Pre-Inspection—- IKenInspect IKenInspect Ken Hartman

HOW TO GET READY FOR THE HOME INSPECTION 

You will receive a welcome message from iKenInspect giving you detailed instructions for your home inspection - including the best referrals for other important inspections to be done.

You must have an Underground Storage Tank Search for oil tanks-this is important.

You must have a Sewer Scope Evaluation of your sewer line-this is important.

You must have a Septic Inspection done.

You must have a Private Well Equipment Inspection done-THE SELLERS ARE NOT DOING A WELL INSPECTION no matter what your contract, realtor or attorney says-the seller is  only having a water sample tested by a laboratory. 

You must have a Chimney Level 2 Inspection done. This is very important.

IF ANYONE TRIES TO TALK YOU OUT OF AN INDIVIDUAL INSPECTION-PLEASE NOTIFY ME!!!

You are buying the home. If anyone else suggests skipping any items at the home inspection-get this in writing.

Time Frame for inspection.
An average size home inspection will take between 2 to 3 hours-however multi-family homes or larger estates will be longer as there are usually more components to inspect.

PETS

Please arrange to have dogs/cats/pets removed during the inspection. Rooms with a distracting or dangerous animal not properly secured may be excluded from the inspection. We are not responsible for keeping pets contained at any time during the home inspection.

Radon test
In preparation for radon testing-the home must have closed house conditions for a minimum of         12 hours prior to the start of the inspection for proper radon testing. Normal entering and exiting of the home is permitted. Please—Close all doors and windows (entire home) at least 12 hours PRIOR to the inspection. We will need to return after the inspection within 2-6 days to retrieve the radon test canisters. If any tampering of the test is noted or conditions of non-compliance are found-the test will be invalid. As of Dec 03, 2022 New NJ Radon testing rules require me to make notification to the occupants/seller of the home with a non-interference notification. The mandatory radon testing notification form will be emailed to you along with your welcome message. Temperature settings in the home will need to be 65 degrees or warmer inside during the entire radon test.

Windows/Doors 
Provide clear, easy access for inspector to reach all doors and windows. Please have keys available if windows or doors have security locks. Items blocking the doors and windows should be removed so the inspector can properly operate the doors and windows.

Make sure all utilities are turned on
To properly inspect the home functions - the electric, plumbing, heating/cooling be sure to make prior arrangements to have all utilities turned. Some vacant homes or bank owned homes may have utilities shut off. Heating equipment, boiler, furnace and water heater all need clear access. Allow clear access to  panels for water main/water meter .

Electrical Panel must be readily accessible
Move any/all items, furniture in front of the electric panel. The inspector needs to remove panel cover to evaluate interior of the panel and wiring.

Basement walls and crawl space access
To properly inspect foundation walls and related areas the home inspector will need access to all areas. Have any stored items moved away from the walls and be sure the crawl space access is not blocked or locked. Make sure all pumps/sump pumps are clear and accessible.

Attic access and Attic space
Be sure the attic access space is clear for the home inspector. to enter. Please clean out closet or area where panel access is located and move or remove stored items to allow home inspector ability to fully inspect this space and any components in the attic.

Shut down or broken items
If there are any components or systems which are shut down please provide notification to the home inspector. Any item(s) that cannot be tested for functionality, or if a component or system is broken and/or under repair-please advise the home inspector with details.

Pilot Lights
The home inspector will not light pilot lights. This is important to have pilot lights active at all appliances and fireplaces so we can properly inspect the gas components.

Appliances

Remove storage from dishwasher, oven, clothing from the washing machine and dryer so these can be properly tested the day of the inspection.

Driveway and garage

Please remove vehicles from the garage prior to the inspection.

Please remove vehicles and any storage containers/Pods or Dumpsters from the driveway.

The garage will need to be inspected and the driveway will need to be clear for scanning for underground oil tanks.

Please inform us if there are any detached buildings, garages, sheds, barns or other structures you want inspected.

Relax and come with an open mind on the day of the inspection. Ask any questions you wish. Everything will be photographed and documented in the report that we talk about that day. 

No need to try and remember everything we will discuss. This is a lot of information in a few hours. The inspection is not just for items needing repair, replacement or upgrade. The inspection is to inform you about the whole home. 

Good facets of the home will be discussed tHroughout. IKenInspect Ken Hartman