Speed up your home inspection

Here are 10 things you can do to speed up your inspection:

Make sure gas, water, and electricity are turned on and gas pilot lights are burning.
Ensure that pets won't hinder the inspection. Tell your REALTOR® about cats or other animals that should be kept inside.
Replace any burned-out light bulbs.
Test all smoke and carbon-monoxide detectors and replace batteries if needed.
Clean or replace dirty HVAC air filters.
Move any wood, stored items, or debris away from the foundation.
Unlock or remove locks from any items the inspector must access: gates in fences, electric service panels, crawl space hatches for pier-and-beam construction, attic access hatches or doors, and special closets.
Remove any items or debris blocking these areas: electric service panels, water heaters, attic access ladders or hatches (some debris may fall when hatch is opened), crawl-space access hatches for pier-and-beam construction, heating and air-conditioning equipment.
Trim back tree limbs from the roof and shrubs from the house to allow access.
Repair or replace broken, damaged or missing items; door knobs, locks, and latches, window screens, rain gutters and downspouts, window locks, broken glass, anti-siphon devices on exterior faucets, and chimney flue caps.

Following these 10 steps can make your home inspection go faster and result in a cleaner inspection report.

Source: Texas Association of Real Estate Inspectors