Sensory Home Inspections
Sunderland, MA

Toll Free:
1-877-397-8100




WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:
YOU CAN'T EXPECT WHAT WE CAN'T INSPECT!

BASEMENTS: Excessive storage limits the inspector's ability to thoroughly inspect some of the most important areas and systems of the home. Please move or remove stored items that block mechanical systems, water and electrical controls and panels.

CRAWL SPACES: Shallow earthen crawl spaces can be hazardous due to broken glass, nails and debris. The inspector must decide whether the crawl space is safe to enter.

SUSPENDED CEILINGS: Remove ceiling tiles around the perimeter of a finished basement so you inspector has access to the sill areas. The inspector will need to see and probe the wood framing here. These critical areas are often inaccessible.

FIRE PLACES AND WOOD STOVES: Wood stove inserts should be removed from fireplaces and the chimney's flue liner tiles cleaned and inspected by a chimney service prior to the home inspection. Ask whether there has ever been a chimney fire and whether any flue tiles have been damaged as a result.

ELECTRIC SERVICE PANELS AND WATER METERS: Be sure these important service panels are readily accessible for the inspection.

WINDOWS: All windows will be checked for proper operation and air leaks. Please remove all knickknacks and decorations from the windows before the inspection to speed the process and protect these valued items.

ATTIC HATCH COVERS: If the attic access hatch cover is located in a closet, please remove fixed shelving and clothing from the closet so that the inspector has ready access to the attic. Loose attic insulation may fall out of the hatch cover and soil clothing still hanging in the closet. Any fixed panel covers should be removed by the seller.

KNEE WALLS: Attic rooms with sloped ceilings often have low side walls called knee walls. Pull beds, dressers and furniture away from any knee wall access doors or covers before the inspection.

UTILITIES: All utilities should be turned on for your inspection. The inspector will generally avoid turning on valves, fixtures or equipment that may have been turned off because of maintenance problems or failure.

WINTER CONDITIONS: Snow cover may prevent the inspector from viewing the roof surface, driveway and grading around the property. Ask your Realtor about the age and condition of these major elements prior to your inspection if snow is expected or the ground is snow covered.

HOW YOU CAN HELP!

SCHEDULING CONTRACTORS: Avoid scheduling a contractor appointment at the same time as your inspection. You won't be able to devote the proper attention to both. We recommend that you schedule a contractor appointment after the inspection to discuss any problems found during the inspection.

REALTOR INFORMATION: Give a copy of these pre-inspection recommendations to your realtor and ask them to read them and pass them along to the sellers prior to your inspection.