Homeowner Instructions
How to Prepare for the Upcoming Home Inspection

⏱️ Inspection Timeframe

At CNHInspections, the inspection alone typically takes at least 4 hours. If a sewer scope is ordered, a client-requested walkthrough is scheduled at the end, or a detached structure is requested to be inspected, this will add more time. Properties with crawlspaces, multiple attic hatches, large decks, or those 50+ years old may also require additional time. While some may expect the inspection to be completed more quickly, our process is designed to be detailed and unhurried to ensure accuracy and quality. We cannot guarantee an exact completion time or conform to predetermined time limitations. If these time requirements cannot be accommodated, please notify the person who coordinated the inspection with you so it can be rescheduled or canceled. We share this in advance to help you plan accordingly and avoid inconvenience.

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📋 Requirements

To ensure a smooth inspection process, we require safe and unobstructed access to all key areas of the home. Limited access often leads to incomplete findings or the need for a return visit.

To avoid delays, missed items, or follow-up inspections, please make sure the following are addressed prior to our arrival.

➡️ Note: When a return visit is requested to inspect areas that could not be accessed or systems that could not be tested during the initial inspection, an additional fee will apply.

 

🔌 Utilities

• Ensure the water, electricity, and gas are turned on at the time of the inspection.

• All shut-off valves and/or breakers should be in the “on” position, if safe to do so.

 

🛠️ Clear Access to Key Areas

• Make attic access panels and crawlspace hatches fully accessible by removing storage, shelving, or personal belongings.

• If attic access is located in a garage, please ensure no vehicles are parked beneath it.

• Any access panels that are screwed, painted, caulked, or sealed shut must be opened prior to the inspection.

• Ensure the electrical panel, furnace, water heater, crawlspaces, and mechanical areas are unobstructed.

• If detached structures (e.g., garages or shops) are part of the inspection, please leave a key or remote.

 

🏠 Occupancy and Scheduling

We greatly appreciate and strongly encourage full vacancy during the inspection window. Seller presence often hinders the process, while a vacant home allows the inspection to move smoothly and on schedule.

Inspections require us to move through every room multiple times to take photos, operate systems, and re-check conditions. When occupants are present, it often:

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• Limits access to rooms (e.g., when someone is working, cooking, or sitting in a space)

• Prevents proper documentation (photos cannot be taken if people are present)

• Interferes with the inspection process, creating the potential for oversights

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Because we must revisit each room multiple times, seller presence can feel disruptive and interrupt the inspector’s workflow when areas are occupied or activities are taking place. A vacant home allows the inspection to be completed more efficiently, without interruptions, and reduces the chance of missed observations.

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❌ Please avoid scheduling moving activities, family gatherings, or contractor work during the inspection window.

 

❌ Tenant-Occupied Homes

• Homes occupied by tenants must be fully vacant during the inspection.

• In the past, tenant-occupied homes have resulted in access issues or inspection limitations. Please coordinate accordingly.

 

❌ Pets 

ALL pets (even those that are friendly) must be secured for the entire duration of the inspection to prevent safety concerns and ensure full access to all areas. CNHInspections is not responsible for pets on the property during the inspection.

 

👍 A Quick Note of Reassurance

We do everything we can to make each inspection go smoothly. As guests in your home, we’re committed to leaving the property as we found it. Some of the measures we take include:

• Wearing clean interior shoes

• Using drop cloths when needed and cleaning up after ourselves

• Returning thermostats and GFCIs to their original settings

• Leaving lights and locks in the same position as found upon arrival, and ensuring all water fixtures and appliances are turned off before we leave

 

Our goal is to provide a respectful, efficient, and professional inspection experience.

 

Thank you for your understanding and consideration.
If you have any questions at all, feel free to contact us at 402-460-0838 or by email at CNHInspections@gmail.com