose or damaged shingles; look at the flashing around the chimney, vent pipes and skylights.
   
   
10. Seal or repair any cracks in the chimneys masonry or chimney cap. Have the chimney cleaned.
    
    
11. Failing mortar joints in brick or block should be repointed. Damaged vinyl siding should be replaced, as should damaged or rotten wood.
    
    
12. All windows and doors should be in proper operating condition. Any broken window glass or failing double glazed units should be replaced. All damaged screens should be replaced.
    
    
13. Plumbing fixtures should be in proper working condition. Inspect the shower, re grouting and caulk any defective areas. Inspect the bathtub, toilet, kitchen, bathroom and laundry sinks; check for dripping faucets, working drain plugs and leaking pipes.
    
    
14. 14. Test all smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.
    
    
15. Clean or replace air filters on furnace or air-conditioning. Clean dirty air returns, blower motors, etc.
    
    
16. Repair any damage to walls, ceilings or floors.
    
    
17. Check all outlets and light fixtures inside and outside. Repair any damaged electrical items. Replace missing cover plates and blown light bulbs.