“Seller shall permit Buyer and Buyer’s agents access to the Property at reasonable times. Buyer may have the Property inspected by inspectors selected by Buyer and licensed by TREC or otherwise permitted by law to make inspections. Seller at Seller’s expense shall turn on existing utilities for inspections”. (Excerpt from Paragraph 7A of the TREC One to Four Family Residential Contract No. 20-7)
Having the property ready for an inspection can prevent unnecessary delays. For liability reasons, inspectors do not move personal property, turn on water at the main meter or shut-off valve, or light gas appliances. An additional fee will be charged if I have to return to the property to inspect items that were not accessible or if the utilities were off.
The buyer/seller should confirm prior to inspection appointment that:
- All utilities (electric, water, gas) are on
- All pilot lights are lit
- All locks are removed or unlocked from areas that may prohibit inspector accessibility such as attics, doors, etc.
- Attic access is clear
- Crawl space (if provided) access is clear
- Electrical panels are accessible and not locked
- Water heater is accessible
- Furnace is accessible
- Cooling system is accessible
- Built-in kitchen appliances are accessible and ready to operate
- Pets are secure
